Ristomatti Hakola did not dare to rely on a relay medal. The World Cup medalist would not have wanted to be in Niko Anttola’s boots.
Finnish men won the World Cup silver in the men’s 4×10 kilometer relay in Planica on Friday. 14 years had passed since the previous medal.
Cross mat Hakola brought Finland to the first exchange closely involved in the top group. Hakola rushed to the service truck to change into dry clothes, and did not dare to watch the race.
– Iivo Niskanen asked if the data package had run out when the mobile phone was not on, Hakola said.
– I didn’t watch the race. I’ve watched a few times in the prestigious races with a truck and tasted the medals. I decided to leave through pessimism.
Hakola heard some noises upstairs from the maintenance truck, but could have watched the race in peace. Niskanen tore Finland apart from the rest of the group in the second leg, and Perttu Hyvärinen maintained the distinction.
When 20 years old Niko Anttola started the anchor section, the group fighting for bronze was half a minute away.
Hakola thinks Anttola’s performance is amazing.
– I wouldn’t have gone there when I was 20! Maybe I skied at the Kankaanpää district championships then.
– He’s a tough guy. Doesn’t really take pressure. Time is running out with basic readings. His skiing was really controlled.
Niskanen’s encouragement
Ristomatti Hakola did not dare to rely on a relay medal. Pasi Liesimaa
Niskanen encouraged Anttola before the last bit.
– I guess I guess he will boldly go and do his own skiing. In a group, it’s easy to start looking at others. Start off with a good, relaxed hard start, and the gap will remain large enough. Belief stops behind you.
According to Hakola, Finland’s tactics for the message were clear.
– When the friends are tough enough, you can do the basic performance yourself. I came in the top group or there was only one man in the barren. The tactic was based on Iivo poisoning the rest.
– We have been dreaming about this for a year. It feels incredible.
Norway’s superiority was known in advance. Finland assumed that it was fighting against Sweden, France and Germany. Fortunately for Finland, the group coming from behind started to fight for the bronze.
Perttu Hyvärinen sent Anttola to the anchor section. Pasi Liesimaa