The 28-year-old Finnish was nearly retiring, but now he has the world’s best skiers breathing down his neck. Ville Ahonen went to his first World Cup in 2015, but it wasn’t until last winter that he debuted at the World Championships. He confirmed his potential with a top 10 place in the sprint in a field dominated by Norwegian and French skiers. 

During Toppidrettsveka a few weeks ago, Ahonen again finished in the top ten overall and the best of the Finnish athletes. Apart from the classic sprint in Aure, he gives credit for his efforts in the four-day roller ski event. 

“The legs could have been sharper in the sprint. I’ve been training a lot and pushing the limits lately, but the top speed isn’t quite there yet. The skating went surprisingly well, even though I have not prioritized skating. So it’s a sign that I’m on the right track,” says Ahonen to Maastohiihto.com. 

Although Ahonen has ambitions to assert himself in distance skiing, he will also prioritize classic sprinting in the future. And there, he believes Finland as a nation has a good chance. 

“There are only six classic sprints in the World Cup now, but the Finnish team will do very well there if we get everyone together. But the idea is that it would have been fun to do well in other distances as well.” 

Also Read: Lylynperä and Ahonen winners of Lake Saimaa Roller Ski Marathon 2023 

On the verge of retirement 

For Ahonen, last season was a highlight on several levels, but perhaps most of all because he managed to stay healthy. It has been the Finn’s biggest challenge so far in his career. Long periods of illness have been the rule more than the exception, and he has been on the verge of quitting several times. This winter, he was not sick once. 

“I have been very close to ending my cross-country career several times. So that I have come as far as I have is something I do not take for granted,” says Ahonen. 

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Ville Ahonen has been on the verge of retiring several times. Now, the 28-year-old has the world’s elite breathing down his neck.

Perseverance

After all the adversity, Ahonen has found joy and motivation again, and last winter, he joined the Finnish national team for the World Championships in Planica. He returned with a solid tenth place in his signature event: the classic sprint.  

“When I was younger, I never dreamed I could get into the national team so late. And it’s probably a little different to enter when you’re 20 than when you’re well over 25,” Ahonen says. 

For that, Ahonen gives the family much of the credit. He says that they have been his most important supporters, cheering him on all the way.  

“Even when I have done badly, they have always stood up. They have done that since I was a child, and it has meant a great deal to me that I have had their support in this job.” 

Younger brother as “arch-rival”

Ville Ahonen also highlights the family competition with his brother. The five-year-younger Olli Ahonen is part of the Finnish B national team, and the constant rivalry throughout his upbringing is one of the factors that has contributed most to raising the level.

“Besides the national team, having a training partner nearby is the most significant development driver. It’s a bit like that; even if it’s not that dangerous if I lose to Olli, it’s also the case that he’s the most important person to beat. 

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