Klæbo rival retires – challenges Olympic star to one final duel

by ProXCskiing.com • 05.04.2026
Pellegrino
After nearly 20 years in the World Cup, it’s over. But first, Federico Pellegrino will come to Mosjøen for one final showdown with Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.

After nearly 20 years in the World Cup, it’s over. But first, Federico Pellegrino will come to Mosjøen for one final showdown with Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.

On Saturday, April 25, Pellegrino and Klæbo will meet in Mosjøen in what will be the Italian’s final duel.

“Federico Pellegrino is coming to Mosjøen and the city sprint on April 25. That means he will end his long career at the country’s longest-running show race in the center of Mosjøen,” says Per Vikan from Helgelandsposten to Langrenn.com.

Pellegrino ended his World Cup career with victory in the sprint in Lake Placid, the final World Cup round of the season. Klæbo did not compete there, so the Italian was eager to accept the invitation to Bysprinten for a final head-to-head battle.

Also Read: Pellegrino powers to sprint win in Lake Placid

The last time Pellegrino beat Klæbo was in the World Cup sprint in Davos in 2022.

Oldest medalist ever

At this winter’s Olympics, Pellegrino won bronze in the relay on home snow in Val di Fiemme.

Last year, he took silver in the World Championships sprint in Trondheim. At 34, he became the oldest medalist ever at a major championship. With his Olympic bronze medal, he broke his own record at 35.

A magnet for stars

It is far from the first time the popular show race has attracted world-class skiers to Helgeland at the end of the season.

Last year, there was drama when junior sensation Alvar Myhlback came within fractions of beating Klæbo in the final.

The Bysprinten in Mosjøen is Norway’s longest-running show race. With a few exceptions during the pandemic, it has been held annually since 2007. And since Klæbo made his debut in 2017, he has been unbeaten.

This year, the prestigious show race will take place on Saturday, April 25.

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

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