– You just have to look at it, said Byström before the third stage.

Klæbo started the season’s tour by winning the sprint freestyle ahead of Italian Federico Pellegrino, before the Norwegian also sealed victory in the 10-kilometre pursuit.

At that stage, the difference in victory was only 10 seconds from compatriots Pål Golberg and Pellegrino.

– Johannes has basically secured it, I think, but close back there, Byström told the TT news agency after the start of the manhunt.

– Do you think he has already decided on this?

– Yes, but just look at him, he is the best skier in the world and then he has another guy behind him who is the leader of the World Cup (Golberg) who is also versatile in everything – they will be hard to beat, they are the favourites, answered the team manager national.

Ahead of Tuesday’s classic 10km individual start, William Poromaa and Calle Halfvarsson have agreed with their national team managers.

– That’s right. “The tour is long and anything can happen, but if he stays on his feet and continues what he’s been doing so far then it’s definitely tough to beat him,” Poromaa said.

– Klæbo will find it difficult to compete now. He was strong even over the last hill and he has another sprint. I think it’s hard to see it going bad, said Halfvarsson.

However, the Norwegians themselves disagreed with the Swedes.

– It’s far from settled. We just have to keep taking it one day at a time. That’s a boring answer, says Klæbo.