Five-time Olympic champion and Norwegian skier Johannes Klebo shared his thoughts on the mass start format for the 5 km free technique during the third stage of the Tour de Ski 2025/2026. The race was held in four heats, with American skier Gus Schumacher emerging victorious, finishing the distance in 9 minutes and 35.4 seconds. Klebo finished in 12th place overall.

“This format requires teamwork. Some might now regret not working together on the descents, believing it was enough just to finish first in their own heat. That’s not the case. You need to be strategic and proceed as you think best. To win a race like this, you must be fast and committed. Our group did not manage that today,” Klebo stated, according to NRK.