Tour de Ski, Italians immediately protagonists in Toblach

Eight Italian nationals advance to the main draw of the free technique sprint in Toblach (Bolzano), opening the program of the 20th edition of the Tour de Ski. Among the men, Davide Graz, Federico Pellegrino, Michael Hellweger and Giacomo Gabrielli advance to the round, while among the women Federica Cassol, Iris De Martin Pinter, Caterina Ganz and Nicole Monsorno land.

In the men’s qualifying round, the fastest was Johannes Klæbo, who covered the 1,400 meters of the Puster course in 2’27″15, ahead of American Gus Schumacher (+1″76) and compatriot Oskar Vike (+1″92). Best Italian Davide Graz, ninth at +3″33; Federico Pellegrino placed 19th at +4″37, followed by Michael Hellweger (+4″52), while Giacomo Gabrielli was 25th at +4″84. Simone Mocellini, Elia Barp, Martino Carollo, Simone Daprà, Francesco De Fabiani and Paolo Ventura did not advance to the round.

Among the women, the four blue qualifiers were positioned as follows: Federica Cassol 14th at +5″33, Iris De Martin Pinter 18th at +6″36, Caterina Ganz 22nd at +7″06 and Nicole Monsorno 24th at +7″18. Fastest in the preliminary round was Sweden’s Johanna Hagström in 2’47″58, ahead of Germany’s Coletta Rydzek (+2″00) and Finland’s Jasmi Joensuu (+2″25). On the other hand, Nadine Laurent (32nd), Virginia Cena (56th), Martina Di Centa (59th), Anna Comarella (79th) and Francesca Franchi (81st) did not reach the main draw.