Kerttu Niskanen can benefit from the criticized decision at the climax of the Tour – EPN’s expert saw problems in the Norwegian star’s body language

For the first time in his career, Kerttu Niskasen has the opportunity to reach the podium in the overall Tour de Ski competition. According to Toni Ropose, the biggest challenge for the Finn comes from behind him.

The Tour de Ski finals will be seen live on TV2 and Areena. The broadcast of the women’s final stage starts at 11:55 and the men’s race at 13:40.

Kerttu Niskanen starts from interesting settings for the final stage of the Tour de Ski to the ascent of Alpe Cermis.

He is third. The runner-up is Norway Tiril Udnes Weng is 25 seconds away. It looms behind Katharina Hennig 23 seconds away.

Frida Karlsson has a clear 1 minute and 12 second lead over Tiril Udnes Weng.

Niskanen has never been on the podium in the overall Tour de Ski competition, but now there are excellent opportunities to do so.

Sports expert Toni Roponen believes that Niskase has a chance to beat Tiril Udnes Weng on the last stage of the Tour de Ski.

– Tiril Udnes Weng is clearly very tired. This last trip is the scariest for him. In that sense, the difference to Niska is not much, and not impossible. In the name of truth, Kertulleka Alpe Cermis is not the easiest to go up steeply. However, I believe that Kerttu is stronger and will be able to reach him, Roponen stated in Urheilustudio.

However, Roponen believes that Niskanen’s biggest challenge will come from Hennig’s direction. In that struggle, Roponen thinks that the tough ascent of Alpe Cermis, which is run as a joint start race, plays into Niskanen’s pocket.

– I believe that all solutions will take place in a long rise. A joint departure is to Kertu’s advantage. It makes it easier to follow. Kerttu hears and sees all events, says Roponen.

The ascent of Alpe Cermis is now skied for the fourth time as a joint start. In the past, skiing was done in such a way that the skiers started to climb the last climb according to the overall situation of the Tour.

Roponen thinks that, on the other hand, with the joint start race, Hennig can get help from his racing partners, which he could not get with the old model.

– We will see an interesting battle of spirits on Sunday, Roponen states.

According to Roponen, the women’s race will lack a pacesetter on Sunday. That’s why, according to the expert, we ski in a group before the ascent.

– After the stadium, we go uphill in a rather narrow gully. You have to be really careful about that. Then the last 3.7 kilometers is a merciless battle against resources. We’re going to see a great fight, Roponen.

Kerttu Niskanen admitted in an interview with after Saturday’s competition that Krista Pärmäkoski’s stomach bug worries her.

According to Roponen, Niskasen has an exciting night ahead of him before the start of the last Tour de Ski.

– Surely Kerttu is thinking about it. It’s obvious. We know it ourselves that if someone is sick at home, it makes the stomach rumble. However, top athletes are extremely mentally strong. I believe that Kerttu will survive, Roponen states.