For the first time in her career, Frida Karlsson climbed Alpe Cermis, but the victory in the Tour de Ski was to come at a cost.
After the final monster hill, Karlsson had to get medical help. She remained in the target area for a long time before being carried out of the target area with an oxygen supply.
Karlsson was also absent from the prize ceremony and the podium after the Tour de Ski finish.
– It’s going well! I spoke to her six or seven minutes ago. She sits with her trainer and our physio. She drinks a blueberry drink. We hope she can get on the podium immediately, says Sweden’s media manager Astri Lindbäck to TV 2.
A little over an hour after the finish line, a picture was taken of a walking Frida Karlsson:
ON THE LEGS: Things seem to be going well with Frida Karlsson after the collapse. Photo: Terje Pedersen
TV 2’s cross-country expert Petter Northug says this about the situation:
– Frida looked drained of energy and it actually became a fight to defend the tour management. I think Frida had a really good time. You are seconded and there are negative messages, you are passed by more and more people, says Northug.
– I know how painful it is and feel for Frida who is a worthy winner of the Tour de Ski.
Up the hill, Karlsson was number 15, but the lead was maintained for overall victory.
Udnes Weng on the podium
With a lead of one minute and twelve seconds down to Tiril Udnes Weng in second place, there was no one who could punish the Swede in the title fight. Karlsson is the first Swedish winner of the Tour de Ski since Charlotte Kalla in 2008.
The biggest excitement for Norwegian eyes was whether Udnes Weng managed a podium place in the Tour de Ski. Second place went up in smoke, but it was a strong third place. Kerttu Niskanen snuck in between Karlsson and Udnes Weng.
NUMBER THREE OVERALL: Tiril Udnes Weng was third in the Tour de Ski. Photo: Terje Pedersen
On the stage itself, the battle for victory was between French Delphine Claudell and Heidi Weng, but the French woman was too strong.
– It actually feels very good. I quickly felt that the ground was a little heavier than it normally has been. It was good with her back until she was French, but when she started to gain weight I couldn’t keep up. I would have liked to have another gear, says a proud Weng to Viaplay.
