Markus Vuorela knows how to value health even more after an unfortunate season.
Markus Vuorela works as a border guard in Kuhmo. PASSI FLAME
– I could have turned even fewer rocks during the season. Almost all mines have been cleared, Markus Vuorela notes.
The season as a national team skier started on the wrong track right away at the autumn training camp in Val Senales, Italy.
Vuorela aspired to a place at the Beijing Olympics, but the dreams were dealt a severe blow when the calf bone of his right leg broke.
– I returned from camp in a wheelchair. I was out of skiing for two months.
Rehabilitation went well and the skier returned to the racetracks in December. In January, to his surprise, Vuorela even won 15 kilometers of traditional Finnish Championship silver.
However, the difficulties did not remain here.
The World Cups for Planica and Les Rousses, which were marked on the calendar, were canceled due to a coronavirus. It frustrated.
Vuorela decided to rip and take part in Marcialonga, a 70-kilometer classic race in Italy.
– I only registered on Saturday when the race took place on Sunday. I got a surprisingly good starting number, but still too far away. The number was 281. I never caught a tip hose at any point. It would have been great to get closer to the race.
Vuorela was 50th when 185 skiers came to the finish line. The whole race was a draw.
– I was able to make a tie after my first injury. The foot withstands it very well. It was a great experience.
The war worries
Markus Vuorela represents Jämin Jännen. PASSI FLAME
The civilian profession has also been affected by the exceptional winter. Vuorela has been on leave from his duties as a border guard.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine makes a patriotic skier serious.
– Of course it needs to be thought through. War is always a matter of concern. It cannot be denied.
– I will not comment on that any further. It mixes your own and the official’s opinion.
Despite disappointment, Vuorela followed the Olympics closely. He also skied two Scandinavian Cup trips in Estonia during the Games.
– I watched every race. It was nice to watch the Finns succeed. There were a lot of good friends on the team. My situation did not change for any reason, no matter how annoying. Of course there has been frustration, but I looked at it with pleasure.
Vuorela opened his World Cup season in February in Lahti. The result was the traditional 15th place in the 15th kilometer.
The season was supposed to continue at Holmenkollen, but the flu canceled the trip.
– I aimed at Holmenkollen and exercises were done with that in mind. That’s why it was a shame I didn’t get in.
The World Cup closing weekend in Falun put the same trip in the 39th place.
– I’m thinking of going to Falun after the flu. I knew the blow wasn’t quite the best. It wasn’t what I expected.
Marathon trips
Vuorela was unable to represent Finland at the Olympics. PASSI FLAME
After a difficult season, Vuorela knows how to value health even more.
The tibia is almost completely healed. The fracture is a little more disturbing in tight curves and steep descents.
Next in mind are Ruka’s Finnish Cup and the Rovaniemi Finnish Championships.
Vuorela is also considering skiing the 70-kilometer Ylläs-Levi.