In the fourth stage of the 2025/2026 Finnish cross-country skiing cup, Ari Luusua dominated the men's 15km classic race in Tampere, Finland, finishing well ahead of his competitors. Hilla Niemelä similarly led the women's event from start to finish. The races highlighted strong performances by Finnish athletes on home snow.
The fourth stage of the Finnish cross-country skiing cup kicked off on Saturday in Tampere, Finland, featuring individual classic races over 15km for men and a comparable distance for women. These events form part of the ongoing 2025/2026 season, showcasing emerging and established talents in the sport.
In the men's competition, veteran Finnish skier Ari Luusua took control from the halfway mark and crossed the finish line in 32 minutes and 12.7 seconds, securing a decisive victory. He finished 27 seconds ahead of fellow Finn Alexander Stahlberg in second place. Rounding out the podium was Miro Karppanen, who trailed Luusua by 35.2 seconds. Luusua's performance underscored his experience and consistency in classic technique events.
The women's race saw Hilla Niemelä of Finland assert dominance throughout, clocking a winning time of 38 minutes and 24.1 seconds. Elsa Torvinen placed second, 15.3 seconds behind, while Amanda Saari took third at 24.7 seconds off the pace. Niemelä's strong showing reinforced her position as a top contender in the national circuit.
Full results from the races are available through official channels, contributing to the overall standings in the Finnish Cup. This stage in Tampere provided a key opportunity for athletes to build momentum ahead of further competitions in the season. The events proceeded without reported disruptions, emphasizing the competitive depth within Finnish cross-country skiing.
