The Finnish Cup in Cross-Country Skiing Begins in Vuokatti This Weekend

This weekend, the Finnish Cup in cross-country skiing kicks off in Vuokatti, featuring sprints in the freestyle technique and relays. For the first time, fluorine testing for skis will be implemented in national competitions. The use of fluorine-containing waxes and related ski maintenance products is banned in all competitions governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and the Finnish Ski Association.

Competition series director Hannu Koivusalo explains that fluorine testing requires significant effort from both organizers and athletes. The tests will be conducted in a controlled area near the finish and start zones before and after the competitions.

Koivusalo is excited about the opening weekend, where 180 athletes will compete in Saturday's sprints, and there are 29 women's and 46 men's teams registered for the relays on Sunday. The sprint races will also serve as a focal event for the Lillehammer World Cup preparations, although they are not expected to carry too much weight in the overall results.

He emphasizes that it's crucial for athletes to gain competitive routines and assess their performance after a long training period, stating, "This weekend, we're essentially shaking off the dust from the start of the season."

Despite some financial challenges faced by the ski association, Koivusalo mentioned that the Cup will be organized as usual, with a stable involvement of partners and a modest workforce alongside the competition organizers.