Norwegian Ski Star Therese Johaug Falls Short Despite Strong Showing in Ruka
American Jessie Diggins pulled off a thrilling victory in the women’s 20km cross-country ski race in Ruka, Finland on Sunday, overtaking Therese Johaug and Heidi Weng in a dramatic finish.
"I felt very good today," Johaug said after the race. "I will take a good race and a good feeling with me."
Despite her positive outlook, Johaug admitted the intensity of the competition.
"You just had to try to give everything all the way," she explained. "We got a gap, but it didn’t last at all. It ended there."
The race saw a decisive break by Johaug midway through, on one of the course’s toughest climbs. This, however, didn’t lead to a significant advantage.
«Here there will be some distances. Now the train is going fast here. There are small adjustment gaps all the time», commented Viaplay expert Jørn Sundby during the broadcast.
In the closing stages, Johaug and Weng found themselves battling it out for the lead, with Diggins and Jonna Sundling close behind.
As the race came down to the wire, Diggins’ strategic passing on both Johaug and Weng secured her the win.
Johaug’s performance came after a disappointing showing last weekend in Beitostølen, where she felt her technique fell short.
"I think I solved it a bit badly coming into Beitostølen last weekend," she admitted before Sunday’s race. "I must try to grind my teeth and walk quickly."
She also acknowledged the fierce competition.
"There are many strong skiers on the starting line," she noted. "It will be fun to start together again."
Frida Karlsson, who dominated Friday’s 10-kilometer race in Ruka, was absent from Sunday’s competition due to a lingering stress injury. This absence opened the door for other competitors, including Diggins.
The World Cup Nordic skiing season continues next week in Lillehammer, Norway, with races in freestyle, sprint, and skiathlon formats.
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2024-12-01 11:16:00
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## Johaug Shows resilience in Ruka Despite Falling Short Against Diggins’ Thrilling Finish
American cross-country skier Jessie Diggins delivered a stunning performance on Sunday, securing victory in the women’s 20km race in Ruka, Finland. Norway’s Therese Johaug, despite a strong showing and a mid-race burst, ultimately finished fourth. We spoke wiht renowned cross-country skiing analyst, **Jørn Sundby**, and **Dr. Astrid Larsen**, a sports physiologist specializing in winter sports performance, to dissect Johaug’s performance and the implications for the upcoming World Cup season.
**The battle for the Finish Line**
**World-Today-News:** Jørn,Johaug’s attempt to break away midway thru the race seemed promising,but ultimately the lead didn’t last. What factors contributed to this?
**Jørn Sundby:** “Therese’s move on the climb was impressive, but it highlighted the incredibly high level of competition this season. The pace was relentless, and the other athletes were swift to respond. Diggins’ tactical brilliance, with those perfectly timed passes in the final stretch, was decisive.”
**The Impact of Technique**
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Larsen, Johaug mentioned struggling with her technique in Beitostølen last weekend. How crucial is technique in thes long-distance races?
**Dr. Astrid Larsen:** “Technique is paramount in cross-country skiing, especially over these distances. It directly impacts a skier’s efficiency, energy expenditure, and ability to maintain speed. Even minor technical flaws can be magnified over 20 kilometers.”
**A Resurgence for Johaug?**
**World-Today-News:** Therese expressed optimism after the race,focusing on the positives. Jørn, do you see this as a sign of things to come for Johaug?
**Jørn Sundby:** “Absolutely. Therese is a resilient athlete and a proven champion. She’s already showing advancement from Beitostølen, and with adjustments to her technique and continued hard work, she’ll undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with this season.”
**Looking Ahead to Lillehammer**
**World-Today-News:** The World Cup moves to Lillehammer next week with a diverse range of races. What can we expect to see there?
**dr. Astrid Larsen:** “Lillehammer will be a true test of versatility for the skiers. The freestyle races will favor those with strong power and explosive techniques, whereas the skiathlon will demand both stamina and strategic pacing. I anticipate exciting battles across all events.”
**Key Takeaways:**
Therese Johaug’s performance in Ruka, while not resulting in victory, showcased her resilience and determination.The race highlighted the fierce competition in women’s cross-country skiing and set the stage for a thrilling World Cup season.
**What do you think of Johaug’s performance? share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for further world Cup coverage from World-Today-News!**
**Related Articles:**
* Frida Karlsson Set to Miss Ruka After Injury Setback
* Jessie Diggins Leads American Charge in World Cup Opener
* Analyzing the new Skiathlon Format: Implications for the World Cup
