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Diggins Wins Toblach as New Heat-Mass Format Upends Tour de Ski Standings

The split-heat, combined-time test in Toblach drew criticism for unpredictable outcomes, forcing teams to rethink plans for the climb-heavy stages.

Overview

  • Coletta Rydzek finished 61st in the 5 km stage and fell from third overall to seventh in the Tour de Ski.
  • The experimental ‘Heat Mass Starts’ divided roughly 80 starters into four heats with all times merged into one ranking.
  • Jessie Diggins took the Toblach victory ahead of Emma Ribom and Moa Ilar and now leads the overall standings.
  • Rydzek said she pushed early to collect sprint points before her legs “exploded” on the climb, describing the effort in a ZDF interview.
  • The debut format drew criticism for producing unpredictable placements and complicating race strategy for the remaining stages.