Cross-country skiing: Moch third on Alpe Cermis

Friedrich Moch still managed a podium finish at the finale of the Tour de Ski. On the legendary climb to Alpe Cermis, with a gradient of 28 percent, he took third place behind the Norwegian Simen Hegstad Krüger and Mika Vermeulen from Austria. It was the first podium finish for the German Ski Association (DSV) in the 19th edition of the tough multi-stage race.

This means that last year’s second place in the overall standings moved up from 13th place to sixth place. The Norwegian Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo secured the overall victory for the fourth time, but he had no chance on the mountain and came 18th.

“In the steep section I no longer believed in a podium finish because, unlike last year, I didn’t feel good there. “But I was able to mobilize a few more grains in the flat section at the top,” said Moch, who gives sixth place in the overall ranking a high priority. “Starting the tour was very hard. But it showed that you should never give up.”

Praise from the team boss

“The Fri lived up to his nickname Friedrich the Great,” said national cross-country skiing coach Peter Schlickenrieder. Moch made full use of his strengths. “It was a tactical and physical masterpiece,” praised Schlickenrieder.