The sights are set on the marathon in the WC – without feeling too much pressure. In terrain-FM it was a third bronze medal for Gamlakarleby IF’s Nina Chydenius.
Johanna Peiponen and Susanna Saapunki were in a class of their own in the ladies’ 10 kilometers. Even after the first hill, which started the day’s race, they had a gap to the others. Nina Chydenius initially tried to hang on, but let go at an early stage.
– It was as difficult as always. But I’m very happy, I ran the marathon five weeks ago. Those who were before me absolutely deserve gold and silver, they are tough in the terrain, says Chydenius to Yle Sporten.
Cross-country running is an art form of its own.
– I always run with the same stride, even on slopes. But in terrain, the one who can change his steps and still run relaxed wins, continues the Gamlakarleby IF runner.
Race to climb the rankings
Chydenius’ main focus is on the marathon. And more specifically at the WC in Budapest this summer.
Just over a month ago, she finished fifth in Hanover, two and a half minutes off her personal best. In addition, she has honed her form at African latitudes.
– I don’t take stress. Hannover was a good race, but not perfect.
– We tried a different set-up when I was in Kenya. I have never been at such a high altitude before and we learned a lot for next time.
The 33-year-old is barely outside the 100 World Championship-eligible on the marathon ranking at the moment. To collect points, there will be a series of track races at the beginning of the season.
But there is no WC anxiety to speak of.
– Considering how it went in Hannover, I can accept the fact if I miss the WC. If there is no marathon, it will be track running all summer – that’s not a bad option either, thinks Chydenius.
– This year I have succeeded in not taking any stress. Budapest will come if it comes. I love getting to train and compete and there is a lot of fun even before the WC.
The track is supported by the runners
The track in Svedängen in Helsinki, with its serpentine turns, was not the most typical for an off-road FM. In addition, the height meters were more than they usually are.
The rating from the participants was nevertheless positive.
– If you look at courses in Finland, this one is probably quite challenging. But if you compare it to the courses in the EC, WC and in the Nordic championships, this course fits better among them.
– I think it is good that Finland steps up a bit with the off-road competitions so that they better correspond to those in the off-road EC, thinks Chydenius.
On the men’s side, the victory in both 10 kilometers and 4 kilometers went to Lahti runner Ossi Kekki.
– There were some challenging and technical parts. But there are such courses in the Nordic countries and the EC, so it is nice to see such courses here in Finland as well, notes Kekki.
Reigning champion Mustafe Muuse went sideways at ten kilometers and was forced to retire.
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Play on the Arena
In the women’s 4 kilometers, Lahden Ahkera’s Kristiina Mäki was stronger than clubmate Ilona Mononen after an even match. The candidate for victory, Nathalie Blomqvist, was missing after having sensations in her calf during a preparatory session.
Markén and Wikblom impressive
In the 15-year-old class, Winnie Markén from IF VOM and Sander Wikblom from IF Nykarlebynejden were well ahead.
Markén was part of the main cluster right from the start. After about two kilometers, four girls pulled away and Markén was joined by Kia Sairanen, Ella Rautawaara and Anni Jantunen.
The last uphill was decisive and both Rautawaara and Sairanen passed Markén. She still had a big gap behind her and went into a safe and nice third place.
Sander Wikblom from IF Nykarlebynejden also got to stand on the podium. In the same place where Markén was overtaken, Wikblom also had to face his opponents and especially Sisu Saarinen, who opened up a gap to the other runners.
Instead, Wikblom had a hard fight against Antti Ristanen where Ristanen drew the longer straw.
Results:
Ladies 10 km:
1. Johanna Peiponen, Lapland Lukko 34.59
2. Susanna Saapunki, Pudasjärvi Athletes 35.00
3. Nina Chydenius, Gamlakarleby IF 36.12
5. Cecilia Österblad, Vaasa IS 37.30
Men’s 10 km:
1. Ossi Kekki, Lahten Ahkera 30.09
2. Tuomas Heikkilä, Field athletes-58, 30.28
3. Antti Ihamäki, Alajärvi Anchors 31.00
7. Vilho Loukkalahti, IF Raseborg 32.11
Girls 15 years, 4 km:
1. Ella Rautawaara, Espoo Tapio 14.59
2. Kia Sairanen, Tampereen Pyrintö 15.12
3. Winnie Markén, IF VOM 15.22
Boys 15 years, 4km
1. Sisu Saarinen, Turku Sports Association 13.19
2. Antti Ristanen, Limaan Leisku 13.30
3. Sander Wikblom, IF Nykarlebynejden 13.33
11. Kent Lindholm, Lovisa Tor 14.20
Ladies 19 years, 4 km
1. Eva Peltopuro, Vantaa Salamat 14.41
2. Nelli Viskari, Lappeenranta Sports Men 14.47
3. Miina Kilpeläinen, Viipur’s Athletes 14.51
10. Liina Hyyppä, Gamlakarleby IF 16.25
Men 17 years, 4 km
1. Eetu Valtola, Mikkelin Kilpa-Veikot 13.03
2. Juho Hyyryläinen, Vaalan Karhu 13.06
3. Joonatan Venäläinen, Imatra Athletes 13.06
13. Jens-Aarne Kero, IF Raseborg 13.41
Damer 22 years, 4km
1. Janette Vänttinen, Helsinki Kisa-Veikot 14.21
2. Veera Laaksoviita, Suomussalmen Rasti 14.38
3. Vilma Pere, Euran Raiku 14.56
Men 22 years, 6km
1. Mikko Kauppinen, Vieremän Koitto 18.32
2. Niko Putkinen, Lahten Ahkera 18.39
3. Walte Hautala, Lahten Ahkera 19.04
8. Valter Joensuu, IK Falken 19.52
Ladies 17 years, 4 km
1. Sara Säkkinen, Liminga Niittomiehet 15.12
2. Kaisa Keränen, Kuivasjärvi Plow 15.17
3. Sofia Rinne, Lahten Ahkera 15.26
19. Ida Nordkvist, Vasa IS 16.50
Men 19 years, 6 km
1. Anssi Mustonen, Koivisto Kipinä 19.42
2. Lauri Nokkala, Lappeenranta Sports Men 19.44
3. Henri Säisä, Iisalmen Visa 20.07
13. Oscar Nyholm, Borgå Achilles 21.11
Ladies 4 km
1. Kristiina Mäki, Lahten Ahkera 13.33
2. Ilona Mononen, Lahten Ahkera 13.35
3. Saija Seppä, Suolahten Urho 14.18
Men’s 4 km
1. Ossi Kekki, Lahten Ahkera 11.52
2. Hannu Granberg, Lahten Ahkera 12.12
3. Panu Jantunen, Helsinki Kisa-Veikot 12.12
6. Joni Virkkala, Gamlakarleby IF 12.21
