Johanna Matintalo's Breakthrough Performance Shrouded in Secrecy Over New Ski Gear

On March 16th, Johanna Matintalo delivered an incredible performance at the World Cup in Falun, tackling the challenging, damp conditions with remarkable skill. Starting with a low bib number, she came within 4.2 seconds of claiming victory in the 10-kilometer event, ultimately finishing second to Kerttu Niskanen. This result marked a career-best for Matintalo in the World Cup circuit.

Typically, such an impressive finish would draw attention to the athlete's equipment, but Matintalo and her team are keeping quiet because of a strict non-disclosure agreement. About 20 members of the Finnish team have signed this confidentiality pact, which pertains to a cutting-edge ski innovation developed by CustomSki. This new technique focuses on the grip areas of the skis and, while successfully tested, remains under wraps due to patent concerns.

Pasi and Esa Vironen, the partners at CustomSki, confirmed the necessity of discretion, citing fears of industrial espionage as a primary concern. The innovation involves a unique treatment for the ski base—it’s not a chemical preparation—poised to significantly enhance performance in certain conditions.

During the race in Falun, Matintalo's skis exhibited enhanced grip, perfectly suited for the damp terrain, contributing to her outstanding result. Other team members, including Iivo Niskanen, have also participated in testing the new gear. With this emphasis on confidentiality, Matintalo expressed her enthusiasm for supporting a Finnish company in gaining a competitive edge internationally, hoping to leverage this groundbreaking innovation in future competitions.