Moilanen, representing Pohti SkiTeam, triumphed over his teammate Mäki by a mere two hundredths of a second. Ounasvaara Ski Club’s Vuorinen finished 18 hundredths behind, securing third place.
“First individual Suomen Cup podium. It was great to kick off the season by stepping onto the podium,” Moilanen expressed in an interview with Yle TV.
Moilanen executed the sprint with impressive physical and tactical performance.
“The effort is gradually starting to bear fruit. I’ve improved in every area,” he added.
This victory presents Moilanen with promising opportunities for next week’s Ruka World Cup races and the entire Olympic season. However, he is choosing to focus on the present rather than the upcoming year or the Milano-Cortina Olympics.
“I’ll take one race and one day at a time and not think too far ahead. We’ll do everything as well as we possibly can,” Moilanen stated.
Mäki and Vuorinen both aimed for the win but neither regretted the close loss.
“Positive signs,” Mäki summarized after his opening races of the season.
Vuorinen noted that he lost too much time on the final climb.
“I’ll take some rest early in the week. Hopefully, I’ll get sharper legs for next weekend,” Vuorinen said, already concentrating on the World Cup opener.
Suomen Cup weekend 2/6, sprint 1.4km C – Men
- Niilo Moilanen, Pohti SkiTeam 2:35.42
- Joni Mäki, Pohti SkiTeam +0.02
- Lauri Vuorinen, OunasvHS +0.18
- Juuso Haarala, Pohti SkiTeam +1.83
- Emil Liekari, Vuokatti Ski Team +2.87
- Markus Vuorela, Jämin Jänne +5.78
Joensuu shines with a strong performance
Vantaa Ski Club’s Jasmi Joensuu maintained a significant lead ahead of Tampereen Pyrintö’s Amanda Saari and Ounasvaara Ski Club’s Johanna Matintalo at the Ruka ski stadium. Joensuu dominated the race day from the qualification round to the finish line of the final.
Overall, Joensuu is pleased with her early-season skiing.
“It’s been another 365 days of solid training,” she shared with Yle.
“Now we’ve completed two sprints, and the feeling at the end of both races has been positive. That indicates my endurance has improved even further.”
Suomen Cup weekend 2/6, sprint 1.4km C – Women
- Jasmi Joensuu, VantHS 2:56.40
- Amanda Saari, TampPy +0.70
- Johanna Matintalo, OunasvHS +1.95
- Krista Pärmäkoski, IkaalUr +2.82
- Jasmin Kähärä, Vuokatti Ski Team +3.70
- Hilla Niemelä, IkaalUr +15.66
Continuation of the story below.
The top three in the women’s sprint. Photo: Touho Häkkinen
The Ruka Suomen Cup continues Sunday with 20km freestyle races.
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Text: STT Sports/Teemu Virtanen and published on Maastohiihto.com.
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