Niskanen, known for his classic cross-country skiing style and considered the favorite of the Holmenkollen 50km race, was seen as the only real competitor to Johannes Høsflot Klæbo in this event.

Initially, Niskanen started strong, challenging Klæbo by taking the lead repeatedly in the main group for the first four out of six laps. The competition appeared to be heading towards a thrilling finish. However, as the race progressed, Niskanen fell a few seconds behind, struggling to catch up. By the last lap, it became evident he would not win or even secure a podium position, ultimately finishing ninth, 13 seconds behind Klæbo.

The reason? Niskanen admits to a tactical mistake, according to Langrenn.com. Expecting the tracks to become icier, his team prepared a pair of skis with more grip, which he switched to during the race. Unfortunately, this pair was significantly worse than the first, impacting his performance. He also deviated from the initial plan to change skis after the fourth lap, opting to switch after the third because others did, which he later regretted.

Despite the setback, Niskanen mentioned that his physical condition and stamina were good and had peaked perfectly for the race. However, the mass start race format and the inferior ski pair post-swap made it impossible for him to gain a lead.

Looking ahead, Niskanen focuses on the World Cup final in Falun. He remains optimistic about his recovery and performance in the upcoming distance races.

Also Read: Standings after the Drammen World Cup

Falun World Cup

After Drammen, the 2023/2024 World Cup ends in Sweden. Now it’s time for the competitions in Falun. Here is the complete competition program for the upcoming weekend.

Falun, Sweden, is the venue for the last stage of this season’s cross-country skiing World Cup. The Falun World Cup starts on Friday, March 15, with a sprint race in classic technique. On Saturday, March 16, there will be a 10km interval start race in classic technique. Then, on Sunday, March 17, there will be a 20km mass start race in freestyle technique.

FACTS Falun World Cup Season 2023/2024

• When: Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Falun, Sweden
• What: FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Falun, Sweden

PROGRAM

Friday, March 15: Sprint Classic (More details can be found here)

• 12:15 CET: Sprint Qualification C, Men
• 12:15 CET: Sprint Qualification C, Women
• 14:45 CET: Sprint Final C, Men
• 14:45 CET: Sprint Final C, Women

Saturday, March 16: 10km Interval Start Classic (More details can be found here)

• 11:00 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Women
• 14:00 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Men

Sunday, March 17: 20km Mass Start Freestyle (More details can be found here)

• 11:00 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Women
• 14:15 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Men

Read More: World Cup calendar for the 2023/2024 Winter Season