Jasmi Joensuu’s secret wish falls just short as Sweden dominates Ruka women’s 10 km classic

The women’s 10 km classic interval‑start at the Ruka Nordic World Cup opener was ruled by Sweden. Frida Karlsson took a clear victory, finishing more than 10 seconds ahead of Norway’s Heidi Weng. Sweden completed a strong day with Moa Ilar in third and Ebba Andersson fourth.

Finland’s top finisher was Krista Pärmäkoski in ninth, 45 seconds behind Karlsson. Jasmi Joensuu placed 10th, just under 50 seconds off the winner, which she said left her short of a personal “secret” target of a top‑six finish. Expert Ville Nousiainen assessed both Finns’ races as positive and consistent, noting Joensuu’s strong overall effort despite a less explosive finish.

Pärmäkoski started aggressively and sat second at the first split behind Karlsson, but her pace eased later. She acknowledged going out a bit too eagerly and missing drafting opportunities on lap two, yet remained satisfied with the result—her best at Ruka in three years in what will be her final season.

Joensuu said the skiing felt good overall but admitted to a few slips on climbs and wished she had moved off the track earlier in some sections. She looks forward to Saturday’s classic sprint, her favorite event.

Kerttu Niskanen endured a difficult opener in 19th, more than a minute back. She had expected a tough start to the season and said Ruka’s steep climbs are punishing when early‑season power is lacking. Still, she expressed confidence that her form will improve as the season progresses.

Top results – Ruka women’s 10 km classic: 1) Frida Karlsson (SWE) 25:31.8; 2) Heidi Weng (NOR) +10.5; 3) Moa Ilar (SWE) +18.3; 4) Ebba Andersson (SWE) +21.2; 5) Jessie Diggins (USA) +27.6; 6) Kristin Fosnæs (NOR) +37.2; 7) Teresa Stadlober (AUT) +40.6; 8) Karoline Simpson‑Larsen (NOR) +43.0; 9) Krista Pärmäkoski (FIN) +45.4; 10) Jasmi Joensuu (FIN) +49.3. Other Finns: 17) Johanna Matintalo +1:03.9; 19) Kerttu Niskanen +1:08.2; 23) Vilma Nissinen +1:20.9; 32) Nora Kytäjä +1:59.7; 35) Anni Alakoski +2:07.6; 36) Vilma Ryytty +2:09.3; 43) Oona Kettunen +2:32.7; 45) Hanna Ray +2:39.6; 55) Anne Kyllönen +2:55.8; 61) Elsa Torvinen +3:18.1.

Expert analysis: Ville Nousiainen highlighted Pärmäkoski’s brave start and steady finish without a major fade, and viewed Joensuu’s performance as a strong platform heading into the classic sprint on Saturday.