\n<\/p>\n
Moilanen, representing Pohti SkiTeam, triumphed over his teammate M\u00e4ki by a mere two hundredths of a second. Ounasvaara Ski Club\u2019s Vuorinen finished 18 hundredths behind, securing third place.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst individual Suomen Cup podium. It was great to kick off the season by stepping onto the podium,\u201d Moilanen expressed in an interview with Yle TV.<\/p>\n
Moilanen executed the sprint with impressive physical and tactical performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe effort is gradually starting to bear fruit. I\u2019ve improved in every area,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
This victory presents Moilanen with promising opportunities for next week\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll take one race and one day at a time and not think too far ahead. We\u2019ll do everything as well as we possibly can,\u201d Moilanen stated.<\/p>\n
M\u00e4ki and Vuorinen both aimed for the win but neither regretted the close loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cPositive signs,\u201d M\u00e4ki summarized after his opening races of the season.<\/p>\n
Vuorinen noted that he lost too much time on the final climb.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll take some rest early in the week. Hopefully, I\u2019ll get sharper legs for next weekend,\u201d Vuorinen said, already concentrating on the World Cup opener.<\/p>\n
Joensuu shines with a strong performance<\/p>\n
Vantaa Ski Club\u2019s Jasmi Joensuu maintained a significant lead ahead of Tampereen Pyrint\u00f6\u2019s Amanda Saari and Ounasvaara Ski Club\u2019s Johanna Matintalo at the Ruka ski stadium. Joensuu dominated the race day from the qualification round to the finish line of the final.<\/p>\n
Overall, Joensuu is pleased with her early-season skiing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been another 365 days of solid training,\u201d she shared with Yle.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow we\u2019ve completed two sprints, and the feeling at the end of both races has been positive. That indicates my endurance has improved even further.\u201d<\/p>\n
Continuation of the story below.<\/p>\n
The top three in the women\u2019s sprint. Photo: Touho H\u00e4kkinen<\/p>\n
The Ruka Suomen Cup continues Sunday with 20km freestyle races.<\/p>\n
Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE<\/a> to read more about it.<\/p>\n Text: STT Sports\/Teemu Virtanen and published on Maastohiihto.com.<\/p>\n As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you gain full access to all site materials and live streams of Ski Classics Pro Tour competitions with English commentary.<\/p>\n By joining one of the world\u2019s leading communities of XC ski enthusiasts, you will receive numerous exclusive offers throughout the year.<\/p>\n