It was difficult conditions in Oberstdorf, home of the WC two seasons ago, where the riders only had to ride a single track. Add to that a bunch of positive degrees.
Leo Johansson threw in the towel before the start due to cold symptoms. The big exclamation point today was Sågmyra SK’s Calle Halfvarsson, 13th in the pre-competition round-up, which he opened strongly. Already in the first split he was in the lead, four seconds ahead of the giant Kläbo from Norway.
Historic victory: Kläbo the best ever
Halfvarsson held the lead until over 3.6 kilometres, and after half the race he finished second, two seconds behind Kläbo. But then Halfvarsson fell silent. At the finish, the Swede was 24 seconds behind Kläbo, but just two seconds off the podium. Kläbo won 12 seconds ahead of compatriot Simen Hegstad Kruger.
With the win, Kläbo is historic, his 14th Tour de Ski stage win, one more than compatriot Petter Northug.
