The cross-country skiing 2025 season is in full swing, and fans of this sport follow competitions with bated breath. Many thrilling contests await us shortly, but some athletes have already demonstrated exceptional performance and are rightfully considered industry leaders. Top contenders from Norway, Sweden, and other countries continue battling for the champion’s title, and the level of competition is increasing. Let’s discover the top-rated athletes who are changing the cross-skiing industry landscape right now and are projected to show even more success soon.
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo
The Norwegian athlete once again proved his talents and reputation during the 2024/25 season. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo demonstrated a perfect blend of endurance, speed, and technical skills and continues to be one of the leaders in the men’s division. His unique ability to adapt to different conditions brought him wins in the 2024 Tour de Ski in November and multiple podium finishes in the World Cup.
All these successes attract sports lovers and betting enthusiasts: punters opting for niche disciplines on non-GamStop gambling sites can find lucrative odds on Klæbo’s victories. The athlete has recently won the 20km Skiathlon Classic/Free in Val di Fiemme and is not going to stop on this achievement, so we will probably see a more impressive performance during the following races.
Edvin Anger
Edvin is a promising Swedish rising star, and many cross-country skiing lovers root for him. The athlete had several consistent victories this year, including the second-place finish in the 15 km Freestyle Pursuit in Val di Fiemme and the winning in the Sprint Classic in Les Rousses in January 2025. Anger is able to adapt to any conditions, and his resilience is among the main reasons for such a successful performance.
The young Swedish athlete is at the beginning of his career but is already honored to compete with leaders like Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, so he definitely has a bright future. Edvin’s focus on technical skills and persistence makes him competitive, and we are confident that many would fear contending with him during the upcoming World Championship.
Jessica Diggings
One of the benefits of cross-country skiing is that it’s not male-dominated, and women also have the chance to show themselves in the global arena. Jessica Diggings confirms that ladies can also cope with high-pressure competition. She has recently shown strong performance in the 20 km Skiathlon in Val di Fiemme and the 10 km Freestyle in Cogne.
The American skier is the country’s leader in the discipline: Diggins is a three-time Olympic medalist and six-time winner of the World Championship. She is projected to continue breaking records already this month during the World Cup in Sweden and the Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim. The strategic approach to races is Jessica’s priority and the main secret of her past and future success.
Astrid Øyre Slind
Again, an athlete from Norway! This country educates a lot of professional cross-country skiers, and Astrid Øyre Slind confirms this statement. She shows impressive performance in long-distance freestyle competitions, requiring endurance and well-developed tactics.
Slind won multiple stages in the 2024 Tour de Ski and won her first World Cup victory in the 20 km Interval Start Classic in Davos. Industry experts mention that the ability to maintain consistent speed over long distances is among the key reasons for her success, which will help her gain more achievements in the upcoming tournaments.
Hugo Lapalus
The famous French cross-country skier is in the lead in the 2024/25 season after gaining several winning places in the latest contests. Hugo Lapalus was the third to finish the Tour de Ski and won the title of the best climber after the competition. In addition, the athlete got his first podium finish during the World Cup in the 20 km Individual Classic in Davos.
Lapalus hasn’t become a champion yet, but his impressive performance is a strong basis for future success. The athlete is a favorite in upcoming competitions, and those passionate about cross-country skiing are confident that the following contests will become more successful for the French professional.
Therese Johaug
The renowned Norwegian cross-country skier retired in 2022, and sports fans positively accepted her comeback for the 2024/25 season. Therese Johaug is a legend, famous for her endurance and exceptional ability to overcome long distances with persistent speed.
She’s also an expert at overcoming uphill segments, and viewers watch her performance with bated breath. The athlete recently won the 10 km Mass Start Free in Val di Fiemme and Tour de Ski 2024/2025, reaching a record number of personal victories during this event.
Final Insight
Cross-country skiing is a niche discipline, but the 2024/25 season still attracts millions. The recent achievements of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Astrid Øyre Slind, Therese Johaug, Edvin Anger, Hugo Lapalus, and Jessica Diggings bring these athletes to the top of sports Olympus. Being top-rated professionals in cross-country skiing, they have a promising future and are about to show impressive performance during upcoming races.
Press Release
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