Kerttu Niskanen won the 10 km race

Kerttu Niskanen was under attack on Friday in Falun. Stock photo. PASI LEISMA

Kerttu Niskanen stormed to an irresistible victory on Friday in the 10 km traditional intermediate start race of the World Cup in Falun.

The performance could be characterized as deafening, because Niskas has had some tough days behind him: last weekend 50 kilometers in Oslo and two sprint starts in Drammen on Tuesday.

– Doesn’t get tired, doesn’t bend at all! A fierce bet! Niskanen is at an overwhelming pace today. A huge attack has been seen, exclaimed Viaplay’s commentator Jussi Eskola.

Finland’s departure from second-placed Germany on Friday to Katharina Hennig was 15.9 seconds. The third was from Norway Anne Kjersti Kalvå (+22.3).

– It’s a good feeling. I was a bit thoughtful before the start, when I felt that 50 kilometers and the sprint kicked me a bit, Niskanen commented to Viaplay.

– The skis were good: held and glided. The maintenance did a good job for the truck. Must Mika Venäläinen give a big thank you when he has made good skis all season, Niskanen continued.

Niskanen’s winning time on Friday was 27:08.5.

Niskanen’s way was paved on Friday by Swedish stars Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson absences.

The win was Niskanen’s second World Cup of the season. He won first place in Beitostölen on December 10. The journey and competition format was the same as on Friday in Taalainmaa.

The win was Niskanen’s fifth World Cup in his career.

– Kertu had a great, strong and balanced skiing, praised the Finnish women’s coach Jussi Piirainen In an interview with Viaplay.

Niskanen is third in the overall World Cup competition before the last four starts.

In the top quartet are Norway’s Tiril Weng (1,796 points), USA Jessie Diggins (-123), Niskanen (-204) and the USA Rosie Brennan (-358).

In the Normal Travel Cup, Niskanen leads Diggins by 22 points before next weekend’s final trip to Lahti.