Vilma Ryytty sprinted to a dramatic victory in the women’s relay at the Finnish Championships in Inari, while Puijon Hiihtoseura delivered a commanding performance to win the men’s race, highlighted by Perttu Hyvärinen’s farewell appearance.

The relay day at the Finnish National Championships in Inari delivered both a dramatic finish and a commanding team performance. The women’s race was decided in a sprint to the line, while the men’s relay saw Puijon Hiihtoseura secure a controlled victory.

Read also: Niskanen and Niemelä crowned champions in Inari as Finnish Nationals open in style

Women’s Relay

TEHO Ski Team Iisalmi claimed gold after an exceptionally tight finish. Anchor skier Vilma Ryytty edged out Krista Pärmäkoski on the home straight, with just one tenth of a second separating the teams at the finish.

The winning team featured Nora Kytäjä, Silva Kemppi and Ryytty. Silver medalists Ikaalisten Urheilijat raced with Hilla Niemelä, Katariina Lonka and Pärmäkoski, for whom the race marked one of the final appearances of her career, as she will retire at the end of the season.

Bronze went to Vuokatti Ski Team Kainuu, with Katri Lylynperä, Selene Rossi and Jasmin Kähärä, who remained in contention for the win until the closing stages.

Results – Women 3 × 5 km

1. TEHO Ski Team Iisalmi – 37:14.3
2. Ikaalisten Urheilijat +0.1
3. Vuokatti Ski Team Kainuu +10.1
4. Ounasvaara Ski Club +17.8
5. Vantaa Ski Club +44.9

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The top three teams in the women’s relay today. Photo: Touho Häkkinen

Men’s Relay

In the men’s race, Puijon Hiihtoseura proved strongest, taking the title with a consistent team effort. The winning lineup consisted of Perttu Hyvärinen, Iivo Niskanen, Petteri Koivisto and Niilo Mäkinen.

The race carried special significance for Hyvärinen, who competed in his final Finnish Championships relay before retiring at the end of the season.

Jämin Jänne took silver with Markus Vuorela, Ristomatti Hakola, Niko Husu and Lauri Lepistö, finishing 12.8 seconds behind. Bronze went to Vuokatti Ski Team Kainuu, whose team featured Juuso Mäkelä, Eero Rantala, Emil Liekari and Veeti Pyykkö.

Puijo secured the victory by creating a decisive gap during the third and fourth legs, pulling clear of the field in the closing stages.

Results – Men 4 × 10 km

1. Puijon Hiihtoseura – 1:32:53.3
2. Jämin Jänne +12.8
3. Vuokatti Ski Team Kainuu +1:40.1
4. Inarin Yritys +1:40.3
5. Kuusamon Erä-Veikot +1:43.6
6. IF Minken +1:59.2

The relay day in Inari will be remembered for both its dramatic women’s finish and the dominant performance in the men’s race. It also marked the closing chapter of relay careers for Perttu Hyvärinen and Krista Pärmäkoski, adding historical significance to the competition.

Read more about the Finnish Nationals in Inari and check out the results here.

The winning team in the men’s relay in Inari. Photo: Touho Häkkinen