The 29-year-old, who is charging for his second Olympic game after being stopped from the games in Pyeongchang 2018, chose to stand over the Tour de Ski to focus entirely on the Olympics.

With three podium places in the World Cup individually this season, he will now measure the forces with the best long-distance skiers in the world.

On Saturday, he is on the starting line in the 62 kilometer long race "Pustertaler Ski Marathon" in Italy, writes langrenn.com.

There he also brings with him compatriot Petr Sedov.

ARCHIVE: Johnsrud Sundby: "I have an insane desire to win the Vasaloppet" (June 18, 2021)

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Martin Johnsrud Sundby is investing heavily in Ski Classics.

Photo: SVT / Bildbyrån