It has looked shaky lately, but in 20 kilometers in Lahtis, Iivo Niskanen made a strong effort. All the way to victory it was not enough, but he finished second behind the superior Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.
When the World Cup started in Ruka in November, Iivo Niskanen finished second in the ten kilometer classic. That time it was a bitter defeat against Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, who was barely three seconds faster.
A few months later in Lahtis, Niskanen was forced to surrender to another Norwegian. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won today’s 20 kilometer classic by 24 seconds ahead of Niskanen.
Now there were also completely different scenes in the goal area than in Ruka. That time Niskanen threw his poles in frustration – now he embraced Klæbo after the finish.
– It was a good and tough competition. I am satisfied that I was able to perform at this level today, Niskanen told Yle after the race.
Strong start by Niskanen
The race in Lahti has been highlighted as one of Niskanen’s main goals during the last part of the season. It was intended that the form would be expressly peaked for this weekend and next week’s five-mile race in Holmenkollen.
Niskanen has had to endure a lot of criticism recently, but in today’s race the focus was on the right things and the riding bit in the wet fore.
– The season has been difficult, but in recent weeks I have felt that the form is on the rise. I hoped it would be good for these competitions, says Niskanen.
The first intermediate times suggested that Niskanen would sell himself dear and that the competitors would have to struggle to challenge him. Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget and Pål Golberg tried at the beginning but couldn’t, and in the end only Klæbo was left who could snuff out Niskanen for victory.
Klæbo better during the second part
And Klæbo went furiously during the second half of the race. He picked up a lot of time on Niskanen and then pulled away significantly. Seven kilometers before the finish, he led by almost twelve seconds, and the gap grew further towards the finish.
– It was about being able to endure all the way and I am happy with the second place. I knew how the track was and there was nothing to be done about Klæbo. He did incredibly well and there was no talk of the matter today, says Niskanen.
Niskanen was the only non-Norwegian skater in the top six. Løwstrøm Nyenget finished third, Golberg fourth, Erik Valnes fifth and World Cup leader Harald Amundsen sixth.
Result 20 km (k):
1. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo NOR 48.00,1
2. Iivo Niskanen FIN +24.0
3. Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget NOR +58.2
4. Pål Golberg NOR +1.09,0
5. Erik Valnes NOR +1.25,9
6. Harald Amundsen NOR +1.36.5
—————-
12. Lauri Vuorinen FIN +1.59.7
14. Ville Ahonen FIN +2.13,1
19. Niko Anttola FIN +2.34.8
20. Ristomatti Hakola FIN +2.38.2
24. Markus Vuorela FIN +2.52.5
26. Arsi Ruuskanen FIN +3.06,4
30. Lauri Lepistö FIN +3.10,8
40. Miro Karppanen FIN +4.01,4
41. Emil Liekari FIN +4.23,6
44. Juuso Haarala FIN +4.54,3
Perttu Hyvärinen FIN DNF
