Finnish Cross-Country Skier Ready to Step Up as Reserve, Says Head Coach

Juuso Haarala is taking part in the World Championships in Trondheim – albeit not in the way he had hoped. Although he isn’t in the primary team lineup, he is in contention to be accredited as a member of Finland’s national team.

On Sunday in Hakunila, during the Finnish Cup relay (3×7.5 km) where he ski-passed for anchor Joni Mäki, Haarala represented Pohti Ski Team Pyhäjärvi by finishing in second place. Head coach Teemu Pasanen outlined his expectations for the national team ahead of the upcoming World Championships slated for late February and early March, estimating a roster of around ten men and eight to nine women. He stressed that it is the Ski Association that ultimately decides the team’s name, ensuring every athlete gets at least one race to represent the country.

Despite strong early indications at the season-opening events in Muonio’s Oloksella, Haarala has not yet secured a spot among the ten men in the team. The 28-year-old athlete, who relocated to Trondheim – the host city of the World Championships – made significant career decisions after last season. However, his situation was complicated by financial challenges in expensive Norway and a disappointing 10 km classical race at Ruka, where poor weather and a low start number led to a weak result. Pasanen explained that while the main team is limited, an accredited reserve pool of 12 men and 12 women is available, and Haarala is a strong candidate in this group.

Haarala, who will be in Trondheim throughout the championships thanks to his local residence, accepts the reserve role without hesitation. He is fully prepared to compete if called upon and even willing to help the support team with ski tests. With his focus now set on the traditional Olympic sprint next winter, he remains determined to advance his career despite the setbacks.