Kerttu Niskanen’s Collapse Surprises Experts – The Head Coach Has a Contrasting Tone Compared to the Star

Yle's ski experts Ville Nousiainen and Aino-Kaisa Saarinen discuss the ski-related topics. Teemu Pasanen took a strong stance on the course issues.

Kerttu Niskanen blew after the combined competition in Val di Fiemme. Picture: Lehtikuva / Emmi Korhonen

Kerttu Niskanen faced expectations heading into Saturday’s Tour de Ski, but finished sixth in the 20km combined event (10 kilometers in the classic style and 10 kilometers freestyle). Niskanen fell over two minutes behind the winner Therese Johaug and dropped to fourth place overall. Jessie Diggins finished over a minute faster than Niskanen in the combined event and will have a 40 second lead over Niskanen heading into the final climb at Alpe Cermis.

Yle's ski expert Ville Nousiainen expressed disbelief at Niskanen's collapse. "I never thought that such a resilient racer as Kerttu Niskanen would struggle with the leading speed during the classical segment. This was an unfortunate working accident that can happen on the Tour to anyone," Nousiainen said.

Niskanens' struggle affected her podium chances, and she believed the victory was out of reach. She approached the race in a way that left her unable to perform better.

Does Niskanen still have strength left?

"You need to push through the first three kilometers of ascent. Up to that point, everyone will likely ski in a group. Then we will see who has the mental strength," Nousiainen assessed.

Head coach Teemu Pasanen viewed the race as a true test of endurance. "The fittest certainly stood out on that course. There were significant gaps," Pasanen assessed.

Pasanen believes that the fatigue started to show in Niskanen because the Finnish star has had to ski alone in practically three races, including a 20km freestyle time trial and a 15km classical chase race at Toblach. However, Pasanen counted this 20km combined event as the third.

"Kerttu could not keep up with the leaders. The last few races have taken their toll," Pasanen said.

Teemu Pasanen took a strong stance on Olympic courses in an interview with Yle. Picture: Tomi Hänninen / Chilipictures

There was still only one 3.3 kilometer loop open regarding the normal distance tracks. According to Pasanen, there will be additional difficulties added to the tracks when the classical style segments are opened. He believes this will lead to a higher elevation as well.

Pasanen expressed a completely different tone compared to Niskanen when he spoke about the toughness of the upcoming Olympic courses.

"These are really tough tracks, as they should be in championship competitions. Endurance will determine the outcomes of normal distance races. I personally like the tracks to be sufficiently tough. The fittest and strongest will win," Pasanen described.

He feels that on the Olympic tracks in Val di Fiemme, competitors must be able to ski steep ascents. This, according to the head coach, is also what they have trained for.

"You need to be able to tackle steep climbs. You have to withstand pressure when skiing classical or skating. You can't recover while descending. The descents are very winding and rather challenging," Pasanen emphasized the demands of the Olympic tracks.

Aino-Kaisa Saarinen praised Therese Johaug.

Therese Johaug was outright superior in the women's combined competition. Johaug wasn't even supposed to participate in the Tour, but wanted to compete more. Now that decision seems to have paid off.

Johaug told Yle after the competition that she felt in good shape throughout the season but believes she has improved even further during the Tour.

"It was the right decision for Johaug to reverse her decision and start competing. She knew and felt that she needed the races. The pace has been improving throughout the Tour," Aino-Kaisa Saarinen praised in the Sports Studio.

Therese Johaug celebrated vigorously at the finish line of the combined competition.