Iivo Niskanen dejected after Ruka 10 km classic: “Nothing went right” — ex‑coach explains why there’s no need to worry

Norway’s Martin Löwström Nyenget won the men’s 10 km classic in the Ruka World Cup opener, decided by mere seconds. The top five finished within 12 seconds.

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (NOR) took second at +2.1, while Mika Vermeulen (AUT) was third at +4.2, earning his third career World Cup podium. Finland’s Iivo Niskanen placed fifth, +12.0. He had been in the fight for the win on the splits and even sat in the leader’s chair at the finish before Vermeulen nudged ahead. Erik Valnes (NOR) was sixth, one‑tenth behind Niskanen.

A disappointed Niskanen told Yle he was left with a bad taste: he couldn’t ski relaxed and described the day as difficult, saying, “Nothing went right.” He did not blame his skis, calling them a bit sensitive but otherwise fine.

Yle expert Ville Nousiainen said Niskanen and Arsi Ruuskanen (15th) “passed” in tough conditions, though he would have liked stronger performances from some other Finns clustered around 20th place. Niskanen’s former coach Olli Ohtonen also advised against worry, stressing that the weather and waxing variables were exceptionally tricky and played a big role.

Official results – Men’s 10 km classic, Ruka: 1) Martin L. Nyenget (NOR) 22:30.8; 2) Johannes H. Klæbo (NOR) +2.1; 3) Mika Vermeulen (AUT) +4.2; 4) Andreas Ree (NOR) +10.3; 5) Iivo Niskanen (FIN) +12.0; 6) Erik Valnes (NOR) +12.1; 7) Mattis Stenshagen (NOR) +13.1; 8) Didrik Tönseth (NOR) +25.0; 9) Edvin Anger (SWE) +27.9; 10) Hugo Lapalus (FRA) +28.8. Other Finns: 15) Arsi Ruuskanen +39.4; 21) Markus Vuorela +48.7; 22) Ristomatti Hakola +49.2; 23) Ville Ahonen +52.0; 24) Niko Anttola +52.2; 25) Perttu Hyvärinen +53.0.