In a tight men’s competition it all came down to a direct duel between the best Finnish World Cup athletes Eero Hirvonen and Ilkka Herola (Puijo Ski Club).
Both delivered a strong race and gained many places after the Ski Jumping part. Herola had the fastest skiing time with 22:10.6 min, Hirvonen the second fastest with 22:28.5 min.
In the end, Hirvonen was able to win the thrilling “Finnish finish sprint” by a razor-thin lead of 0.1 seconds. Herola placed second, while the third place went to Arttu Mäkiaho from Kainuun Hiihtoseura.
“I had a challenging morning due to some nervousness, but it, fortunately changed when I skipped the trial round on the hill and went jogging instead. From rank 4 after jumping I managed to deliver a great cross-country performance which made the competition of course a lot easier”, commented Hirvonen.
In the Youth U18 competition only Lumia Nurmela of Ounasvaara Ski Club competed in the women’s race and therefore won the title unrivaled, while Valtteri Holopainen of Siilinjärvi Ponnistus celebrated the Finnish championship title in the men’s U18 category.
Women’s U18 results
Men’s U18 results
