Hakola’s career continues. Lindholm did not leave the national team.
Remi Lindholm continues in the national skiing team. Jussi Saarinen
– Even if a place in the A national team is offered, I have decided that I will train as a lone wolf in the basic training season.
That’s what the cross-country skier announced Remi Lindholm In Iltalehti’s story at the end of March.
The man’s coat turned when the new head coach of the Ski Association’s cross-country skiing Joakim Abrahamsson started his job on April 1.
– Lindholm’s name is on the list of the A national team. Let’s see what we can do together. He is a very interesting guy who had a back injury last summer. I believe he will ski hard next winter, Abrahamsson commented.
Another significant surprise in the national skiing team named on Monday is Cross mat Hakola.
The Kankaanpää native has been playing around for a year and a half with the idea that his career ended in the 2025–26 season.
– Hakola’s career continues, says the Swedish head coach.
– After the 2025–26 season, Hakola needed a few weeks to think about what he wants to do. Now everything is clear and he wants to be involved. Hakola was in the double relay with World Cup medals in 2025, and he has the opportunity to return to that level. He is ready to work and he brings good energy to the team, says Abrahamsson.
Necks included
Ristomatti Hakola’s career continues. Jussi Saarinen
The third, although smaller than the two mentioned above, surprise in the national team selections is, Kerttu and Iivo Niskanen presence.
In recent years, the siblings have trained during the basic training seasons outside of the A national team.
Abrahamsson already told Iltalehti in March that the goal is to get Iivo Niskanen into the national team for the basic training season in 2026.
– They are part of our large group. It’s interesting and great that they are very motivated to train for next winter’s World Championships in Falun.
Swede Joakim Abrahamsson is the new head coach of skiing. Jussi Saarinen
The Finnish group is exceptionally large: eight women and 12 men.
– We start with a slightly larger group. An interesting mix of slightly older and younger skiers, with a few potential names left out of the group. It is likely that some athletes will miss out before the 2029 World Cup home games in Lahti.
The only new name of the women’s national team compared to the last basic training season is Vilma Nissinen. Males have two yellow beaks: Anton Kemppi and Alexander Ståhlberg.
Compared to the last basic training season, not a single skier was dropped from the national team. Those who have finished their careers are not included Krista Pärmäkoski, Katri Lylynperä and Perttu Hyvärinen.
The first training camp of the new national team will be held in May.
