Iivo Niskanen's Witty Remark About His Condition – Impressive Stats Could Continue

Iivo Niskanen's dominant performance in the men’s 3x 7.5 kilometers relay at the Iisalmi Finnish Cup marked the end of his competitive season this year. Niskanen, the anchor of his team, finished an impressive 24 seconds ahead of the second-place team, Pohti Ski Team led by Joni Mäki.

During the race, Niskanen stayed strategic, observing Mäki's pace before making his move. "I didn't want to start too quickly; I let Joni ski alone for a while. Fortunately, my own drink gave me wings for the final lap," Niskanen quipped.

Last year, he also achieved first place in a different category of races at the same location. Niskanen commented on his current fitness level, "It's going alright. Not the best condition yet, but it's getting better. I still don’t feel ready to compete on consecutive days, which is why I didn’t participate here on Saturday." He added that the pleasant skiing conditions made him happy, highlighting his prior successes, stating, "Last year I was the district champion, and now I'm the Finnish Cup winner. This shows development."

With the Olympic season ahead, Niskanen plans to focus on recovery and ensure he is prepared without making any compromises. His main event for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympics will be the 50 kilometers mass start in classic style, a race he previously won at the Olympics seven years ago. "I’ll take time to rest in preparation for the Olympic season. I need to get my health back to ensure there are no compromises while preparing for the Olympics. Let's see if I can help with house construction in the meantime," Niskanen teased, hinting at future projects.

Niskanen's performance and light-heartedness showcase his readiness as he gears up for significant upcoming competitions, and his dedication remains clear as he aims for further success on the Olympic stage.