The young Finnish skier Robin Mäenpää has decided to focus on long-distance and the Ski Classics series in the colors of Team Mäenpää.

Robin Mäenpää, 19, who lives in Pietarsaari, Finland, has decided to focus on long-distance skiing competitions. Mäenpää spent last winter in military service but did well in the traditional cross-country and some long-distance skiing. 

His big goal last season was the 30-kilometer traditional skiing championship race, but after winning the 45-kilometer Marcialonga Light race, he contracted Covid.

In both Marcialonga Light and the last race of the Ski Classics series in Ylläs-Levi, Mäenpää showed that he could challenge other competitors in long-distance skiing.

“It was a little surprising that he already decided to focus on long-distance skiing, but I am happy to have him on the team as a developing young skier,” says Pro Team Director Kim Mäenpää.

Mäenpää’s teammate and cousin Hannes Mäenpää is happy to join Robin’s team.

“We are a group that benefits significantly from each other during the training and competition season. Robin has interesting features suitable for long-distance skiing, which we will benefit from as a team, says Hannes Mäenpää.

Robin Mäenpää has a diverse sports background. He has played hockey, football, running, and skiing, among other sports.

“In recent years, I have spent most of my time skiing. Investing in long-distance racing seems interesting to me, and endurance has proven to be my strength. Long-distance races seem more interesting because to succeed, you have to build a bigger “puzzle,” says Mäenpää and continues:

“Thanks to the good opportunities I got from the team, it is really interesting to invest in Ski Classics. The focus is on long distances, but if there are traditional competitions on the calendar, I can also participate in them.”

Mäenpää says that his goal for the coming season is to have good summer training and stay healthy throughout the season.

“In Ski Classics, I want to collect points from races and help the team achieve the best possible results,” Robin concludes.

Pro Team opening training camp in Idre

Team Mäenpää’s team will travel to Idre Fjäll for a week’s camp next Sunday. Viktor Mäenpää, Hannes Mäenpää, Robin Mäenpää and Christoffer Lindvall will participate.

“Idre Fjäll is an important site for us, so we will be happy to continue cooperating with them,” says Kim Mäenpää.

The entire team’s composition is still being discussed, especially on the women’s side.

“Our highest priority is for our skiers to develop as long-distance skiers. We focus on careful camp planning and individual development goals for the period. The team will initially consist of six skiers and can be further expanded to include competitions in the Nordic countries.”

Team Mäenpää will have a three-week camp in Livigno, Italy, in September and a camp in Mallorca, Spain, in October. In November, the team has training camps on snow.

“Together with our important partners, we wish the skiers a good training season so that they can fight for the ranking in the top 20,” concludes Kim Mäenpää.