The winners of the Jukola relay, Kalevan Rasti’s first team, appeared in front of the media in the Sunday morning sunshine.

Aaro Asikainen was the first to leave on the third leg, but was only tenth at the changeover, over 4 minutes behind the leaders.

– My leg didn’t go well and I’m still a little annoyed, said Asikainen. – I believed in myself, but when you see the contents of your stomach on the ground three times, it means your fuel stores are empty.

Hannu Airila has always run the fourth leg of the winning team.

– The course planner has done such a great job with the forked controls that I’ve never run such a rut-free course in Jukola before, commented Airila.

Simo-Pekka Fincke only got his call up to the first team during the Venla relay on Saturday.

– I was up for the challenge, but I had more butterflies in my stomach than usual, admits Fincke.

For Thierry Gueorgiou, this was his fifth Jukola win. Gueorgiou started the anchor leg in third place and attacked right from the start.

– I felt strong which meant that I had more choices available to me.

The winner won’t have much rest as the World Championships are in three weeks. However, Jukola will stay with him.

–  If there’s one competition I want to race my whole life, that’s Jukola, sums up Gueorgiou.

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