The World Cup of Nordic Skiing had a lively weekend, when the competition was held from Friday to Sunday at Salpaussellä in Lahti.
The events were followed moment by moment in this article.
In the continuation of the sports studio, ‘s expert summarizes the events of the past weekend Aino-Kaisa Saarinen with.
What speaks?
One win, five podium finishes and several other great achievements. For Finnish cross-country skiers, the Salpausselkä Games were a real hit.
At the start of the women’s 20 km traditional split Krista Pärmäkoski was number one and Kerttu Niskanen third. In the men’s corresponding race Iivo Niskanen on the other hand, boasted a strong spring fitness with his second place.
In the opening day’s traditional pair sprints, both women and men celebrated on the podium Pärmäkoski and Johanna Matintalo being second and Iivo Niskanen and Lauri Vuorinen being third parties.
The free sprints held on Sunday were the most difficult races for the Finns in advance, but there was a clear stretch in them. Joni Mäki and Jasmi Joensuu reached the final, Jasmin Kähärä to the semi-finals.
The women’s contribution in particular was impressive, as no less than seven Finns made it to the heats, i.e. the top 30. Five Finns were also seen in the men’s heats.
– On Friday, the snowball started rolling in the right direction. Yes, this was a performance worthy of ten for Finns, Aino-Kaisa Saarinen sums up a great Finnish weekend.
Who surprised?
Pärmäkoski is the most talked about Finnish skier right now. Kerttu Niskanen, on the other hand, has been in great shape all season, winning twice and being fifth among the three.
Less attention has been paid to Johanna Matintalo’s top quality. Three weeks ago, the 27-year-old Finn already finished seventh in the 20-kilometer traditional start race in Canmore.
In the race won by Pärmäkoski, Matintalo had an even better performance when he finished fifth.
Aino-Kaisa Saarinen remembers well how Matintalo impressed her six years ago in Lahti. Matintalo was tenth right after Saarinen in the ten-kilometer split start race.
The former 800 meter talent has thus long had a reputation as a tough talent, but in the normal distance races, the best blade has been left waiting for him. Born in 1996, both individual World Cup podium finishes are from the traditional sprint side.
When 35-year-old Niskanen and 33-year-old Pärmäkoski sometimes quit, Matintalo takes the main role in making the results on normal trips.
– For a long time, it was more difficult on the distance side. He changed his coach Ville Nousiainen, after which the result has started to come. Recognizing the need for change is a clear sign of growth. This team clearly works.
– Johanna has good qualities in terms of running, so that she would be able to hit the top of the world with a traditional wedge. He is the strongest candidate to inherit Krista and Kertu’s mantle.
However, it is quiet behind the Matintalo. None of the young people are anywhere near the international top on normal trips, which makes Saarinen thoughtful.
– We have a shortage of young skiers who come rushing to the distance side. Of course, I understand that normal trips are made via sprint. That’s how I got to the top myself.
– However, I am worried. However, as a young woman, Johanna was able to ski a dozen times. There should already be signs that you can visit a group of ten or at least feel like it, says Saarinen.
Who flopped?
The amazing situation is that there were no actual failures in the Finnish cross-country skiing team.
In the big picture, Saarinen was upset that there were worryingly few skiers in the women’s 20 km race. Only 45 competitors were seen on the terrain.
Next weekend, Holmenkollen will be skiing the second women’s 50 km race in the World Cup. A longer trip than before doesn’t terribly promise a very large group of participants.
– In women’s skiing, the level is not at all high worldwide. Of course, Norway has a national team at Holmenkollen, but the competition will be fierce. There will be no rush to the starting line and not many people will cross the finish line, Saarinen sees.
What the hell?
The overall leader of the World Cup, who has been in a frenzy since the beginning of the season and has won, among other things, the Tour de Ski Jessie Diggins was surprisingly soft in Lahti.
In the 20 kilometer race, the American was only 21st. The biggest blow was seen in the free sprint, where Diggins was the first to miss the qualification.
– You could already see on Saturday that Jessie was in big trouble. Lunch had been eaten. He has competed a lot this season. How will he cope with Kollen? You can’t really leave it without skiing, says Saarinen.
What next?
As far as cross-country skiing is concerned, the interest is directed to the 50-kilometer co-start race in Holmenkollen next weekend in traditional skiing.
Saarinen already stated earlier that Iivo Niskanen will be with Kollen in the fight for victory.
For women, there are more question marks for 50 kilometers because of the long distance. At the interview point, Krista Pärmäkoski was doubtful about her chances for the race in question.
– Krista has had problems many times with the absorption of sports drinks. The weather is warm and mild there. Spring is further along and the snow is dirtier. It’s going to be a long race. Energy absorption is the decisive factor.
Saarinen believes that Niskanen is the most capable Finn in the 50 km race.
– Kerttu is one of the favorites to win. Frida Karlsson is also tough, but when he has a breakdown, he falls to the ground and is picked up on a sled.