Game of cents! Watch the fierce final battle for cross-country championship silver – Ossi Kekki pushed for a rare double championship on a demanding track

Ossi Kekki of Lahti Ahkera won the SM gold in both ten and four kilometers. Johanna Peiponen and Kristiina Mäki won the women’s championships.

– Surprisingly good, because the leg felt empty during training, Kekki said about his second race of the day.

– And it’s an incredibly great thing to win two championships. It’s great to add a name to that list.

Kekki already solved the competition on the way, although he didn’t actually plan it.

– In the lowlands, I got away from the others. I started pulling from it, Kekki said.

Kekki understood Raita

After the tenth race, Kekki was still wondering if he would participate in the four-kilometer race with a recovery time of a good four hours. Still, the second championship did not come as a real surprise.

Raitanen didn’t want to take a risk on Paloheinä’s demanding track, which had steep descents and sharp turns on an uneven surface.

– I understand well the absences, Kekki said.

– I still give full marks to the track master. It’s nice to run a race like this once in a while, but maybe not every year.

Peiponen and Mäki women’s champions

Susanna Saapunki and Johanna Peiponen in the picture.
Johanna Peiponen (right) held Susanna Saapung behind her.

Paloheinä’s course with its steep descents and sharp bends was demanding, but it was praised by the winners.

– The route was challenging, but I had no problems. It was a decent cross-country run, Peiponen praised.

– I give full marks to the track master. It’s nice to run a race like this sometimes, but maybe not every year, Kekki said about the track.