Niskanen started the 10-kilometer pursuit skate one second behind Qinghua Man of China, who led the race, but eventually finished third on top of Vuokatinvaara, 38 seconds behind the winner, just behind second-placed Eveliina Piippo. Ma was just little over one second behind Piippo.

Anne Kyllönen was fourth, Emmi Lämsä fifth and Jasmi Joensuu sixth.

”I went into the Vuokatinvaara climb at the front and thought I would keep a steady pace so I wouldn’t go too fast. I didn’t know what kind of sprint the Chinese girl was going to make. I kept a steady pace and thought that if she drops at this speed then so be it, but if not, I still have the strength to finish strong. The running stage was tough, but for my running level it was okay. It was a bit longer (than before), but still a much better time than last year. I have to be quite satisfied. It was a good enough performance,” says Niskanen.

The win at Aateli Race is a good indication of the summer shape.

”I was a bit hesitant, because on Wednesday I had just come from Livigno after the high-altitude camp and I knew that it would not be easy here (at Aateli Race). But it was a good signal that I still have the stamina. I think we are right on schedule. It is (shape), at least, not worse than last year.”

The next camp for Niskanen is the national team camp in Passo Lavaze in August. Before that, she will enjoy the Finnish summer:

”In july I will take my time to train at home. Let’s enjoy the Finnish summer a little more when we can. Volume-wise tough July is coming up. A lot of training hours, but it’s nice to be at home.”

Eveliina Piippo started the 10-kilometer pursuit skate in fifth place, but still managed to finish second in the final sprint.

”It was nice skiing, but I expected better from the running stage. Of course, considering my background, it was certainly a good running performance for me at the moment. I was just happy to be able to do the whole Aateli (race),” says Piippo.

In the pursuit times, Niskanen was the fastest followed by Piippo 12 seconds behind her.

Overall results of the Vuokatti Aateli Race:

1. (2) Kerttu Niskanen Vieremän Koitto                     46:53.3           
2. (5) Eveliina Piippo Vuokatti Ski Team Kainuu         47:31.4            38.1
3. (1) Qinghua Ma CHN                                             47:32.8            39.5
4. (4) Anne Kyllönen Kainuun Hiihtoseura                 47:53.5            1:00.2
5. (6) Emmi Lämsä Visa Ski Team Kemi                      48:04.1            1:10.8
6. (7) Jasmi Joensuu Vantaa Ski Club                         48:16.4            1:23.1
7. (3) Johanna Matintalo Pöytyän Urheilijat              48:56.3            2:03.0
8. (13) Yang Zhou CHN                                              49:54.5            3:01.2
9. (12) Marjaana Pitkänen Vantaa Ski Club               50:16.1            3:22.8
10. (9) Weijia Kong CHN                                             50:21.9            3:28.6

Results