Expert Praises Iivo Niskanen's Performance Amidst Norwegian Ski Competitions

KUUSAMO.

The biggest topic ahead of the opening of the World Cup in skiing was the return of Norway's Therese Johaug to competitions nearly a thousand days after her last appearance.

In the opening race, Johaug suffered a significant defeat against Sweden's Frida Karlsson, falling behind the Swede by 46.5 seconds in the traditional 10-kilometer event.

Karlsson was even close to Johaug's winning record, as only Johaug had taken a more dominant victory in women's 10-kilometer individual starts, which occurred in Otepää, Estonia in January 2019.

Frida Karlsson's fierce skiing made her the overwhelming winner.

On Sunday, Johaug again finished off the podium in the 20-kilometer women's freestyle mass start, placing fourth, while Jessie Diggins from the USA took first, followed by Sweden's Jonna Sundling in second and Norway's Heidi Weng in third.

Norway's head coach Sjur Ole Svarstad revealed that Johaug had been feeling nervous prior to her return to the World Cup.

Norwegian Viaplay expert, former top skier, and three-time World Championship medalist Niklas Dyrhaug commented on Johaug's return, stating it went very well.

"Friday's race showed that Frida Karlsson has developed. I believe this loss will give Therese more motivation to work really hard for the World Championships in Trondheim," Dyrhaug said to Yle Sports.

In the World Championships set for February-March, Johaug has named her main goal to be the 50-kilometer freestyle race.

Jessie Diggins Wins – A Dramatic Finish in the Women's Mass Start in Ruka.

Kläbo's Insider Information

If there was uncertainty surrounding Johaug, the men's star Johannes Hösflot Kläbo was expected to dominate in Ruka. For instance, MTV’s skiing expert Jari Isometsä claimed that Kläbo would win all three competitions in Ruka. However, things did not go as expected.

Kläbo even finished off the podium in the traditional 10-kilometer event, with Iivo Niskanen taking a clear victory. On Saturday, Kläbo was in his element, claiming a commanding win in the traditional sprint.

Sunday morning, however, brought more unfortunate news.

Kläbo withdrew from the 20-kilometer mass start freestyle race citing mild flu symptoms and the need to focus on more important competitions later in the season.

Are there concerns in Norway regarding Kläbo, Niklas Dyrhaug?

"I don't think so, not yet. I believe it was sensible to skip the competition when feeling a bit ill. It was quite damp and cold here in Ruka. When the women finished, they were freezing," Dyrhaug reminded.

Dyrhaug had spoken with Kläbo about his decision prior to leaving Ruka on Sunday.

"Johannes showed here and in Beitostølen (Norway's season opener a week ago) that he is in very good condition leading into the World Championships. He must, however, remain healthy. He faced the same challenge last year as well," Dyrhaug described.

Kläbo had to miss events such as the Tour de Ski. He finished second in the overall World Cup standings, with Harald Östberg Amundsen taking first.

"We'll see if Kläbo starts next week in Lillehammer for the next World Cup competitions. The situation is a bit 50-50. When I talked to Johannes, he said he's not really ill. However, he wasn’t at 100% either," Dyrhaug revealed.

Johannes Hösflot Kläbo was not seen at the Ruka skiing stadium on Sunday. Photo: Tomi Hänninen/Chilipictures

Dyrhaug had previously talked to Niskanen for about twenty minutes and witnessed the Finnish star's actions closely during the warm-up for the 20-kilometer freestyle mass start.

Niskanen briefly led the race and secured bonus points as the race leader but later described experiencing a mid-race 'death'. Ultimately, Niskanen finished 17th.

"Iivo looks to be in good condition. He has trained well before the season's start. I believe he will earn medals in the traditional 10k and the team sprint, but they need more athletes back for the team medal goals," Dyrhaug concluded.

Iivo Niskanen enjoyed celebrating his first World Cup victory in over two and a half years.

Niskanen put on quite a show in honor of his victory and made headlines in Norway by sharing that he had been feeling unwell while preparing for the World Cup in Ruka.

Dyrhaug appreciated Niskanen's showmanship.

"We are providing entertainment. Iivo is a big name, and there aren't many similar profile names in cross-country skiing right now," Dyrhaug noted, emphasizing Niskanen's significant importance to the whole sport.

Iivo Niskanen at the finish line as number one – watch the fierce celebrations and roars.

Niskanen also shared a few jabs at Yle's experts.

Norwegian star skiers were ready to hand over the mantle of the championship favorite to Niskanen after his victory on Friday in the traditional 10k ahead of the World Championships.

Niskanen himself described at Oloksella earlier this November that his goal for this season is to take three medals at the World Championships. In the traditional 10k, team sprint, and relay.

Dyrhaug believes in the goal for the traditional 10k and the traditional team sprint as well, especially since Lauri Vuorinen also shone with his podium placement in Saturday's sprint in Ruka. However, the relay medal goal is still a question mark.

Johannes Hösflot Kläbo and Lauri Vuorinen were smiling in Ruka on Saturday. Photo: Tomi Hänninen/Chilipictures

Ristomatti Hakola, Iivo Niskanen, Perttu Hyvärinen, and Niko Anttola took World Championship silver in the previous World Championships in Planica in 2023. At that time, the Finnish men returned to the relay medals after a 14-year hiatus.

Currently, from that quartet, Hakola has had a rough time, Hyvärinen is injured, and Anttola had to miss the Ruka World Cup due to illness.

Lauri Vuorinen has now entered the relay speculation with his top performances. The difference from the previous relay is that the segments will be shorter in Trondheim. Now, the program consists of four times 7.5 kilometers, whereas previously ten-kilometer segments were raced.

Watch the sprint final for men in Ruka: Kläbo takes the victory; Vuorinen finishes third.

Dyrhaug had spoken with Niskanen about his performance and briefly watched him warm up in preparation for the 20-kilometer freestyle race.