Finlandia-Hiihto

Beside the 5th FIS Worldloppet Cup stage, the American Birkebeiner, there was another venue with Worldloppet action this weekend: Lahti/Hollola, Finland. 3500 skiers enjoyed a sunny & wintery snowy marathon skiing weekend at the Finlandia Hiihto.

Finnish victories in the classic competitions

On Saturday the classic races took place, with winners from Finland. Ari Luusua and Niina Virtanen took the victories in the Finlandia Ski Marathon Classic 50 km main races. Luusua finished 2,7 seconds ahead of Aku Nikander, Finlandia Ski Marathon legend Kari Varis finished third. Virtanen won by a 3.49,5 minutes ahead of Krista Niiranen, Eeva Ahervo finished third. For Luusua it was the first victory at Finlandia Ski Marathon, Virtanen defended her title from last year.

“10 km before finish Aku Nikander was increasing speed. I followed him and leaded also a little bit to help. In the end I made the gap in final downhill. My plan was to make my move in the final straight, but it was not needed as my skis were so great”, said Luusua.

For him Finlandia Ski Marathon was a great part of preparations on his way to Vasaloppet. To Vasaloppet goes also Virtanen, who will race the classic for the first time.

”This was my main event this season. This winter I have been skiing a lot more longer distances, it was easier to ski. I dared to go fast from the beginning. I was skiing together with a bunch of men, and it was a good pack where leader was changing and the pace was good. I couldn’t ski that fast alone. Now it is Vasaloppet next. I have never been there before”, Virtanen said.

Free technique race day on Sunday with 100 km race

On Sunday it was free technique race day, with a 20 km, 50 km & the ultra race, the 100 km competition. After a big success at last year’s 100th Birthday of Finland, the 100 km competition took place for the second time this year. 

The 50 km main race was won by Fabian Stocek from Czech Republic Sini Alusniemi from Finland. Between Stocek and second placed Kimmo Kymäläinen it was a photo finish were Stocek was a winner by a tiny marginal. Waltteri Vinkanharju finished third. Alusniemi was in her own class winning by over 10-minute marginal.

“It was a good day, I could keep going in good pace well. The pace was pretty stable throughout the race”, Alusniemi said.

In 100 km, Tyler DeAngelis from the United States was the fastest, while in the 20 km a young Finnish talent, Lassi Vuorinen, and Rebecca Immonen were the fastest man and woman on the course.

Finlandia Ski Marathon was completed in sunny, winter weather with temperatures varying from -18 to -12 degrees. Conditions remained excellent.