Niko Anttola, a 22-year-old Finnish cross-country skier, has secured a substantial partnership with Bittium Oyj, a technology firm based in Oulu. The announcement of this partnership coincides with Bittium's growth as a NATO partner, following a favorable financial year in 2025 that saw the company’s market value rise to over 1.3 billion euros. This partnership is particularly significant for Anttola, as he emphasized the importance of reliable partners in pursuing his skiing career. Anttola's agreement comes on the heels of a difficult period in his athletic career due to a COVID-19 infection that forced him to halt his participation in the Tour de Ski event earlier this January. Despite the recent setbacks, he remains optimistic about the support from his sponsors, which includes Bittium and several other personal sponsors, totaling around five. The collaboration with a company of Bittium's caliber not only enhances Anttola's professional prospects but also highlights the intersection of technology and sports in Finland, where such partnerships can provide athletes with essential resources and support to excel at high levels, especially in international competitions like those leading up to the Olympics.