Iivo Niskanen praised the Norwegian superstar: “One of the toughest” | Sport

Iivo Niskanen gave Johannes Hösflot Kläbo a hug. Niskanen denied that it had been some kind of reconciliation gesture.

LAHTI. – Kläbo certainly did one of the hardest performances of his career. It was quite similar to two years ago at the Tour de Ski where he got away from me.

Iivo Niskanen could not but praise Norway after the men’s 20 km race Johannes Hösflot Kläbon performance. The superstar skied to a convincing victory on a heavy course. Niskanen was more than happy with his second second place of the season.

This season’s second podium place came from Ruka in November.

– I take my hat off. It was a really tough performance, because the differences were so huge. There was no way we could have caught such a gap today, Niskanen pointed to Kläbo’s 24-second winning margin.

Niskanen attracted attention by embracing Kläbö after he reached the finish line. After his previous second place, Suomalaistahtahti threw his poles.

On Sunday in Kuopio, he woke up Kalle Parantainen with commotion. At least Niskanen didn’t admit that the hug was some kind of compensation for the previous events of this season.

– It was a bear wrestling extract. Markus Vuorelan from the manual, Niskanen commented.

Niskanen did not agree to give any grade for his performance.

– Then you get a grade if you win. However, competitive sports are all about winning.

A good sign for a classic event

Niskanen’s race in heavy weather bodes well for next week’s Holmenkollen 50 km race. Seven years ago he was second, but has never won a race.

It was also a good sign for Niskanen that he beat Norway’s toughest long-distance skiers.

– The last two weeks have been an upswing. Hopefully the body would start to accept training and competitions. I believe I can improve on this.

– It has been a long and difficult winter, and I haven’t been able to prepare optimally. It’s good that my body is feeling better now, so I can still improve, Niskanen saw.