Analyzing the Ruka Suomen Cup: Key Takeaways
As the dust settles on the Ruka Suomen Cup, attention turns to the performances that defined the weekend, particularly that of Iivo Niskanen, who struggled through the final climb of the men’s 20 km freestyle race.
Niskanen’s performance dropped off markedly, akin to an unfortunate uncle tumbling from a boat. As Iltalehti’s skiing expert, Pirjo Muranen, reflects, “He didn’t find his rhythm like others; it was almost as if he resigned to the outcome.” The question weighing on many minds is whether Niskanen’s physical condition had truly declined to the point where he had little left to give.
The decisive moment of the race unfolded on the steep ascent leading to the Ruka ski stadium, where competitors were forced to rely heavily on the hoe technique. “At Ruka, mastering the hoe is essential for success,” Muranen points out. “What I observed from Niskanen wasn’t his best. With the right form, he could have shown a different side of himself.”
Niskanen has been playing catch-up since suffering a finger injury last May, which included a broken thumb during a roller skiing accident. Muranen explained, “It seems he’s been compensating with alternative training methods, like skating without poles. While I don’t think this injury has drastically impacted his season preparation, it certainly posed challenges.”
When asked about Niskanen’s overall performance, Muranen acknowledged its mixed nature. “His technique looked promising despite the lack of rhythm. However, I find his neck and conditioning to be significant unanswered questions. Previous seasons have shown that, even without peak form, he can bounce back with the right adjustments.”
Emerging Talents: A New Hero
Highlighting the weekend’s surprises, Veeti Pyykkö has quickly established himself as a standout in Finnish skiing. Fresh off a fifth-place finish at the Olos cannon competition, he secured second place in the Ruka Suomen Cup.
Muranen praised Pyykkö’s composed approach, noting, “He maintained a strong position throughout the race without making rash decisions. His game sense was impressive.” However, she tempered expectations by reminding fans that Sunday’s race pace was relatively relaxed. “If Pyykkö makes it into the top 30 in next weekend’s World Cup here at Ruka, that would be a remarkable achievement,” she added.
The Dive of Hyvärinen
On another note, Perttu Hyvärinen faced criticism for a disappointing finish, placing seventeenth. “He received some tough marks in my notes,” Muranen remarked. His coach, Mikko Virtanen, had previously stated that Hyvärinen was focusing on intensive training leading up to the World Cup, which likely contributed to his underwhelming result on Sunday.
“There’s faith in Hyvärinen’s past performances,” Muranen assured. “With some tapering and strategic adjustments, he should be capable of better results in the upcoming events.”
Sunday’s winner, Ristomatti Hakola, expressed his surprise at the victory, having struggled with free normal trips in recent years. “Team skiing always brings a good vibe,” he said. “The steady pace worked to my advantage today, complemented by my sprinting skills.”
A Disappointing Women’s Race
In stark contrast to the men’s race, the women’s 20 km event left much to be desired in terms of excitement. Muranen left little room for ambiguity when she described it as “boring,” lamenting the lack of urgency from the national team competitors.
“I had hoped to see a more vigorous pace from our female athletes,” she stated. “The final results don’t reveal much.”
Kerttu Niskanen, who might have brought an exciting dynamic, missed the race due to a back injury, described as a “witch’s arrow” by insiders. Muranen noted, “The situation is evolving daily, but it’s important to remember that back issues can greatly affect performance in both classic and freestyle skiing.”
Ruka Suomen Cup Results
Here’s how the top finishers fared in both the men’s and women’s events:
Men’s 20 km Freestyle (Joint Start)
- Ristomatti Hakola — 51:07.8
- Veeti Pyykkö — +0.4
- Joni Mäki — +4.1
- Arsi Ruuskanen — +4.8
- Kalle Parantainen — +6.2
Women’s 20 km Freestyle (Joint Start)
- Jasmin Kähärä, Vuokatti Ski Team Kainuu — 1:01:37.1
- Vilma Ryytty, Iisalmen Visa — +1.8
- Vilma Nissinen, Vuokatti Ski Team Kainuu — +8.8
- Johanna Matintalo, Ounasvaara Ski Club — +11.2
- Selene Rossi, Vuokatti Ski Team Kainuu — +12.5
As the skiers prepare for the next round of competitions, the insights from this event will undoubtedly shape their strategies moving forward.