ÖSV ace Vermeulen causes a sensation

Mika Vermeulen has a piece on Sunday Austrian cross-country skiing history written. The Styrian was the first ÖSV cross-country skier to complete the legendary Ski Tour on the podium.

In this multi-day stage race, Vermeulen only had to admit defeat to the Norwegian superstar Johannes Kläbo. “A childhood dream has come true“, says the 25-year-old. “Indescribable.”

The 25-year-old Austrian entered the last stage, the infamous climb, in third place overall Alpe Cermis in Fiemme Valley, which leads over the steep ski slope.

As with the last stages, Vermeulen took his heart into his hands and took the initiative early. With the Norwegian Simen Hegstad Krüger, the ambitious Styrian broke away from the field.

It was only in the last few meters that Vermeulen had to let the Norwegian Olympic champion go and crossed the finish line in second place. This is the Austrian’s best World Cup placement.

Teresa Stadlober had already made people sit up and take notice with her second place in the skiathlon on Saturday.