Eveliina Piippo competes in all events in Imatra – "My attitude towards the SM Championships is such that it shouldn’t be"
Originally published in Yle on January 10, 2025
Eveliina Piippo is set to participate in all events at the IM championships in Imatra, aiming for success in various distances including a freestyle sprint. Despite past challenges, including significant injuries, she is hopeful yet cautious about her traditional skiing performance. This season, she will also compete in the 10-kilometer and 20-kilometer combined events.
Piippo, who has faced difficulties such as back issues and a lack of recent World Cup experience, remains optimistic as she prepares for the Imatra championships. She hopes to maintain proximity to leaders in the traditional events and anticipates performing strongly in the free race segments.
Her training reflects a strategic choice to avoid certain exercises that clarify her current capabilities, keeping her competitive spirit alive.
The absence of top competitors in the championships due to scheduling conflicts and illnesses raises questions about the event's significance and competitiveness this year. Piippo acknowledges that her own attitude towards the SM championships may differ from that of others who view them as significant season highlights.
The event schedule for the SM Championships is as follows:
Friday, January 10: Freestyle Sprint, with heats starting at 10 AM and finals at 2 PM.
Saturday, January 11: 10 km classic style, men and women at different times starting from 10 AM.
Sunday, January 12: Combined race of 20 km, featuring both classic and freestyle techniques.
