“The argument about financial demands shocked me,” says Iivo Niskanen’s manager.

Fischer claimed he was too expensive. However, neither Iivo Niskanen nor his manager provided a specific figure. Now, the 33-year-old Finn has followed in Einar Hedegart’s footsteps: he has signed with the French ski brand Salomon. 

Niskanen has been with Fischer since 2019, making this switch surprising. Fischer has long been dominant in cross-country skiing, especially on the men’s side. 

The head of the Finnish Fischer importer, Pader Planting, stated to Finnish media that Niskanen demanded too much and was simply too expensive for Fischer. 

Also Read: Fischer parts ways with Niskanen

Shocked by Fischer’s statement

Niskanen’s manager, Miro Rousku, confirms the switch to Salomon but offers a very different explanation for why the ski star is changing brands. 

“The argument about Iivo’s financial demands shocked me. Neither Iivo nor I have provided any specific sum to Fischer or the importer,” Rousku told Ilta-Sanomat, elaborating further. 

“Iivo was offered the chance to continue with Fischer, but he asked me not to discuss it further with them. Iivo had already decided to part ways, but for entirely different reasons.”

It’s all about performance

Niskanen himself explains the unexpected switch with the performance characteristics of the skis. 

“There are purely sporting reasons for my switch,” he told Ilta-Sanomat. 

“Salomon’s wet-condition skis tested extremely well. Several upcoming races and the World Championships in Lahti will likely take place in warm conditions,” Niskanen added. 

At the same time, it is clear that a contract with an athlete of Niskanen’s caliber involves significant sums. 

The story continues below.

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Do as Hedegart

Iivo Niskanen is thus doing the same as this winter’s big rising star, Einar Hedegart. 

The 24-year-old from Inderøy switched from Fischer to Salomon last year. This winter, he won two Olympic gold medals and a bronze, gold and bronze in the Norwegian Championships, as well as a slew of World Cup wins. 

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