Gus Schumacher claims fairytale Cross-Country Skiing World Cup gold medal after 10km freestyle triumph

USA’s Gus Schumacher claimed a fairytale 10km freestyle win as the Cross-Country Skiing World Cup returned to Minnesota.

As the sport’s top-level circuit made its first visit to Theodore Wirth Park in 25 years, a baying crowd were rewarded with an American victory.

Schumacher, crowned world junior champion in the 10km classic in 2020, chose a perfect time to claim a breakout gold in the 10km freestyle.

It was the 23-year-old’s first World Cup medal of any colour. He has only once finished in the top five, coming fourth in the Davos sprint stage of the Tour De Ski in January.

Schumacher won gold by a margin of just 4.4 seconds from Norwegian yellow bib holder Harald Oestberg Amundsen, who clinched silver by completing the course in 20:57.1.

Another Norwegian completed the podium, with Paal Golberg taking bronze.

The women’s 10km freestyle is still to be held at Theodore Wirth Park, before the Cross-Country Skiing World Cup continues in Lahti on Saturday, March 2.