Dario Cologna was showing strength when Tour de Ski came to an end in the downhill piste of Val di Fiemme.
Through seven well performed stages Cologna had gained a gap of one minute and 18 seconds before the last stage. The eight and last stage was yet to become more interesting than expected. The wolves hunting for Cologna was lead by Petter Northug.
Monstrous hill
9 km, 495 total climb, of which 425 comes at the last 3,7 km. 28 percent gradient at the most. The last stage of Tour de Ski is a great challenge for all. The secret lies in finding the rhythm, your own speed, at the limit of what your body can cope with. And then just keep the swing of things.
Mental victory
That was exactly what Cologna managed to do. Steady speed from the beginning, and no collapse when the climb started. He was not disturbed by the amazing opening of Northug, although he admitted he got a bit worried when he heard the back ups the first kilometres. Not without reason.
The gambler
After the great victory at the 20 km the day before, of which he won all the bonus sprints and could slide over the finish line as stage winner, Northug was on a wave.
Before the last stage he said Cologna would be unbeatable, but Northug still made a great attempt to catch him up. At 6 kilometers, only 35 seconds divided them, but Cologna managed to increase the gap in the start of the climb. At the finish, the interval was 27 seconds, which means Northug had decreased the gap with almost one minute on his way to his third second place in the Tour.
An outstanding climber
Just as impressive was the performance of Lukas Bauer to the top of Alpe Cermis. From 10th position, he climbed the hill like noone else, and those trying to follow were severely punished. While Cologna could celebrate his second victory in the Tour, Bauer – having som problems in the beginning of the Tour – was more than happy to once again join Cologna and Northug at the podium.
Recovery
In the interviews after the race, all three highlighted the importance of recovery after such a demanding competition. The plan ahead consits of relaxing, relaxing, relaxing, followed by a couple of World Cup races, before they start their final preparations for the main goal of the season: World Champs in Oslo.