The situation for Finnish men’s skiers looks bleak before the traditional style of the Ruka World Cup, but Kerttu Niskanen is the favorite to win the women’s race. Reijo Jylhä anticipates Saturday’s events.
When the king of Kuusamo Iivo Niskanen is on the sidelines due to the corona virus, Finnish men’s skiers may face a rough collapse on Saturday at the traditional top ten of the World Cup in Ruka.
– The rankings of the Finns are at the 30th place of the old points limit, says Iltalehti’s skiing expert Reijo Jylhä.
Niskanen has won the traditional 15-kilometer Four in Koillismaa and was once third. In seven intermediate start races, he was seventh at his worst.
– Now the eyes are on the junior. Niko Anttola may well be the best Finn on Saturday.
Kerttu as favorite
Kerttu Niskanen skied to victory last Sunday in the free ten of the Suomen Cup in Taivalkoski. Jussi Saarinen
The situation for Finns, when women are traditionally in their twenties, is much worse, because Kerttu Niskanen is one of the early favorites for Saturday’s event.
– Kerttu has already shown very brisk speed and fitness. He has skied consistent competitions. Now he can go on a trip to his heart’s content, says Jylhä.
Kerttu Niskanen has never been on the podium in the Ruka World Cup. One of the reasons for that might be the demanding bills when he is not at home.
Impilinna’s descent saw falls on Saturday.
– Lubricating the traditional one is a challenge. If the cream sticks to the snow during the descent, there will be problems. Another challenge is, of course, if you don’t dare to count Impilinna.
Can the Norwegian men’s skiers be stopped? Who are Kerttu Niskanen’s main opponents? Where Krista Pärmäkoski can you?
Reijo Jylhä’s analysis can be viewed in its entirety in the attached video.