Alexander Ståhlberg, 22, the 22-year-old cross-country skiing youth World Cup medalist, pushed to victory in the World Championship terrains with his surprising win.
A very interesting winner was seen in the 22-year-old men’s series of the Kotka SM cross-country running. Regarded as the number one kiri skiing super talent Alexander Ståhlbergwho defeated the race’s pre-favourite, Lahti Ahkera, in the final straight Matias Mononen.
The 22-year-old Ståhlberg won three medals in the under-20 category at the Vuokatti Youth World Ski Championships held three years ago. The same relay team included, among other things Niko Anttolawho anchored Finland’s men to the relay medals a year ago.
Expert Janne Ukonmaanaho said on ‘s broadcast that Ståhlberg was training for the SC terrains in his home region in Vöyri Tom Andtbackan and Joakim Träskelin coaching in a group of endurance runners. Among other things, he was being harassed Nathalie Blomqvistwho two weeks ago ran Finland’s second best time of all time in the women’s 5,000 meters (14:59,70).
Blomqvist won medals in the 22-year-old category at the European Championships held last December.
– Andtbacka said that Ståhlberg will run for the championship in the WC, Ukonmaanaho stated in the broadcast.
Ståhlberg’s own expectations were exceeded. He has competed in the SM terrains before.
– I have been fourth 3-4 times, so I decided that I will take the medal today. Gold was a small bonus.
The young man’s face was surprisingly handsome. In skiing, he is not exactly a sprint cannon.
– I can’t ski sprint. I don’t know where it came from. I got it on the last bill, Ståhlberg guessed.
Niskanen’s example inspires
Iivo Niskanen is an example of a cross-country skier who is interested in racing.
– Iivo is a good runner. This is also a good workout for me.
Ståhlberg’s last years have been difficult due to various difficulties. Because his body hasn’t functioned normally yet, he doesn’t yet know how to set goals for the next ski season.
– However, I always try to do my best. Let’s see how long it lasts.
In the men’s 10 kilometer race, the Turku Sports Association ran to the championship Mustafa Muuse. The surprise winner of the women’s race was Helsinki’s Kisa-Veikoken Taru Palsa before Lapin Luko Johanna Peipo.