Finnish Team for Tour de Ski Announced – Rising Star Niko Anttola to Start His World Cup Season

The Finnish Ski Federation has announced the team for the Tour de Ski, which includes top names such as Iivo Niskanen, Kerttu Niskanen, and Krista Pärmäkoski.

In the women's team, participants include Jasmi Joensuu, Jasmin Kähärä, Johanna Matintalo, Kerttu Niskanen, and Krista Pärmäkoski.

The men's team features Niko Anttola, Perttu Hyvärinen, Niilo Moilanen, Iivo Niskanen, Arsi Ruuskanen, and Lauri Vuorinen.

Ristomatti Hakola, who recently finished ninth in the 20 km classic event at the World Cup in Davos, will not be participating, nor will Joni Mäki, who has struggled in the early season.

Niko Anttola is included in the team, but he has yet to compete in any World Cup events this season due to illness prior to the World Cup opener in Ruka. Last weekend, Anttola competed in the Scandinavia Cup in Lillehammer, where he achieved a notable 12th place in the 20 km classic mass start.

The Tour de Ski will take place in Italy, specifically in Toblach and Val di Fiemme, starting on December 28 with the sprint events. The competition will culminate in the traditional climb at Alpe Cermis on January 5.

Yle Sport's expert Aino-Kaisa Saarinen expressed that the biggest success expectations for the Finnish team lie with Kerttu Niskanen and Krista Pärmäkoski, both of whom had strong performances in Davos. Saarinen noted that Iivo Niskanen, although strong in traditional events, may face challenges in the Tour due to the diverse demands of the competition.