For the past seasons, Noora Kivikko has focused on Ski Classics. She is now living a new life after retiring from the professional rankings last season. Will we see Kivikko wearing a bib number again?

Kivikko says that the idea of ​​quitting had been on her mind for a long time. A little over a year ago, she decided to change her training and focus entirely on national competitions in Finland and Ski Classics. After that, she would be ready to quit.

“I have known for some time that my sports career has come to an end. A year ago, I decided that I would put everything I could into last winter, and then that’s it,” says Kivikko to Maastohiihto.com.

Last season brought Kivikko several good results. In particular, a tenth place at Marcialonga was also a relief for the athlete.

“I’ve had injuries and health problems; training hasn’t always gone well. It was a big relief that I got a result that I was really happy with.”

Despite last season’s successes, it was easy for Kivikko to stick to her decision. For example, the dissertation project has brought meaningful content to her life, and she has been comfortable focusing on different things.

Although Kivikko has enjoyed a new kind of everyday life during the spring and summer, she believes that she will miss the life of a competitive athlete in the winter.

“I believe that I will miss it, and it can be difficult. However, I hope that through my friends’ successes, I can also get those good feelings for myself.”

Although Kivikko does not want to rule out the possibility of competing in the future, the idea is not uppermost in her mind at the moment.

“Long-distance races are quite tough, even if you have trained for them to the fullest. Imagine how hard it is when you haven’t trained. However, not all the skis here have been sold yet, so it is possible that I will still go to one of the competitions.”

Although Kivikko will miss many things related to competitive sports, she is also happy to eliminate some. 

“In our sport, wrong ski choices can cost you half an hour. Competing on bad skis is absolutely horrible, and I did it enough last winter.”

Avoiding contact and the pressure to stay healthy is also the negative side of competitive sports, which Kivikko has enjoyed getting rid of.

“It’s mentally tough and requires much from the family to not get sick before the big races. I’m glad I can now go to children’s birthday parties without stressing about getting the flu.”

Kivikko says she learned a lot about herself during her skiing career. Like every athlete, Kiviko has also had a lot of bad moments in her career. That is why it has been important to learn to enjoy the moment.

“Competitive sports are such that you can’t always go well.” There, she has learned to appreciate good moments and successes.

Also Read: Changes to Team Edux after successful winter 

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Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 15km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 35km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 35km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – Pustertaler Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 12km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 16, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

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