Aino-Kaisa Saarinen Anticipates a Spectacular Finnish Display in the World Championship General – Reminiscent of Norwegian Taunts

This weekend marks the final World Cup cross-country skiing events before the two-week break preceding the World Championships in Trondheim. On Saturday, a significant 10 km classical interval start race will be held in Falun—a race that serves as an important indicator for the championship performances.

The race is highlighted by the participation of Iivo and Kerttu Niskanen on their parade-like journey, as they also compete in the World Championships in classical technique. Saarinen, a well-known expert in cross-country skiing, expects the Finnish team to target two victories on Saturday. She recalls a similar super day for the Niskanen siblings during the Tour de Ski in Lenzerheide at the end of 2021, and also points to the 2023 double-win in Toblach achieved by Kerttu Niskanen and Perttu Hyvärinen.

Saarinen also reflects on past experiences, mentioning the 2011 World Championships in Oslo where Matti Heikkinen won the 15 km classical race, despite a difficult start in the World Cup general classification in Drammen. She remembers how the Norwegian audience once mocked him with the phrase “Finnish man, slow man” before his performance turned around spectacularly in Oslo.

In Falun, the last sprint before the World Championships was contested in classical style. Jasmi Joensuu finished fifth for the fourth time this season, a result Saarinen views as a solid overall performance that should at least secure him a place in the final top six at the World Championships, with a medal within reach if he can elevate his performance. Meanwhile, Swedish sprint ace Jonna Sundling, who has been competing conservatively this season, contrasts with Linn Svahn’s impressive sprint win where she led the race from start to finish.

On the men’s side, Joni Mäki registered his season’s best result by finishing eighth in the semifinals. Although he accelerated strongly early in the race, he could not maintain his momentum during the finals. Saarinen suggested that a more aggressive early tactic might have helped Mäki avoid falling behind. Similarly, Niilo Moilanen, who had been offered a semifinal spot among the top 12, faltered in his heat, ultimately finishing fourth. Spanish competitor Jaume Pueyo managed to break away in his final run. Saarinen reminded everyone that Moilanen has recently returned to the World Cup circuit after a bout of illness, so recovery time is still essential.

The article concludes with a nod to the ongoing results service, underscoring how these competitions are critical as the Finnish team gears up for the World Championships in Trondheim.