This Rule Frustrates Finnish Ski Stars – No International Competitors in World Cup General

This Rule Frustrates Finnish Ski Stars – No International Competitors in World Cup General

Originally published in Yle on November 17, 2024

This rule frustrates Finnish ski stars – no international competitors in World Cup general

Finnish athletes continue their season at the Ruka Finnish Cup. Arsi Ruuskanen hopes that international competitors could be seen in the races, but the rules do not allow it.

Arsi Ruuskanen skied to a third-place finish in the 10 km freestyle race in Oloksia, despite stumbling during the race. He expressed a desire to see foreign competitors at the Finnish Cup, believing it would provide valuable race experience and help sharpen the competition among the Finnish athletes.

Currently, the rules set by the Finnish Ski Federation only allow foreign skiers who reside in Finland and represent Finnish clubs to compete.

Both Ruuskanen and head coach Teemu Pasanen support the inclusion of international athletes in the Finnish Cup, stating that it would bolster competition and be beneficial for training purposes ahead of the World Cup season.

In Oloksia, Ruuskanen and other competitors like veteran athlete Federico Pellegrino showcased their skills, with Pellegrino winning the race and highlighting the competitive nature of cross-country skiing.