Iivo Niskanen, a prominent skier from the Puijo Ski Club in Finland, announced his racing plans for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics on Friday. He is set to compete in the 50-kilometer freestyle event on February 21, which is his primary target. Niskanen will first participate in the skiathlon scheduled for Sunday, where his performance will determine whether he competes in the 10-kilometer freestyle race later that day. As a reigning Olympic bronze medalist in the 50 km event, he is eager to contend for another medal in this competition.

In addition to the 50 km race, Niskanen has confirmed that he will also take part in the men's 4x7.5 kilometer relay, showcasing his commitment to contribute to the Finnish team's success. He will not be entering the traditional sprint or the team sprint events, indicating a strategic focus on longer distances that align better with his skillset. Niskanen’s competitive history includes a sixth-place finish in the World Cup 10 km freestyle event last year, highlighting his capability at high levels of competition.

Teemu Pasanen, the head coach of the Finnish national team, will play a crucial role in finalizing Niskanen's participation in these races. Niskanen’s optimistic outlook for his participation underscores both his confidence and preparedness as he heads into the Olympic games, aiming to replicate his previous successes on the world stage and possibly improve his standings.