Planica World Cup skiing on channels 22.2.–5.3.2023. See the program and broadcast information of the World Ski Championships at this link.
PLANICA. The sprint track of the World Cup requires a lot of fitness from the skiers, because it is longer than the other traditional sprint tracks of the World Cup this season and there is an uphill section of no less than a minute on the track.
Good technique is needed on the track, because every descent ends in a bend. In addition to the landing technique, the athlete is therefore required to have a good stepping technique.
There are also uphill sections on the track where no tracks have been ridden. Because of this, the race will probably see a lot of turns and lane changes.
– This sprint track has more bends than any traditional skiing sprint track has previously had in top international competitions, Urheilu’s expert Kalle Lassila told.
The long ascent favors the Finns
For Finnish skiers, descents and bends are not necessarily a good thing. According to Lassila, Central European skiers are stronger than Finns and therefore benefit more from these parts of the track.
Since the downhill sections always end in bends, the chances of crashes increase even more. According to Lassila, the most important thing on downhill sections is to stay upright, but also to avoid crashes. In these situations, the success of grip lubrication is also emphasized, so that the skis do not stick at the wrong moment.
The bills are not cumulative, and even if no real solutions are made in the downhills, they have an impact at the end of the track. If the skier is able to descend the hills economically and pedal more speed in the turns, it is a significant benefit.
– It can be seen at the end of the biggest climb, in the last climb and in the stadium, how well everyone can last until the end, Lassila reminded.
If the downhill sections are not suitable for Finns, all is not lost, because there is a decent work piece on the track. The first part of the long ascent is a straight, sliding shift ski ascent, which suits Finns quite well.
– The rest of the climb is already so long as a working section that physical capacity is a bit more decisive than technique and know-how. There will certainly be solutions, Lassila estimates.
Road conditions affect optimal driving lines
Finnish men’s coach Ville Oksanen according to the first minute of the track is an easy section, where the pees is a big benefit. Instead, the horseshoe at the highest point of the course, after a minute of work, is likely to put the skiers in line.
– The first to the last is probably quite a long distance away. Our number one tactic is not to be the last one on top of that hill, Oksanen stated.
After the highest ascent comes a descent, followed by a slightly wider horseshoe. According to Oksanen, it is a critical place.
– It is really important to maintain the speed before the last climb. On the last climb and on the final straight, there is another working section where you can overtake, but you will hardly get to the top from the back, Oksanen estimates.
Women’s coach Jussi Piirainen according to Finnish skiers have practiced different driving lines, but on the track it must also be taken into account that the weather conditions affect the optimal driving lines.
– In the mornings, the track has been harder than during the day. Tomorrow we’ll see, depending on the weather, how to approach the corners. We have studied how foreigners have counted, looked at Kläbo driving lines and tested them. We try to be as good as possible in them, assured Piirainen.
Norwegian Johannes Hösflot Kläbo is the biggest pre-favorite of the men’s race, because the winding track is as if it was made for him.
Planica’s sprint day is predicted to be a little cooler than it has been in previous days. The course softens somewhat in the afternoon. The forecasts have changed all the time, but there shouldn’t be any rain.
Matintalo does not enjoy taking turns
The greatest expectations are placed on the Finns Johanna to Matintalo and Joni Mäkeen. Matintalo won the sprint Finnish championship in January, but the last race before Planica, the Toblach relay, was the worst race for him in many years.
Matintalo, who skidded on the opening leg, stated after the race that he felt as if he had skied straight into the wall. Now the situation is considerably better, but Matintalo is not excited about the curves of the track.
– I would like it if there were fewer bends, but there aren’t those bad bends, surprisingly. The last count is one in which you can lose or win, Matintalo thought and hoped that the counts would not be his fate, as happened in the World Championships in Oberstdorf.
In Matintalo’s opinion, there are a few of the brightest early favorites on the women’s side, but behind them there is a wide front that has the potential to go far. The ranking is affected by the condition of the day, skis and many small things. Matintalo believes that if he gets to the semi-finals, it will “get easier” after that, because then more and more endurance will be asked.
– If I make it to the final, then everything is open there and the game is completely new.
Joni Mäki’s results have been very variable this season. Mäki, who unexpectedly reached the fourth place in the sprint at the Beijing Olympics, has prepared well for Planica, but has been feeling a little stuffy in the last few moments.
– Let’s hope that tomorrow will be a better day. If the best of the season comes from there, then it can be a good performance, Mäki said.
Because of the winding track, you have to be awake all the time, but according to Mäi, the changing weather also raises concerns and you have to be on the edge of your seat when choosing your skis.
Planica’s track requires a tactical eye, and according to Mäki, nobody can be passed easily. At the same time, however, you have to try to find “free” bypasses yourself.
– The track suits me in principle. It’s good for me if we have to work on a longer piece. On the other hand, if we come fresh to the final stretch, I’m not necessarily the best at straight push. When friends have already used a little candle, then the situation only gets better, Mäki stated.