Image: GEPA pictures/ Harald Steiner (GEPA pictures)
After actively organizing the race, the 24-year-old was only 1.5 seconds behind the third-placed Norwegian Harald Östberg Amundsen in the sprint of a twelve-strong leading group. The victory went no less sensationally to his compatriot Jan Thomas Jenssen ahead of the Czech Michal Novak.
Vermeulen and Co. left behind the top stars like Simen Hegstad Krüger (5th) and Paal Goldberg (6th). Vermeulen’s previous best performances had been 20th place, which he also achieved on Saturday over 10 km classic.
“It’s a surprise and it’s so cool,” said Vermeulen jubilantly. He trained harder in the summer than ever before, which also had an impact in preparatory races with top positions. “I saw it coming. It’s good if you can show it to the others.” The new ÖSV head coach Falk Göpfert and the Estonian Are Mets as a wax technician in the fluorine-free era that has just begun are also partly responsible for the Steirers’ success.
Stadlober only in 23rd place
In the women’s 20 km race, Teresa Stadlober only came in 23rd. The Olympic bronze medalist, who was slowed down by a cold beforehand, was unable to get a top place in the icy cold like in the classic race (15th) the day before. Also unsurprisingly, the Swedish success story continued. However, neither Ebba Andersson nor Frida Karlsson won, but rather Moa Ilar for the first time.
The 26-year-old won the sprint in a large leading group ahead of the US duo Jessie Diggins and Rosie Brennan as well as Lotta Udnes Weng (NOR). Only then do the favorites Andersson and Karlsson follow. Next weekend the Swedes have a home game in Gällivare. Stadlober and Vermeulen are competing there over 10 km of skating.
more from Nordic skiing
Ski jumping: Kraft won the start of the World Cup in Ruka
How the Nordic Combined should become more modern this year thanks to new rules
A moment of shock in the Arctic Circle
Nordic combined: Lamparter in Ruka second
: Nachrichten
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
