Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, the Norwegian cross-country skier and reigning champion, has decided to embark on a long journey to Lake Placid, USA, to participate in the World Cup finals following a mild concussion sustained during a sprint competition in Drammen last week. He expressed excitement about attending the event, despite recognizing the challenges posed by his recent injury and the extensive travel, which he estimates will take between 20 to 22 hours.

In a statement, Klæbo acknowledged that the journey would not provide him with an optimal recovery period, stating that he would likely struggle with acclimatization due to jet lag. Nonetheless, he is optimistic about his participation and is eager to compete in the World Cup, recalling previous enjoyable experiences there. Klæbo's determination to compete reflects his competitive spirit, even in the face of health concerns and physical challenges.

While Klæbo prepares for the competition, he has tempered his expectations regarding performance, understanding the impact of his travel and potential fatigue. He plans to assess after arriving whether he will compete in one, two, or three races in Lake Placid, as he prioritizes his health while aiming to contribute to his team’s performance in the final stages of the World Cup season.