Kati Roivas, the Finnish Pro Team star, has been on the podium six times so far during Ski Classics Season XV, lately winning the Ski Classics Challengers event Tjejvasan and making history with a third place at the legendary 100th edition of Vasaloppet last weekend. 

Vasaloppet Interview with Kati Roivas, Team Eksöhus (3rd place)

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Kati Roivas, Team Eksjöhus, is making her debut appearance on the Finnish National Team at the upcoming Holmenkollen 50km race, marking her first time representing Finland in a World Cup event. The 29-year-old is one of five Finnish skiers starting the Holmenkollen 50km on Saturday. 

Read More: Finnish team for the Holmenkollen and Drammen World Cups

“It’s my first time on the national team (Finland) and my first World Cup. I skied in the Junior Nordic Championships in 2012 and the Universiade Games in 2015, but technically, it is my first time representing Finland and my first World Cup,” says Roivas to ProXCskiing.com.

How was the process of being named for the team?

“I’ve been in contact with the team after Marcialonga to see if I was interested at all in competing at Holmenkollen. Then, I got the confirmation before Vasaloppet that I had the spot if I wanted to go.”

What are your expectations for the Holmenkollen 50km race?

“When it comes to expectations, I feel it’s so different. I’m familiar with the distance, but not with the quite different tracks and profile from what I’m used to in Ski Classics. And certainly, this is not something you can double-pole. But it will be exciting.”

How about your goals?

“I don’t really have big results goals because I don’t know what to expect. I go to the race open-minded, and I hope I can follow some good girls and give everything I have, and we’ll see what it is good for.”

Do you think a solid result at Holmenkollen will open a door for the 50km at the World Championships next year? Are you looking forward to this?

“I don’t want to speculate on the results and what opportunities it can open. First and foremost, I’m still a long-distance skier at the moment. I would have to train a little differently if I wanted to compete more at the World Cup. So, let’s leave it at that for now.”

Huge steps forward under Norwegian coaching

Ahead of the current Ski Classics Season XV, Roivas joined the Swedish Pro Team, Team Eksjöhus, and got the successful Norwegian coach Marthe Kristoffersen as head coach and the Norwegian Pro Team skier Magni Smedås as teammate, together with Sofie Elebro and Frida Erkers. 

After the transfer, Roivas has made enormous strides. From results in the top 10, the Finnish skier has been consistently on the podium since before Christmas and is now in second place overall in the Ski Classics Champion competition, behind Norwegian Emilie Fleten, Team Ramudden, with four Pro Tour events remaining. 

Now Roivas is ready for her World Cup debut when the women will race the 50km race in Holmenkollen for the second time in history.

Also Read – Marthe Kristoffersen effect: Elevating Team Eksjöhus to the top

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Great expectations

According to Maastohiihto.com, the Finnish national team coach has great expectations for the skier. 

“Kati has been in very good shape this season. Now, she gets the chance to try her hand at the World Cup. It is still difficult to say what level she is at, but long-distance suits her well,” says Teemu Pasanen, head coach of the Finnish national team to STT.

A chance to show off 

Roivas has proven her talent over long distances. Still, Pasanen points out that there are a couple of significant differences between Ski Classics and the World Cup.

“The tracks have different profiles. In Ski Classics, the skiers go double poling, while the World Cup involves much more diagonal striding. Kick wax is also used on the skis in the World Cup,” says Pasanen.

Pasanen also does not rule out that Roivas could be selected for future World Cup races. First, however, she must prove herself at Holmenkollen during the World Cup.

“She has focused on Ski Classics and done well there. In any case, the long distances in the World Cup with classic style may be relevant,” speculates Pasanen.

See the complete program for the Holmenkollen World Cup below.

FACTS Holmenkollen World Cup Season 2023/2024

• When: Saturday, March 9 to Sunday, March 10 
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Oslo, Norway
• What: FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Oslo, Norway

PROGRAM

Saturday, March 9: 50km Mass Start Classic W (More details can be found here)

• 10:30 CET: 50km Mass Start C, Women

Sunday, March 10: 50km Mass Start Classic M (More details can be found here)

• 10:30 CET: 50km Mass Start C, Men

Read More: World Cup calendar for the 2023/2024 Winter Season