It was a Norwegian-Finnish duel for victory when the women raced 20 kilometers in Davos on Sunday afternoon.
Both Therese Johaug and Astrid Øyre Slind were in fantastic form. Additionally, Kerttu Niskanen also showed her strength.
Øyre Slind delivered one of her best races ever and looked increasingly fit as she charged through the tracks.
Amazed by the TV images
the 36-year-old finished with a solid led, but Johaug was still out on the course chasing her teammate’s time.
– Absolutely unbelievable race by Øyre Slind.She just keeps getting better with the years, says Viaplay expert Niklas Dyrhaug..
Both Dyrhaug and commentator Jørn Sundby were greatly impressed by what they saw from the veteran.
They were almost in awe when they saw images of the veteran out on the course with about three kilometers left in the race.
– It looks like she just started. There is an aura of energy, remarks Sundby.
OUT OF GAS: Therese Johaug had to see herself defeated in Davos.
Photo: Maxim Thore (Bildbyrån)
– Tremendously impressive by Øyre Slind. Can Johaug match this? asks Dyrhaug.
Dyrhaug: – Touching
Johaug had the best times at several checkpoints throughout the race, but towards the end it seemed she was running out of energy. At the 19.5-kilometer mark, Johaug was a full 7.9 seconds behind Øyre Slind’s time. She was also behind Kerttu Niskanen.
This made it an almost unfeasible task to outpace Øyre Slind, who could finally let her joy out.
– I can’t quite believe this. It’s huge. I’ve waited many years for this. It means a lot, she saeid to Viaplay.
This was the 36-year-old’s very first World Cup victory in her career.
– A surprise. We were primarily talking about Johaug and Niskanen, says commentator Sundby.
– It’s touching, she has been in the game for so many years and has worked incredibly hard and dedicated, Dyrhaug adds.
Reacted: – Never seen before
Johaug ultimately finished third, 13.5 seconds behind the winner, while Finnish Niskanen took second place.
– In this course, at this altitude, it’s very surprising. That Slind beats Johaug is simply a shock, says NRK’s Fredrik Aukland.
He noted that the girl from Dalsbygda looked unusually tired towards the end of the race.
– Johaug looked completely worn out. I’ve never seen Johaug like this, so weary, says Aukland.