Krista Parmakoski ends six year winless run with ’emotional’ home triumph in Lahti

Krista Parmakoski ended a six-year winless run by triumphing on home soil in the women’s 20km classic interval start at Lahti.

The Finnish veteran celebrated a sixth World Cup victory and first since Falun in 2018 after recording a time of 52:08.0 and edging out Germany’s Victoria Carl by 1.9 seconds.

Finnish compatriot Kerttu Niskanen also rallied in front of a home crowd and took bronze in a time of 52:17.9.

Parmakoski, whose best results in 2023/24 have been seventh, ninth and 10th, said: “It’s so amazing. I’ve had such a hard season, so many difficult days but this is an emotional day.

“I’m so happy that I’m back on the podium.

“It’s so nice to find a victory in front of my home crowd. They helped me a lot. It’s always special to compete in Finland and winning is even better.”

In the men’s event, Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo added to his Lahti haul after claiming yesterday’s team sprint.

The Norwegian powered to victory in a dominant time of 48:00.1, leaving Finland’s Iivo Niskanen to pick up silver as he crossed the line 24 seconds later.

Fellow Norwegian Martin Loewstroem Nyenget claimed a comfortable third with a time of 48:58.3.