Lauri Vuorinen took to the title in the Finnish Rollerski Nationals classic sprint in Vuokatti ahead of young Eero Rantala, who showed a strong skiing performance. Verneri Suhonen returned to competition after last season’s health problems and took bronze.

After placing seventh in the qualification, Vuorinen claimed his place in the final by finishing third in the semi-finals.

“The semi-final was perhaps a bit of a wake-up call for me. It reminded me again that although arm strength and double poling are crucial in this course, the tactical side of things must also be intact when arriving at the final climb of the track. In the semi-final, I lost a bit in that respect. It is a really tactical course,” Vuorinen summed up.

The final success brought victory, but the day also showed that the body is working well.

“Good training. It is a good signal that things are well under control and that it is good to continue towards the winter. At least there is no major problem with the body. It would be nice to get a little more momentum for qualifying, but I think we will find it,” Vuorinen said.

Eero Rantala was number one in the qualification and challenged the national team members until the end in a very promising way.

“The whole day was good. In the final, I could not defend my first place until the finish, but I’m quite satisfied. It gives me more confidence,” said Rantala of his successful day.

Verneri Suhonen also showed promising sprint fitness.

“A positive day. There was a bit of optimization of the result. In the back climb, we fumbled a bit with Vuorinen, and he then got away with Rantala. I was in a bit of a rush myself, but I managed to secure the bronze,” Suhonen said.

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