Young Swedish Skiers Show Mixed Results in Tour de Ski 2025-2026's Latest Stages

In the recent stages of the Tour de Ski 2025-2026, young Swedish cross-country skiers experienced a range of outcomes, highlighting both promising podium finishes and disappointing performances. On New Year's Eve, Emma Ribom and Moa Ilar achieved notable success by securing second and third places respectively in the five-kilometer mass start race. This marked Ribom's first World Cup podium finish in a distance event, an emotional milestone celebrated by her teammates and coaches. Meanwhile, Moa Ilar, who is currently third overall in the Tour just one minute behind leader Jessie Diggins of the USA, required assistance after collapsing in pain post-race. Maja Dahlqvist, winner of the second heat in the race, criticized the heat format, suggesting it unfairly impacts results due to the variable pace of each heat.

Conversely, Edvin Anger faced difficulties in the same day's five-kilometer race, finishing 78th out of 102 competitors and last among Swedish participants. Anger struggled with the high pace and fell from fourth to tenth place in the overall Tour standings. Jonas Eriksson improved with a 28th-place finish and was the best Swedish male skier for the stage. American Gus Schumacher claimed victory in the new-format race, narrowly outpacing runner-up Benjamin Moser.

The Tour de Ski continues with pursuit starts in Toblach on January 1, followed by final stages in Val di Fiemme. Current standings see rising Swedish stars like Ilar maintaining competitiveness, while Anger seeks to rebound from his recent setback.