Jonna Sundling became the best Swede with her fourth place.
– No, it’s not a good Swedish day, says expert Anna-Karin Strömstedt in Viaplay.
It was all the better for the Finnish home riders, where Krista Pärmäkoski struck with a real thunderous victory. The 33-year-old debuted in the context of the World Cup in 2009 and over the years has raced over 300 races, but has been on top of the podium very few times.
The last time was six years ago.
The ladies’ 20 kilometer race
1. Krista Pärmäskoski, Finland
2. Victoria Carl, Germany
3. Kerttu Niskanen, Finland
The Swedes
4. Jonna Sundling
6. Frida Karlsson
10. Ebba Andersson
11. Linn Svahn
14. Sofia Henriksson
28. Moa Ilar
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Finnish tears following the resounding victory
When it became clear that Pärmäkoski had taken home the victory, she burst into tears.
– It was so emotional because it had been a tough season. I was in good shape when the season started, but then I got covid and had other problems. So it’s nice to be back.
The plan was to take it easy for the first 10 kilometers before she started giving it her all.
– Five minutes before the finish I heard that I had a chance of victory. Then I thought “okay, now I really have to give it my all.” And there was so much crowd out at the track today that helped me.
What’s it like to win here?
– It is fantastic. If I had to choose where I would like to be, I would choose here.
But she might hardly believe it herself.
– I had a hard time understanding that I won because I knew that the Swedish girls and Kerttu (Niskanen) and others are in such good shape. So this means a lot.
The fact that the Swedes had no chance on the podium surprised her.
– Yes, but I don’t know if they had problems with their skis.
Lagkamraten Kerttu Niskanen as trea and Johanna Matintalo as femma.
Sundling: “Non-existent trace”
Jonna Sundling is satisfied with her fourth place. Even less so with the fore.
– A good race, I think. But the feed is completely different than when we tested before. The further into the race we get, the more non-existent the trail is. Then you have to cut a lot and ice comes out in places. It is much more difficult to get the skis in place compared to when we tested. For me, it’s a good race based on the conditions, she says.
Sundling develops:
– It is very tiring. When the grip gets worse, you have to go more on the upper body and look for grip. You cannot ride relaxed. I’m energetic the first lap and it gets more and more lively with each lap. You slide shorter, it’s fluoride-free and it’s more noticeable now than before. I right skis and good glide. The mount was great when I tested before. I mightn’t have done much differently.
– Things can change in our sport. The bait is a significant part of the competition. It’s all regarding finding the right material, but the feed also changes.
Frida Karlsson, who had been ill, also toiled in the track.
– Today was a really good start, you really feel that the skis are getting tougher and tougher during the race. But the worst thing is that I feel like I can’t ski. You struggle with technology.
