For the first time, a cross-country skiing World Cup was held in the Swiss Engadin. The season finale in Oslo was cancelled due to the corona virus and was relocated to Switzerland. The last World Cup weekend started in fantastic conditions with bright sunshine and optimal snow conditions. The men had to fight for the placings in the 15 km mass start in classic style – the women had to compete in the 10 km mass start.
The outstanding cross-country skier Alexander Bolshunov from Russia, who already won the overall World Cup in advance, showed his strength again and outclassed his competitors. Especially the duel between Bolshunov and the Norwegian Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo was the focus of attention. The Norwegian was able to secure second place with a gap of 18.4 seconds, ahead of his teammate Paal Golberg. Best German was Sebastian Eisenlauer on rank 29.
With his victory in the mass start Bolshunov also secured a good starting position for the last race – the 50 kilometer pursuit.
In the women’s race Yulia Stupak, also a Russian, stood on the top of the podium. Without the strong Norwegian Therese Johaug, who showed outstanding performances at the Nordic World Championships in Oberstdorf, the 10 km mass start in classic style for women took place. She was absent due to an infection of the wrist. With the absence of the favorite, the outcome of the race was open for a long time. Only from the halfway point a small group with Yulia Stupak, Heidi Weng from Norway and Ebba Andersson from Sweden could break away from the competition. Stupak was able to gain a small lead over her competitors and crossed the finish line 7.1 seconds ahead of the others. The German women showed a strong team result, especially Laura Gimmler convinced and could secure the fourth place. With Katharina Hennig in sixth place and Victoria Carl (10th) two more Germans made it into the top10. Pia Fink also showed her good performance with her 16th place.
