A big observation about Iivo Niskas: “This proved it”

– It was a maximum performance for this point, Reijo Jylhä summarizes Iivo Niskanen’s second place in the 20 km traditional race.

Niskanen showed intelligence on the track of Les Rousses.

– It was tactically very smart skiing from Iivo. Hugo Lapalus and Mika Vermeulen made sure that there was enough speed, so it wasn’t worth going there (to the top) themselves.

Niskanen said that he thought about whether he would even go to France to compete. There is no need to regret the decision to leave anymore.

– Yes, that trip showed that it was worth going. This race showed that Iivo is fine. There’s no need to worry about the World Cup, as long as Iivo stays healthy, Jylhä insists.

– Since there is a limited number of competitions, the earlier you can ski the World Cup competitions, the better.

Ahonen winced

William Poromaa took the first World Cup victory of his career with a difference of 0.9 seconds to Niskase. The Swede is allowed to expect good placings in the World Championships as well, but Jylhä doesn’t expect to win for him yet.

– When fit (John) However, Klæbo would probably have been stronger, the expert sees.

Ville Ahonen 15th place was a pleasant surprise for Finns. Ahonen has been under scrutiny throughout the early season, and now he succeeded in a very big moment.

– It’s challenging when you have to give World Cup displays all the time. When there are very few butt competitions, that was a really important place for Ville, says Jylhä.

Despite the ranking, the competition was not just a joyous march for Ahonen.

– At Ville, the machine didn’t start at first. He had a difficult race, says Jylhä.