And—just like that—the script is flipped. Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo (NOR)—every bookmaker’s favorite to take the Overall and Sprint world Cup Crystal Globes in 2024—today announced that he WILL NOT participate in the 2024 Tour de Ski. This changes everything . . .
Klaebo took to his Instagram page to make the announcement:
Often the highlight of the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup season, the Tour de Ski celebrates its 18th edition in 2024. Seven races staged over nine days—concluding with a grueling mass start climb of Val di Fiemme’s Alp Cermis—will test the world’s best cross country skiers in imaginative and relentless ways that epitomize multi-day racing. It’s a test that can make or break any skier’s year-long campaign.
In seasons when Olympic or World Championship medals are on the line, any number of the world’s best skiers may choose to opt out of the Tour de Ski. It’s even been suggested that FIS consider not staging the Tour de Ski during those packed and consequential seasons (when only those vying for season-long World Cup titles will really benefit from points gathered at the TDS). It’s well known that the day-after-day stresses of TDS racing can undo athletes physically and mentally. But the World Cup Tour needs action, and competition, and broadcast opportunities, . . . and viewers. So, the Tour de Ski really is staged for us.
As is the case through the entirety of the FIS World Cup season, the Tour de Ski will be available for LIVE streaming on Ski and Snowboard Live. And FasterSkier will offer every-day coverage of the Tour de Ski, providing the accurate and insightful reporting that our readers have come to expect.
Tour de Ski, 2024
Men’s and Women’s fields will race identical distances and disciplines on each day of competition.
December 30—Freestyle Sprint (Toblach, ITA)
December 31—10 k Classic Interval Start (Toblach, ITA)
January 1—25 k Freestyle Pursuit (Toblach, ITA)
January 2—Rest Day
January 3—Freestyle Sprint (Davos, SUI)
January 4—20 k Classic Pursuit (Davos, SUI)
January 5—Rest Day
January 6—15 k Classic Mass Start (Val di Fiemme, ITA))
January 7—10 k Freestyle Mass Start (Val di Fiemme/Alpe Cermis, ITA))
Even though the World Cup points that Klaebo will miss collecting at the Tour de Ski will likely prevent him from claiming the Overall World Cup this season, he seemed fairly stoic about his situation. Again, his comments were posted to his personal Instagram page:
John Teaford
John Teaford—the Managing Editor of FasterSkier — has been the coach of Olympians, World Champions, and World Record Holders in six sports: Nordic skiing, speedskating, road cycling, track cycling, mountain biking, triathlon. In his long career as a writer/filmmaker, he spent many seasons as Director of Warren Miller’s annual feature film, and Producer of adventure documentary films for Discovery, ESPN, Disney, National Geographic, and NBC Sports.
