Iivo Niskanen Skips Race Again - Coach Comments

Iivo Niskanen was registered to compete in the men's classical sprint at the Ruka Finnish Cup but did not start during the qualifying heat. His sister, Kerttu Niskanen, also skipped the sprint.

Niskanen's weekend at the Oloksen Tykkikisat raised questions as he finished over 50 seconds behind the winner, Norway's Mattis Stenshagen, in his main distance, the 10-kilometer classical time trial. He mentioned after that race that he was not in good shape, although he did experience a broken pole early on.

Coach Olli Ohtonen clarified to Yle Urheilu why Niskanen was absent from the sprint, stating that he is expected to participate in the 20-kilometer race on Sunday, which is more aligned with his current training and competition strategy. Ohtonen remarked that preparations have been going well, and all efforts are aimed at the upcoming World Cup in Ruka next weekend.

Niskanen has a strong history in Ruka’s time trial events, having won in 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2021, although that event was previously 15 kilometers instead of the current 10 kilometers. The upcoming World Cup season is anticipated to bring notable challenges and competitive opportunities for the Finnish star, with all eyes on his performance at the season's start.