Based on the traditional pursuit race skied in Val Müstair on Sunday, the podium place in Tuesday’s intermediate start race dared to wait Kerttu from Niskasebut no Krista from Pärmäkoski.
After all, Niskanen had reached second place with a wild skiing and also won the previous season’s traditional intermediate start race. The opening weekend of the Tour de Ski from Pärmäkoski had accordingly gone poorly and he was only 18th on Sunday.
In the terrains of Oberstdorf, however, the parts unexpectedly changed. Pärmäkoski was second in top skiing and already ranked seventh in the overall race. On the other hand, Niskanen, who was in the battle for victory in the overall race, only finished fifth, 40.7 seconds behind the first place finisher. For Frida Karlsson lost.
Sports expert Toni Roponen consider Sunday’s race in Pärmäkoski a work accident. Pärmäkoski flashed a promising pace from the beginning of the season.
Pärmäkoski was still outside the top three about two kilometers before the finish line, but again struggled with a hard final push as usual. The Finn’s start was also sharp.
– It was a very important ski for Krista herself. He knows he’s in great shape. The split start race, where you can ski at your own pace, suits Krista perfectly.
Interesting settings for the chase
In terms of the overall race, the situation in Pärmäkoski seems positive, even though the gap to Tour leader Karlsson is almost two minutes.
Kerttu Niskanen regretted his skis after the race. As the woman herself stated, Tuesday’s performance weakened her position in terms of the 20-kilometer free pursuit race and the overall race on Wednesday.
– Tomorrow’s trip is interesting. Many women have to hunt each other. Krista is getting out of a better situation than I expected, says Roponen.
Niskanen is now fourth in the overall race, 41 seconds behind Karlsson. The Norwegians also managed to get between the two Tiril Udnes Weng mixed Anne Kjersti Kalvåof which Niskanen is 21 seconds behind.
– I expected that he would definitely have been among the three. He sadly lost his attitude in relation to Frida. Kerttu is still in a really good position in terms of the overall situation, but this was nevertheless Kerttu’s best trip, Roponen reminds.
Roponen believes that Karlsson will not be left waiting for others in the pursuit race.
– Behind him, a big group will form, which will certainly include Kalvå, Weng and Niskanen somewhere. I guess so Katharina Hennig, Heidi Weng and Krista Pärmäkoski will reach out somewhat. A large group is formed in it, chasing Karlsson.
Norwegian party
Iivo Niskanen was the eighth fastest in the pursuit race on Sunday, so a good ranking was expected from him on Tuesday. However, the race in Obersdorf became difficult for the Finnish star, who recently returned to competitions due to the coronavirus, and he stopped from the start.
Niskanen was already 16 seconds behind at the first intermediate point. Niskasen and other Finnish men had problems with their equipment.
– The men as a whole were a big disappointment. It is difficult to judge what the significance of the skis is, but he himself said that the skis did not work.
Niskanen left the Tour and took a training break. In an interview with Urheilu, the multiple prize winner could not estimate when he will compete next time.
Roponen is not worried about Niskanen’s striking ability based on Oberstdorf’s passing.
– However, Iivo skied well on Sunday. He will probably compete next time at the World Championships (in January). The World Championships are still a long time away, Roponen reminds.
The overall men’s race is a celebration for the Norwegians, as Vuonomaa has a four-way lead. Johannes Hofslot Kläbo leading by 37 seconds before Pål Golbergia.
– Yes, this time is turning into a Norwegian party. I hope Sweden Calle Halfvarsson and William Poromaa able to fight against the Norwegian front, Roponen states.
1. Frida Karlsson SWE 56.06
2. Tiril Udnes Weng NOR + 0.20
2. Anne Kjersti Kalvå NOR + 0.20
4. Kerttu Niskanen FIN + 0.41
5. Katharina Hennig GER + 1.23
6. Lotta Udnes Weng NOR + 1.39
7. Krista Pärmäkoski FIN + 1.43
8. Rosie Brennan USA + 1.45
17. Anne Kyllönen FIN + 2.56
18. Jasmi Joensuu FIN + 3.23
47. Katri Lylynperä FIN + 5.08
57. Jasmin Kähärä FIN + 8.56
1. Johannes Hösflot Kläbo NOR 49.27
2. Pål Golberg NOR + 0.37
3. Simen Hegstad Krüger NOR + 0.40
4. Didrik Tönseth NOR + 0.57
5. Calle Halfvarsson SWE + 1.11
6. Federico Pellegrino ITA + 1.13
7. Hans Chister Holund NOR + 1.17
8. William Poromaa SWE + 1.23
17. Perttu Hyvärinen FIN + 2.15
27. Markus Vuorela FIN + 2.51
57. Lauri Lepistö FIN + 4.10
63. Ville Ahonen FIN + 4.23
Oberstdorf’s Tour de Ski competitions come from Viaplay. follows Wednesday’s competitions in the latest in sports article. The highlights of the competitions can be viewed on ‘s digital services. will once again show the races of the closing weekend of Val di Fiemme live. You can read more about the shipping information for the turn of the year here.