Niko Anttola withdraws from Ruka World Cup ski events

Niko Anttola withdraws from the World Cup ski competitions in Ruka due to illness, as reported by the Ski Association. The 21-year-old was scheduled to compete in the 10-kilometer classic style race on Friday and the 20-kilometer freestyle mass start on Sunday. Juuso Varis will replace Anttola in the Finnish U23 quota.

Anttola won the junior world championship title in the 10 km earlier this year and anchored Finland to a silver medal in the relay at the World Championships in Planica. However, last season was inconsistent for the ProSki Oulu skier. He earned a silver medal in the national championships for the 20 km and managed to secure a spot in the top 20 during one World Cup race.