Ylistaro’s Topias Vuorela aims high.
– The bitter taste remained. I crashed on the first lap on the final long descent. Otherwise it was a good trip.
That’s how he wrapped up his SM relay skiing Topias Vuorela on Saturday in Inari.
It’s about a 15-year-old first grader who performed handsomely in the anchor part of the 4×10 kilometer relay.
– It’s not worth taking pressure from this age. I’m so young, it’s not possible to compete with the big boys. You can challenge yourself with a relaxed mind.
The skier representing If Minken was ranked 14/33 in the time of the anchor section. Break away from the free side machine the fastest Miro Karppaseen accumulated 1.47.5.
– When I learned to walk, I put on skis. There were no other options. Both siblings have skied, so let’s follow in their footsteps.
On Friday, in the 10 km traditional intermediate start race of the Inari National Championship, the Ylistaro native was in 32nd/130th place. Among other things, he beat his older brother, who was seven years older, by 50 seconds. Big brother Johannes Vuorela is a U23 World Cup visitor from these snows.
– At the moment I am the best skier in the family. This is an unusual situation. My brother has been sick and I have been in good shape all winter.
The brothers do not have a coach, but they prepare the training and competition programs themselves.
– When you sled with Johannes, there will be a long training session. I’ve learned to ski, and I don’t pull over. A steady long run and common sense will give you the best result, says Topias Vuorela, who has been training for about 650 hours this season.
Compared to Iivo
Topias Vuorela is a 15-year-old first grader from Ylistaro. He turns 16 in August and starts high school. Jussi Saarinen
Earlier this season, Topias Vuorela won the 17-year-old Finnish championship in the freestyle.
– I’m more inclined towards the butt, even though both styles of skiing are equally strong.
In the press of Ostrobothnia, Topias Vuorela has been compared Iivo Niskasen.
– It’s a little flattering. However, Iivo is such a hard skier and I myself am such a small factor. Let’s see if I can be like Iivo in the future, commented Pohjalainen.
– The aim is high: in the World Cup and Olympic Games. As long as I can ski and be successful, I will continue, he adds.
You seem to have the Ostrovian way of self-confidence?
– It’s good to be, but you mustn’t get up in the hat – and of course you won’t get up. I can keep my wits about me, and I don’t show off to the skies, even though I’ve been skiing well. There may be bad years in the future.
15-year-old Vuorela will start high school in Ylistaro next fall. He plans to visit it in four years.
THE FACTS
Men’s 4×10 kilometer WC relay
1. Jämin Jänne, (Aku Nikander, Ristomatti Hakola, Markus Vuorela, Lauri Lepistö), +1.36.43.7
2. Imatra Athletes, (Olli Ahonen, Ville Ahonen, Remi Lindholm, Miro Karppanen), +42.8
3. Puijon Ski Club, (Joonas Sarkkinen, Iivo Niskanen, Perttu Hyvärinen, Arttu Heikkinen), +1.24,3
4. Pohti Ski Team, (Juuso Mäkelä, Matias Hyvönen, Joel Ikonen, Joni Mäki), +2.06,1
5. Vuokatti Ski Team Kainuu, (Emil Liekari, Eero Rantala, Tino Tiilikainen, Miska Poikkimäki), +2.41.5
Topias Vuorela brought IF Minken’s second team to the finish line on Saturday in place 14/33. Jussi Saarinen