14:54. This weekend, when the Nordic combined World Cup opens in Ruka (Finland), Finland will not be represented by Eero Hirvonen. Tenth in the world last winter, and third in the cross-country skiing rankings, he has decided to withdraw.
“With my current jumps, I can’t compete at the level I want, so you won’t see me in Ruka this year, he explained in a communication from theFinnish Ski Association. What I’ve learned over the years is that it’s difficult to turn around a bad situation by taking part in competitions. Now I’m taking a bit of a break from jumping and I’ll be back on the springboard when the idea of jumping again inspires me. So I don’t intend to set a specific date for my return with a number on my back.”
Meanwhile, Perttu Reponen, the 2022 junior world vice-champion, is taking a break from Nordic combined racing. There will still be nine Finns taking part in the Ruka World Cup, including leader Ilkka Herola.
Finland’s selection for the Nordic Combined World Cup in Ruka 🇫🇮
Men
- Ilkka Herola 🇫🇮
- Wille Karhumaa 🇫🇮
- Arttu Mäkiaho 🇫🇮
- Otto Niittykoski 🇫🇮
- Jesse Pääkkönen 🇫🇮
- Herman Happonen 🇫🇮
- Valtteri Holopainen 🇫🇮
- Peter Räisänen 🇫🇮
- Eemeli Kurttila 🇫🇮
