Mäki looking forward to Toppidrettsveka: “A change of scenery is good for the mind”

Toppidrettsveka Mäki
This year, the Finnish Ski Association divided the A National Team for the training camp in August. Hence, the sprinters go to Norway to race at Toppidrettsveka while the remaining athletes train in Italy at high altitudes.

This year, the Finnish Ski Association divided the A National Team for the training camp in August. Hence, the sprinters go to Norway to race at Toppidrettsveka while the remaining athletes train in Italy at high altitudes.

The Finnish cross-country skier Joni Mäki, who will participate in this week’s Toppidrettsveka, says he has been training all summer in Vuokatti, Finland, so going to Norway feels especially invigorating.

“I haven’t had a training camp anywhere yet, so a change of scenery is good for the mind. It’s nice to see how well your performance on rollers is against Norwegian skiers and what level we’re at in terms of form at the moment,” says Mäki to Maastohiihto.com.

Mäki considers the summer competitions good training and will not draw too big conclusions from the results.

“If it goes bad, you have to think about whether you have done too much and how to plan the training in the future. I’m really looking forward to it, as I haven’t been there before and don’t know what to expect.”

Preparing for future major competitions

Mäki’s training season has gone well so far, but his current condition is still a mystery even to himself. He says that he is satisfied that there is still time for winter.

Mäki’s long-term goals, like many others, are the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Olympics. With them in mind, the current season is quite important.

“It is important to have a good training season and competitions for the winter. Next winter’s biggest goal is to ski the Tour de Ski. You can push yourself a little there when there are no major competitions.”

Motivation 

Mäki had experienced many adversities in his career, especially in his youth when he suffered from some illness. 

However, the passion for the sport and the will to succeed have always remained.

“When I was younger, I thought it would be a tricky road if I didn’t get the illness under control. Then they asked if I should go to study, but I have always been fully focused, and I have always wanted to look at this possibility.”

Mäki says that he doesn’t get motivation from outside, but it comes from himself.

“I know that not everything has gone perfectly and that I can do things better. It brings a desire always to perform a little better.”

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more! 

Roller Ski Test 

In addition to the thrilling competitions, we invite you to delve into our comprehensive roller skis review. Our experts have meticulously tested, compared, and reviewed a remarkable selection of nine pairs of classic roller skis and eight pairs of skate roller skis from leading manufacturers. 

Stay informed and make the most informed choices with our exclusive coverage of The Big Roller Ski Test 2023.

Read More: The Big Roller Ski Test 2023

Show sharing buttons

Subscribe to our newsletter

Most read

  • World Cup
    1

    FIS unveils 2025/2026 cross-country skiing World Cup calendar

    by Leandro Lutz
    09.05.2025
  • Trondheim Johaug
    1

    Norwegian national team for the Trondheim World Championships 2025 

    by Leandro Lutz
    21.01.2025
  • Smutná
    1

    Kateřina Smutná advises on how much to train on roller skis

    by ADÉLA ROČÁRKOVÁ/Leandro Lutz
    11.05.2025
  • Cogne
    1

    Cross-country World Cup: Complete program for Cogne

    by Leandro Lutz
    29.01.2025
  • ebba Janteloppet
    1

    “It’s completely unacceptable” – Ebba Andersson on Janteloppet

    by Ingeborg Scheve/Translated by Katerina Paul
    14.04.2025

More Articles

  • Frida Karlsson

    Frida Karlsson focused on longevity over quick fixes

    Swedish star Frida Karlsson ended the winter on top of the world with a stunning gold in the 50km at the World Championships in Trondheim. But as the spotlight faded, a more complex story emerged - one of long-term injury management, tough decisions, and a quiet rebuilding ahead of the Olympic season.
    by Leandro Lutz
    12.06.2025
  • The rising World Cup star ready to challenge cross-country’s elite

    by Ingeborg Scheve/Leandro Lutz
    12.06.2025
  • Season XVII podcast out now with new Ski Classics Director Oskar Svärd and Founder David Nilsson

    by Leandro Lutz
    12.06.2025
  • “When Petter Northug called, I felt it was the perfect timing”

    by Ingeborg Scheve
    12.06.2025
  • Holmenkollen 50km: Women and men to race on same day

    by ProXCskiing.com
    11.06.2025