Team Edux made clear progress during the Ski Classics season under the leadership of Lauri Mannila, and Isac Holmström rose to strong form after early difficulties. Kati Roivas’ season fell short of expectations in terms of results, but overall Finnish skiers showed promising performances, and a hunger for next winter.

The Ski Classics Pro Tour season offered both successes and disappointments for Finnish long-distance skiers. Within Team Edux, development was clearly visible, while Kati Roivas of Team Eksjöhus had a results-wise disappointing season, even though her potential was evident at times.

Also Read – Ski Classics World Championship Season XVII: Final standings and all bib winners

Mannila impressed in his debut season

Lauri Mannila of Team Edux quickly established himself as a notable name during his first full Ski Classics season. Consistent performances throughout the winter built a strong foundation, even though the very top results were still just out of reach. His season-best result was 12th at the Orsa Grönklitt ITT.

“I’m satisfied with the season and my level throughout. Good performances came from the very first race all the way to the end of winter,” Mannila summarized.

According to him, his readiness for long-distance racing developed faster than expected.

“It surprised me as well how ready my skiing for long distances became, even though this was my first Ski Classics season.”

The season was not entirely without problems, however. Several races included bad luck that cost him chances at top results.

“There are still a few races that left me wanting more, where there was quite a bit of bad luck. A top result could have come already this winter.”

Mannila pointed out specific incidents that affected his results.

“A crash in Bad Gastein, poor skis in Jizerská, and a broken pole in Orsa—but overall, I have to be satisfied.”

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Holmström turned a difficult season into an upswing

Another Team Edux success story toward the end of the season was Isac Holmström (main picture), whose year began with difficulties due to injury. Limited training volume showed early in the winter, but his trajectory improved clearly toward spring.

The final race weekend started poorly at Reistadløpet.

“Reistadløpet went quite badly, and already on Friday before the race I noticed something was wrong. Extreme fatigue and I couldn’t get any power out of my body,” Holmström said.

The situation was so poor that participating in the final race was uncertain.

“For a long time it looked like I wouldn’t even be able to start Sunday’s final race.”

In the end, he did start and achieved a career-best result of 22nd place.

“It surprised me that the race went this well. I’m really happy with this and with my performances at the end of the season.”

His focus is already on the future.

“If I can just have a healthy training season, then maybe next season could be my season.”

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The team’s development shows overall

Team Edux captain Olli Tyrväinen sees the season as positive overall. The team’s 11th place in the team competition satisfies the team leader.

“The weekend wrapped up a great season. Achieving 11th place in the team competition shows consistent work and that the team has taken clear steps forward as a whole.”

Tyrväinen especially highlighted Mannila’s success and the expansion of the team.

“Lauri’s first full season went very well, and he showed right from the start that he belongs in this series. It’s also been great to see new athletes join the team.”

Holmström’s comeback after injury also received recognition.

“Holmström’s rise back to top level after injury was a strong display of his abilities and perseverance.”

Roivas’ season fell short – but potential remains

Finland’s top long-distance skier, Kati Roivas of Team Eksjöhus, did not reach the level of her performance from two seasons ago. The season still included individual successes, although the overall result remained modest.

The final race weekend was clearly disappointing.

“The last weekend was far from what I expected after the previous one.”

Equipment issues in particular affected her performances.

“There were challenges with the equipment on both days.”

In Sunday’s race, the chasing group did not function as expected.

“In the chasing group, no one really wanted to take the lead. It’s a shame, because training during the week felt good.”

Looking at the entire season, Roivas was self-critical.

“In terms of results, this season was really disappointing because I didn’t manage to get out what I’m truly capable of.”

A positive aspect was completing all races from January onward without withdrawals.

“Of course, it was positive that I was able to ski all the races starting in January, and there were a few good races as well.”

Finnish standings in the overall competition

Among Finns, the best overall placement came from Roivas, who finished 10th in the total standings, and her best individual race result was 6th at Marcialonga Bodø. In addition, there was broad Finnish representation in the women’s field.

Oona Kettunen finished 27th, Ella Noora Haapalehto 41st, and Emmi Lämsä 47th. Amanda Nyfors was 56th overall and Anne Rohila 88th.
On the men’s side, the best Team Edux result came from Mannila in 27th place. Holmström finished 55th. Miro Karppanen was 78th and Juuso Mäkelä 82nd. Lassi Juhanoja placed just outside the top 100 in 102nd, Tyrväinen was 125th, and Remi Lindholm 144th.

In individual races on the male side, along with Mannila’s 12th and 16th places, the strongest Finnish performances came from independent skier Ari Luusua, who returned after a four-year doping ban. He finished 8th in Vasaloppet, 13th in Marcialonga, and 25th in Birkebeinerrennet.

Finnish skiers were widely represented across different international teams during the season. In addition to Team Edux, athletes competed in teams such as Team Eksjöhus (Kati Roivas), Team Futura GTE Trentino (Oona Kettunen), Cibes Lift Ski-Willy Marathon Team (Amanda Nyfors, Juuso Mäkelä, Remi Lindholm), Team Ragde Charge (Anne Rohila), and Bruse Sauerland Ski Team (Lassi Juhanoja). This broad representation reflects the strong position of Finnish skiers in the international long-distance skiing scene.

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Looking toward next season

For both Team Edux and Roivas, the season ultimately provided experience and a clear direction forward. Mannila’s breakthrough, Holmström’s upward trajectory at the end of the season, and the team’s overall development create a strong foundation for what’s ahead. In Roivas’ case, the potential is still there, but realizing it will require a more successful overall season and a healthy training period.

The next Ski Classics World Championship season begins from a position where Finnish skiers have both proven performances and clear areas for improvement in training—and above all, the hunger to return to fighting at the very top.

The Ski Classics World Championship Season XVII results can be found here.

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