On stage at the media event, athletes appeared cheerful and mentally prepared. Everyone agreed: the hilly terrain of Tikkala in Mikkeli demands careful route choices and top-level fitness. Strong performances at Tiomila have boosted teams toward the season’s highlight — the Mikkeli Jukola. Orienteers have been arriving since yesterday and this morning, their minds focused on improving last year’s Jukola results.
Helsingin Suunnistajat – the Top Favourite
Arttu Syrjäläinen, originally from Mikkeli, will run the fifth leg for Helsingin Suunnistajat team number 1. He’s thrilled to be competing on his home turf and recalled how, back in 2009, he admired his orienteering idols from the crowd. Now, he gets to sleep in his own bed and enjoy his father’s cooking, while the rest of the team stays in a rented cabin. On stage, he also greeted his former Finnish teacher, who asked about life in his current home city, Helsinki.
“I enjoy living in Helsinki, especially because of work, but I would gladly live here in Mikkeli, too,” said the cheerful national youth team coach.
He concluded by saying that the ancient forests and magnificent hills are close to his heart — and that his team is well-prepared.
Ikaalisten Nouseva-Voima Looking to Lead After the First Leg?
Juho Ylinen of Ikaalisten Nouseva-Voima team number 1 will start the relay for his team — for the fifth time. As an experienced first-leg runner, he emphasized the special skills needed to pace the start correctly and position the team well for the rest of the race. His goal is clear: to be among the leaders at the first exchange, perhaps even in the lead.
Spectators would do well to keep an eye on Ylinen, known for never skipping training regardless of weather conditions. Mikkeli’s first leg offers a great course — perhaps even one for a dramatic sprint finish.
Strong Swedish and Norwegian Teams Pose Tough Competition
Kornelius Kriszat-Lövfald from Swedish team OK Linné number 1 stated that they’re aiming to turn last year’s silver into gold. Their strengths lie in experience and endurance, with especially strong runners assigned to legs 4 and 5 — key to the team’s success.
“The course is demanding,” he said, “but we’ve prepared well.”
From Norway, Eirik Langedal Breivik of NTNUI team 1 (the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s sports club) reflected on their 7th place finish at last year’s Jukola. This year, the goal is clearly higher. A strong showing at Tiomila has fueled the team’s drive to fight for a top spot.
As in previous years, the changeover area might again deliver some surprising twists.
A cheerful crowd welcomed the athletes at the town square, basking in beautiful sunshine. Tomorrow, Mikkeli will reveal its finest features to the orienteers — with mirrored forest lakes and even summer heat in the forecast.
Good luck in the demanding terrain!
Text: Sari Noponen
Translation: Sari Parkkinen
Photo: Mika Luukkonen