In the forests of Tikkala, Swedish teams are aiming for their fifth consecutive victory in the Venla Relay.
The lowest odds in the winner’s betting pool belong to IFK Göteborg, champions in both 2022 and 2023.
Their first team, wearing bib number 4, features Malin Agervig-Kristiansson, Swiss star Simona Aebersold, Sara Hagström, and Sanna Fasth.
Even Göteborg’s second team is strong enough to contend for victory, with Norwegian Ingrid Lundanes anchoring the relay.
Last year, multiple world champion Tove Alexandersson brought Stora Tuna OK to victory with a stunning anchor leg.
This time, Stora Tuna’s chances are slimmer.
“We lost Marie Olaussen from last year’s team. She’ll be replaced by Ronja Hugg. Our goal is to place in the top ten,” said Magdalena Olsson, who will run the second leg for the team.
Kalevan Rasti Is Ready to Surprise
It’s been 15 years since a Finnish club last won the Venla Relay — that victory came in 2009 in the forests of Kytäjä, when Tampereen Pyrintö took the title.
Pyrintö is again among the top Finnish contenders this year. Their lineup includes Lotta Karhola, Venla Taulavuori, Anni Haanpää, and Venla Harju, who has been selected for Finland’s World Championship team in Kuopio.
Kalevan Rasti came close to victory last year but had to settle for the second place.
“We have a strong team again this year,” assures head coach Jere Pajunen, originally from Mikkeli.
Still, Pajunen is quick to assign the favorite’s role to IFK Göteborg.
“They’ve got an incredibly deep and high-level squad — enough to form several competitive teams.”
Kalevan Rasti’s first team includes a new face: junior world champion Elisa Mattila, who replaces Miia Niittynen.
The opening leg will be run by 24-year-old French runner Cecile Calandry, who had a strong performance in Kauhava last year, coming in 12th at the first exchange.
“She’s a reliable starter. We’ve trained in eastern Finnish terrain with the team, so Cecile has a good feel for the Tikkala forest type,” Pajunen adds.
In Mikkeli, Elisa Mattila will run the second leg, followed by Marika Teini—also selected for the World Championships—and Ida Haapala as the anchor, another Finnish national team runner.
Young Espoon Suunta Team Chasing a Top-10 Finish
Among the Finnish teams, Espoon Suunta’s young squad also has strong potential for a top-10 result.
“Our team’s average age is 21. Each of us wants to enjoy the Venla Relay and have fun. We’re aiming to run our best individual races and see where that takes us,” says Hanne Hilo, a two-time European Youth Champion.
“Our club will organize the Jukola Relay in 2028, so we won’t be able to compete that year. Until then, we’ve got several chances to chase top results in the Venla Relay.”
Espoon Suunta’s first team includes Anni Jantunen, Swiss runner Siana Senn, Liisa Raasakka, and Hanne Hilo.
Text Markku Leinonen
Translation Sari Parkkinen
Photo Sari Ursin