New Klæbo slump – destroying himself about the anchor
– Its bad. There's not much more to say, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo told NRK after finishing 17th at the start of Saturday's 20-kilometer combined classic.
In beautiful winter conditions at the German Oberhof with fresh snow and cold winter weather, Klæbo had to fight back after being knocked out in Friday's semifinals in the classic sprint.
But when Finnish racer Iivo Niskanen really accelerated two kilometers before the finish line, Trønder couldn't keep up.
Now Klæbo himself has stepped down as anchor before Sunday's relay.
– I need competition to get back in shape. I don't think I'll be doing any final stages tomorrow. “I think we should send someone else there,” said Klæbo.
– I had to do something less decisive, because my performance was not very good, continued the 27 year old player.
In the long run, his compatriot Erik Valnes was superior, but Valnes was uninterested in Sunday's final stages.
– My favorite is classic, so it's better for me the first stage. We will see later. “I'm not completely discouraged from skating, but I hope Johannes is a little more relaxed after two races,” Valnes told NRK.
Valnes, who received a yellow card during the figure skating event, still followed up Friday's sprint win with his second win in two days.
Behind Valnes followed three Norwegians. Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget was second, Pål Golberg third, while Mattis Stenshagen was fourth.
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