Cross Country Skiing

Bolšunov Wins Again as Ski Pair Protests Russian Participation with Ukrainian Flags

Bolšunov Wins Again as Ski Pair Protests Russian Participation with Ukrainian Flags

February 15, 2025 / Yle

Russian cross-country skier Aleksandr Bolšunov returned to international competition in Italy, winning a 30 km traditional race by 14 seconds ahead of Italian Lorenzo Busin. The protest came when Busin and his female teammate Malin Börjesjö displayed a sash featuring the Ukrainian flag colors to express their disapproval of allowing a Russian athlete to compete amid ongoing political tensions.

Iivo Niskanen Brings Aino-Kaisa Saarinen to Tears – Expert Recommends a Thrilling Move for TV Viewers

Iivo Niskanen Brings Aino-Kaisa Saarinen to Tears – Expert Recommends a Thrilling Move for TV Viewers

February 15, 2025 / Yle

Iivo Niskanen’s brilliant performance in the Falun World Cup left renowned cross‐country skiing expert Aino-Kaisa Saarinen in tears. Niskanen strategically conserved energy before unleashing a decisive sprint in the final 2.5 kilometers, outpacing Norway’s Johannes Hösflot Kläbo by 12.9 seconds, and setting high expectations for the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim.

Victories for Finn Iivo Niskanen and Swede Ebba Anderson at the 10 km Classic World Cup in Falun

Victories for Finn Iivo Niskanen and Swede Ebba Anderson at the 10 km Classic World Cup in Falun

February 15, 2025 / L'Équipe

Finnish cross-country skier Iivo Niskanen claimed his second World Cup victory of the season in the 10 km classic race at Falun, Sweden, finishing with a time of 24'54.3. In the women’s race, Swedish Ebba Anderson took the win, while French Flora Dolci was the best-placed French competitor, finishing 22nd.

Anger's Comeback – Impressive Distance Performance: ‘Very Good’

Anger's Comeback – Impressive Distance Performance: ‘Very Good’

February 15, 2025 / Sveriges Radio

Swedish cross-country skier Edvin Anger continues to shine in the World Cup, finishing sixth in the 10km classical race in Falun. His time was just 12 seconds off a podium finish as he trailed behind Finland’s Iivo Niskanen, with notable performances from Johannes Hösflot Kläbo, Erik Valnes, and Calle Halfvarsson, who achieved his season’s best finish by placing eighth.

Iivo Niskanen Breaks Over 30-Year Curse with Dominant Falun Victory

Iivo Niskanen Breaks Over 30-Year Curse with Dominant Falun Victory

February 15, 2025 / Yle

Finnish cross-country skiing star Iivo Niskanen delivered a stunning win in the 10 km classical race at Falun, ending a more than 30-year drought in individual competitions on this historic Swedish venue. His 12.9-second lead over Norwegian Johannes Hösflot Kläbo has raised concerns in Norway, bolstering Finnish momentum as they look ahead to the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim.

Kerttu Niskanen Slowed Down Her Parade Journey in the World Cup – Aino-Kaisa Saarinen Accepted the Explanation

Kerttu Niskanen Slowed Down Her Parade Journey in the World Cup – Aino-Kaisa Saarinen Accepted the Explanation

February 15, 2025 / Yle

In Falun, Kerttu Niskanen finished 10th in the 10 km classical World Cup race, trailing Sweden’s Ebba Andersson by over a minute despite high expectations. Although disappointed by her performance, Niskanen remains optimistic about her medal chances at the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim, as explained by expert Aino-Kaisa Saarinen.

Jonas Karlsson: 'Then You Will Perform Well at the Championships'

Jonas Karlsson: 'Then You Will Perform Well at the Championships'

February 15, 2025 / Sveriges Radio

In this interview segment, Swedish cross-country ski expert Jonas Karlsson discusses the significance of recent World Cup competitions in Falun as a precursor to performance at the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim. Alongside program host Linn Nenzén and ski expert Torgny Mogren, he examines whether the last World Cup race can be used to predict success at the Championships.

Norwegian Star Tumbles Before World Championships Dress Rehearsal in Falun

Norwegian Star Tumbles Before World Championships Dress Rehearsal in Falun

February 15, 2025 / NRK

In Falun, Iivo Niskanen claimed victory in the classic 10 km race, outperforming Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Erik Valnes, and Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget. The result, seen as a general rehearsal ahead of the World Championships, sparked discussions of rivalry and upcoming challenges, with notable mentions of strong performances by Swedish skiers like William Poromaa and exceptional efforts in the women’s race by Ebba Andersson and Heidi Weng.

Ebba Andersson: “Not as Confident”

Ebba Andersson: “Not as Confident”

February 15, 2025 / Sveriges Radio

Ebba Andersson, one of the favorites in the upcoming distance races at the World Championship trial in Falun, admits that her confidence isn’t as high as it was when she became the World Championship queen in Planica. Despite a challenging season, she remains hopeful ahead of the World Championships in Trondheim.

Winter Sports: Stina Nilsson Misses the Podium in Orsa Grönklitt Due to Tactical Error

February 15, 2025 / SVT Sport

In a dramatic finish at the 61km Ski Classics race in Orsa Grönklitt, Stina Nilsson lost her chance at a podium finish after a tactical misstep allowed Anikken Gjerde Alnes to overtake her in the final stretch. Nilsson explained her mistake, while Emilie Fleten secured a dominant victory and Jenny Larsson took second place.

Klæbo's Winning Streak Broken – Iivo Niskanen Wins World Championship Trial in Falun

February 15, 2025 / Eurosport

Finnish skier Iivo Niskanen claimed victory on the 10km classical course at the Falun World Cup event, breaking Johannes Høsflot Klæbo’s seven-win streak. The result serves as an important precursor to the upcoming World Championships in Granåsen, where Norway has secured five starting positions.

‘With Trump’s Permission’ – See How Aleksandr Bolšunov Spoke About His Comeback Abroad

‘With Trump’s Permission’ – See How Aleksandr Bolšunov Spoke About His Comeback Abroad

February 14, 2025 / Yle

Russian cross-country skier Aleksandr Bolšunov made his first international comeback in nearly three years at the Sudtirol Moonlight Classic in Italy, winning a 30 km race using traditional technique. The article highlights the political controversy surrounding his return to competition, with comments from prominent skiers such as Maja Dahlqvist, Erik Valnes, and Johannes Hösflot Kläbo. It also mentions that Bolšunov humorously credited receiving 'permission from Trump' to compete abroad in the current contentious climate.