Niko Anttola was chosen as Finland’s anchor

Head coach of the cross country team Teemu Pasanen held a meeting for the men’s team on Wednesday night, where he announced Friday’s 4×10 kilometer relay quartet.

– I just couldn’t wait, he says Niko Anttola and refers to the announcement of the head coach.

Pasanen named the first-time Finnish anchor of the men’s championships.

– It’s not the easiest place, but that’s okay. Let’s ski as the coaches say.

In the silver relay of Vuokatti’s 2021 Junior World Championships 2021, Anttola was in the traditional second place.

– It doesn’t matter to me which ski I compete in. In training, I have tried to focus equally on both. If after the competition and training season I go for a run in the spring, maybe I’d rather go on a day off.

Although the relay choice surprised Anttola, it was a logical decision from the head coach.

Remi Lindholm has been in Planica with a cough, so he lost the place reserved for him before the games.

It remained to be considered whether Anttola will be the anchor or not Perttu Hyvärinen. The latter’s record as an anchor is not flattering, and on the other hand, the third stage is basically a valid place for the team’s best skater.

Hakola is exciting

As expected, Pasanen named the traditional shares Cross mat Hakolan and Iivo Niskanen.

– I am 100% healthy. Or let’s put 99 percent, Hakola commented.

After the most recent flu, he has been healthy for about three weeks now.

– If only you knew what skiing condition I am in. Fitness can be anything.

Hakola has competed only five times this season. There are two World Cup starts in France in January.

– If normally there are 100 butterflies in the stomach, now there are 120.

Norway is the overwhelming number one favorite for Friday’s competition. France, Italy, Sweden, Germany and Finland are probably the other countries competing for medals.

– After the traditional shares, we have to be at the top, Niskanen announced – and hit the heart of the matter.