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The Scandinavians are boycotting the Cross-Country World Cup in Davos, and the Swiss don’t care. In the sprint, young athletes in particular make impressive use of opportunity.
Especially Valerio Grond (20) and Janik Riebli (22). The two run in the prologue at ranks four and three, even with the flashy stars that would easily have been enough for the first World Cup points. Obwalden Riebli is stopped in the quarterfinals by a broken stick. Grond, however, makes it to the final! And that in his first World Cup race.
Two World Junior Championship medals
The Davoser finishes sixth at the end, so you can also book the World Championship in Oberstdorf in February. “I wouldn’t have thought that, but we’ll see later,” says Grond. «I entered this race without any expectations. The result is even more beautiful, I am proud and it is great to race among the best in the world. “
It is a sensation that you will get used to. Grond is one of the most promising talents in Swiss cross-country skiing. At the U23 World Cup in Oberwiesenthal in February, he took silver in the sprint. Two years earlier he was a junior bronze at Goms.
Very cheeky and totally professional for the first time.
Grond can do something, and he knows it too. He is not impressed by the stars of the scene on Saturday. “I just wanted to do my thing as usual and be as cheeky as possible.” That was successful.
After graduating from sports high school in Davos in the summer, he is now a well-rounded professional and wants to join the best athletes next year. If he continues on this path, there will be even more reason to celebrate for him and for the Swiss cross country fans.
Other young people also seize the opportunity
“Celebrate a little”, Grond wanted to do now in Davos. Like Riebli, who was cheered loudly from afar by his fan club. “In the evening there will surely be a beer, I want to toast this achievement”, says the farmer. “Now I have confidence in the future.”
Grond and Riebli are not the only Swiss to take advantage of the absence of Norwegians, Swedes and Finns. Eight men and four women face the World Cup points.
For example, Cyril Fähndrich (21). He also has the World Youth Championship bronze at home and scores in his first World Cup race in 30th place. And also Dario Cologna (34). Like 22, he shows a slice of gallows humor: “After all, that’s my best result of the season.”
Failure costs Faehndrich the podium or victory
With women it only takes a little while for the great jubilation. Nadine Fähndrich bursts into the final with a sovereignty she has never seen before. Only at the last corner does he make the crucial mistake. Instead of a podium or a victory, there is a fourth place in the final photo. “I have forgiven him,” she says annoyed.
However: his big problem, nervousness and heaviness at the top, seems to be getting better and better under control. The 25-year-old will be more likely this season.
