Krista Pärmäkoski and Kerttu Niskanen were the expected top two in the 12 km skate race at the Finnish Nationals in Vuokatti. Pärmäkoski was 11 seconds ahead of the duo, with Eveliina Piippo completing the podium.

“Quite heavy as always at this time. It feels like we are always starting at a terribly fast pace here in this course. After the first round, I wanted to ski to finish already. That is how I was feeling, but I managed to get through. I’m sure it was tough for others, too,” Pärmäkoski said.

What did this race tell you about your shape in September?

“The situation is good. I’m well recovered from the month’s training period (high altitude camp). My situation is good and under control. I can continue with confidence,” Pärmäkoski said.

There have been no significant changes to the training season, and the idea has been to keep the overall package in control so that she will not get herself in a “too tired” state.

“And to focus on the speeds and frequency. With Johaug out (of World Cup), I would imagine there will be more races where you have to keep going, push at the end, and sprint in the final battles. My goal is to be still able to do that.” 

Pärmäkoski’s plan for October-November is as usual: a camp in Val Senales, then to Olos, Muonio, and open the race season there. 

“Just the basic formula,” Pärmäkoski said with a laugh.

Kerttu Niskanen was second, just like the day before.

“It was a good result, but the feeling was quite heavy. I had to push myself the whole way. It was not easy, relaxed skiing. Of course, I have not made the sprint efforts in my summer training that I did yesterday, so I don’t know if it was because of that. It was not easy, and I had to fight to keep the second place”, Niskanen said.

Eveliina Piippo finished third and was satisfied with her day.

“It was good. I did not really know what it would be like, but I got off to a surprisingly good start. The pace was maybe a bit too fast at the beginning. It was a good practice, and I could push myself to my limits. It’s nice to see that I can perform well even on a course like this,” Piippo said.

She will train in Vuokatti for another 1.5 weeks, after which the next camp is planned for October in Ramsau.

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