Finnish long-distance skiing is not on the same level as in neighboring countries Norway or Sweden. At its peak, there were three Finnish Pro Teams in Ski Classics, but now only one remains. The first true Finnish Pro Team was Team Mäenpää, which for ten years pushed the development of long-distance skiing in Finland. That journey left a deep but warm mark on the heart of Pro Team Director Kim Mäenpää.

Team Mäenpää joined the Ski Classics series 10 years ago, when the entire Tour was still taking its first steps before growing over the years into one of the most significant milestones in long-distance skiing. Pro Team skiers are now full-time professionals, mastering double-poling perfectly and pushing the sport forward each year toward greater popularity and respect.

Team Mäenpää started on the Ski Classics circuit in a very family-centered way and eventually gave many Finnish skiers a chance to try their wings in long-distance skiing. Kim Mäenpää, one of the founders and the team leader, looks back in this article from Maastohiihto.com and shares what long-distance skiing and leading the team gave him over those ten years. He also believes that Finland has one strong male candidate to win Vasaloppet in the future.

Also Read: Team Mäenpää ends operations after 10 years!

Why did you originally join the Ski Classics series? Why did you choose to lead a team, and what did it give you?

“In 2015, we decided to establish Ski Team Mäenpää because there was great interest in endurance sports in the region. We were a group of brothers, nephews, and people working in the construction company who encouraged each other in various sports. Common activities included trail running in the bogs, marathons, road and mountain biking, roller skiing, and skiing. At the time, I had four children who were actively skiing with the local club, so my interest in skiing partly came through them. My brother Hans and my nephews Viktor and Hannes wanted to commit to long-distance skiing at a high level. We created a five-year plan where my brother Mats and I promised to support them with waxing and sponsorship funding as long as they remained motivated – while also emphasizing that it must be fun. Later, my son Robin also joined the team.”

“It turned into a ten-year journey during which about 35 contracted skiers had the chance to be part of our team. It feels right to end it now. We’ve worked with many different people who took part in various roles during the races. Especially my brother Mats, who has been the waxing chief all these years and has done an indescribable job for the team. We shared many nights in the waxing cabin that I’ll never forget.”

What is so fascinating about long-distance skiing, and what was the atmosphere like on the Ski Classics Pro Tour?

“The excitement of all the preparation is captivating – weather conditions, skis, waxing, the athletes’ daily condition, and many other things before each race. So many factors must go right on the same day. The atmosphere in Ski Classics has always been good and family-like.”

What were the highlights of your ten-year career?

“The top results in Vasaloppet especially stand out. We had several good results there: Lindvall’s 26th place at Vasaloppet, Viktor’s 15th at Jizerská, and 24th at Vasaloppet in 2020. Amanda Nyfors also managed to place 20th at Vasaloppet.”

What were the biggest challenges for a Finnish team pioneering in Ski Classics?

“The COVID years were by far the most difficult and challenging for the team leader, with all the rules and testing required before and during every race. It felt like everything else in our preparation had to take a back seat.”

Team Mäenpää was a pioneer in its field in Finland, but what has been the team’s significance for domestic long-distance skiing?

“Based on the positive feedback, I can say we made an impression and brought excitement to skiing enthusiasts across the country during these years.”

How has Ski Classics changed over those years?

“The level has risen year after year in both technique and equipment. The fact that Reistadløpet can now be won with pure double-poling shows the development. Tactics have also changed over the years – sprint, climb, and overall competition bibs have added new dimensions. These days, the race pace is high right from the start, demanding more capacity and endurance. Also, the equipment has improved each year.”

How would you describe Ski Classics today – how could or should it be developed, or is it now a nearly perfect brand?

“Unfortunately, participating in the full Tour requires a significant financial investment. This makes it hard for smaller teams to compete against larger, better-funded teams. Changes such as holding several races during the same weekend have made participation more affordable and created better chances for smaller teams. On the other hand, bigger teams have more equipment and better testing capabilities. If smaller teams aren’t given the chance to experience top-level racing, interest will unfortunately fade. I’m impressed by the work of Team Lager 157 and Team Ragde, and their contribution to the sport’s development. There are things that could be shared for the good of the entire sport.

Finland is currently experiencing a bit of a downturn in long-distance skiing (only one team left, no more Ylläs-Levi event in Ski Classics, etc.) – what should be done to revive the sport?

“I hope that more Finnish teams will sign up for next season. Otherwise, interest will unfortunately decline. We need several teams doing long-term work for the sport and giving young talents a chance to try. Finland needs at least three long-term professional teams with financial resources and a minimum five-year plan, so that interest stays alive among athletes and the media. Balancing a full-time job, leading construction projects, and running a ski team as a hobby becomes too draining in the long run—it’s not a sustainable solution. But I don’t regret this time – we had many great experiences.”

What new challenges are you ready to take on – do you still want to be involved in developing the sport?

“I still have an 8-year-old daughter who loves skiing, so now I have more time for her and the family. We also recently got a horse in the family, and it’s made a big impression on me.”

Vasaloppet is the most important race for all Ski Classics athletes, and as a team you always focused heavily on it – what makes this race so special, and can we still get a Finnish Vasaloppet winner?

“All long-distance skiers shape their training around Vasaloppet because it’s the championship of the whole cup. Right now, we have a potential Vasaloppet winner in Finland, and that’s Miro Karppanen. He would definitely be in my team—both in Ski Classics and in Finland’s Olympic team for the 50km classic. After the Olympics, he should focus on Ski Classics. He has everything it takes to win.

Also read: Inspired by Mission Impossible, Miro Karppanen sets sights on Olympics

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