Iivo Niskanen, who is finally fit, told about his investigations that continued throughout the season: “I haven’t even bothered to open up in the media” | Sport

Iivo Niskanen continued his good Finnish performances and was second in the Falun 10 km race. His “assistant son” Emil Liekari was the Finnish surprise of the race.

When Iivo Niskanen crossed the finish line at the Falun ski stadium, he was able to turn the duel Norway Henrik Dönnestad against to victory with a difference of 5.5 seconds. Niskanen, however, shook his head, because he knew that it would be hard to come.

Norwegian front Johannes Hösflot Kläbon with the lead came in a headwind. Didrik Tönseth raised his positions, but had to find that the Finnish speed was too fast. Martin Löwström Nyengetkin bent in the last two kilometers, but Kläbo’s pace was enough until the end.

– Nyengeti and I watched on the monitor that Kläbo left us on the descent of the red side by 14 seconds. It’s quite a big difference to a clip where you don’t have to do anything but squat, Niskanen stated.

Even though Kläbo’s victory was overwhelming, Niskanen still had a lot to worry about in the race. Niskanen got help for the ski test from Emil Liekarwho received an emergency alert for the race Ville Ahonen after getting sick. The duo found two good pairs of grip soles in the tests.

– We have to go and see who got the better pair in the race.

In Niskanen’s opinion, his speed in the race was bearable. He stated that he has now been in good shape for the last three race weekends. Even he couldn’t help Kläbo’s superiority.

– Thinking ahead, Kläbo would have been a bad stump in any case, and at the moment he is in better shape than ever. A little digging though. I’m not 100% satisfied this time.

The Holmenkollen 50 km race was one of Niskanen’s most important races this season. In the race, he had everything in play and the pieces to make a result, but the result was ninth place. Niskanen has said that he has been sick a lot this season, but he now revealed that he has undergone more tests than he has said.

– Even in the media, I haven’t bothered to reveal how many different studies have been done. It’s been a challenging season, and in that sense I’m happy that I can compete, Niskanen stated.

– Now everything is fine, and three weekends have been the conditions to make a result. But now it’s March and the season started in November.

Niskanen’s “helper” Emil Liekari was the second best Finn in 21st place. The 22-year-old skier was quite satisfied with this, because he did not have time to prepare too much for the race.

– (Head coach Teemu) Badass called after breakfast that there would be a chance to ski. I was there putting on some training gear. The skiing tasted good, there was a top trophy below, Liekari said.

– I had been washed as a helper and a large amount was tested. Two good ones were found and I took the one the master gave me. Thank you very much for letting me borrow.

Liekari believed that the ski made a lot of difference in the race. His skiing went well, but on the last ascent of Mördarbacken he “slightly died”. In addition to the thanks, Liekari planned to remember Niskas in another way for the loan of skis.

– I’ll probably offer a couple of treats on Sunday. At least let’s start with that.