Falun 20km Mass Start – Overall World Cup Decider

The stakes couldn’t be higher as competitors vie for the coveted overall World Cup title. With a maximum of 130 points up for grabs in the grueling 20km mass start in freestyle technique, the leaderboard could see a significant shakeup.

Leading the charge is Jessica Diggins, poised to clinch her second overall crystal globe after her triumph in the 2020/2021 season. Diggins, already a trailblazer as the only non-European woman to secure the overall title, aims to etch her name in the list of cross-country skiing history once more.

Challenging Diggins is Linn Svahn, eyeing her maiden overall crystal globe. A beacon of Swedish skiing talent, Svahn seeks to follow in the footsteps of past legends and become the first Swedish woman to claim the prestigious title.

The prospect of Svahn clinching both the sprint and overall crystal globes in a single season looms large, a feat last achieved by Marit Bjørgen in 2014/2015. At just 24 years old on race day, Svahn could also carve her name as one of the youngest women this century to hoist the overall crystal globe.

A Season of Unpredictability

Reflecting the unpredictability of this season, each of the last six editions of the women’s overall World Cup has seen a different winner, showcasing the fierce competition and depth of talent within the sport.

Distance Crystal Globe

While the overall title hangs in the balance, Jessica Diggins has already left her mark on the distance standings, securing the crystal globe once before in 2020/2021 and now in 2023/2024. 

Jessie Diggins: A Force to Reckon With

Diggins’ dominance extends to the individual freestyle distance events, where she has clinched victory in five out of eight races this season. Her stellar performances place her in elite company alongside skiing luminaries such as Therese Johaug, Marit Bjørgen, and Elena Välbe.

The Contenders

Beyond Diggins, a constellation of talented skiers vies for glory on the 20km freestyle challenge. From Frida Karlsson’s impressive track record to Ebba Andersson’s podium potential, the competition promises edge-of-your-seat excitement till the very end.

Men’s 20km Mass Start Freestyle: A Battle for Supremacy

The men’s 20km mass start freestyle event in Falun promises an equally enthralling spectacle as the world’s top athletes vie for supremacy on the snowy terrain.

Overall World Cup

For Harald Østberg Amundsen, victory in Falun could mark a career-defining moment as he sets his sights on his maiden overall World Cup title. However, standing in his path is Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, a formidable force in cross-country skiing aiming for his fifth overall crown.

Norwegian Domination

With Norway’s rich skiing heritage and a record 17 men’s overall World Cup titles, Norwegian athletes are poised to make their mark once again. Harald Østberg Amundsen’s triumph in the distance standings further underscores Norway’s dominance on the global stage.

The Contenders

As the race unfolds, a host of contenders emerges, from Gus Schumacher’s recent victory to Andrew Musgrave’s quest for British skiing history. With each athlete pushing the limits of endurance and skill, the men’s 20km mass start in freestyle technique promises to be a showcase of cross-country skiing at its finest.

As the countdown to the race begins, fans worldwide eagerly await the crowning of champions and the culmination of an unforgettable season in Falun.

See the complete program for the World Cup in Falun, Sweden, at the end of the article.

Sunday, March 17: 20km Mass Start Freestyle (More details can be found here)

• 11:00 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Women
• 14:15 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Men

Start Lists can be found HERE FOR WOMEN and HERE FOR MEN

FACTS Falun World Cup Season 2023/2024

• When: Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Falun, Sweden
• What: FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Falun, Sweden

PROGRAM

Friday, March 15: Sprint Classic (More details can be found here)

• 12:15 CET: Sprint Qualification C, Women
• 12:50 CET: Sprint Qualification C, Men
• 14:45 CET: Sprint Final C, Women
• 15:15 CET: Sprint Final C, Men

Saturday, March 16: 10km Interval Start Classic (More details can be found here)

• 11:00 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Women
• 14:00 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Men

Sunday, March 17: 20km Mass Start Freestyle (More details can be found here)

• 11:00 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Women
• 14:15 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Men

Read More: World Cup calendar for the 2023/2024 Winter Season