Iivo Niskanen admitted that he was sadly far from the top: “Bad day, bad skiing” | Sport

Iivo Niskanen had to be badly disappointed in the traditional ten in Trondheim. Instead, Markus Vuorela got help from his Norwegian colleague.

Iivo Niskanen was second in the Ruka World Cup in the 10 km traditional intermediate start race and fought hard for the race win. In Trondheim on the same distance – although the distance was strictly speaking 11 kilometers – the result was a big disappointment for the Finnish skiing ace, as he was only the second best Finnish skier in the final results, in 14th place.

– It was a bad day, bad skiing. I didn’t like the clock today because of my going, Niskanen stated disappointedly after the race.

He lost to Norway, who won the race Johannes Hösflot for Kläbo one minute and six seconds. The best Finn of the day, Markus Vuorelabeat Niskanen by less than a second.

– It felt like competitive skiing, but we were just sadly far away. Not where I hoped to be, Niskanen said.

Niskanen stated that he already noticed in the 3.4 kilometer interval that today he will not fight for the victory of the race. At that time, he was 6.5 seconds behind the leader and tried to increase his pace, but only fell behind.

Niskanen did not directly answer the question whether the equipment gave him the opportunity to fight for victory.

– Certainly… It should have been possible to do better.

Niskanen started his season strongly and was in great shape in the freezing weather. He won a tough FIS competition in Olos and succeeded in Ruka. Since then, the results have been weaker.

– I thought I was in better shape now, but I wasn’t, he admitted and hoped for good frosts for the Christmas break.

Vuorela enjoyed a good fart

Markus Vuorela was responsible for the happy surprise of the day, when he was 13th in the race. Vuorela got a lot of help from Norway, who finished fifth Erik from Valneswho started half a minute after the Finn.

– I read the start lists before I went to this race and saw that Valnes has previously won the race here in Trondheim. When it comes to pees, it will definitely be a good race, Vuorela said.

He knew he was strong enough to hang on, but he was surprised how quickly Valnes caught him.

– I set off quite quietly, but he already caught up on the first uphill section. Then we went one way.

Vuorela sometimes tried to push the Norwegian from the pole, but noticed that Valnes had a broken thorn from the pole. However, Sompa was saved.

– It might have slowed down Valnes’ journey a bit. Hardly had thought of me that it’s more comfortable to push with a stick, he laughed.

Hanging in Pees is not for everyone. According to Vuorela, you have to endure discomfort at times, but on the other hand take advantage of the places where you can get to easily.

– It can quickly become a pick-up when there is a tougher guy pulling it. It’s also a kind of tactics.

Vuorela was 38th in Saturday’s combined race, and that race left him with a lot to worry about. That’s why he was satisfied that he was able to show his fitness now just before the Christmas break and that he got a good pee for once.

Tour de Skille Vuorela plans to participate if the choice is right.

– Shouldn’t it be sent there if the condition stays like this? Let’s go eat some Christmas treats in the meantime.