Finnish athletes Ilkka Herola and Eero Hirvonen are set to compete in the combined 10-kilometer skiing event on Wednesday, having faced significant challenges in the preceding days. Herola ranked ninth in the morning segment, while Hirvonen is just behind in tenth place, trailing by 36 seconds from the leader Kristjan Ilves. The competition is tight, with positions 2 through 6 separated by only six seconds, indicating a highly competitive race approaching.

Hirvonen expressed concerns about the track conditions during an interview with Yle, revealing that he experienced difficulties when he last visited the Olympic course after the sprint event on Tuesday. He described the track as being in 'terrible' condition, which raised his doubts about how it would hold up for the upcoming race. Hirvonen's comments highlight the unexpected challenges athletes may face, particularly with variable environmental conditions affecting performance.

The mention of the track becoming softer over the course of the sprint draws attention to how changing conditions can impact athletes' strategies and outcomes. The anxiety surrounding the course conditions, particularly after a tough sprint, sets the stage for an intriguing competition as Finland's skiers navigate these dynamics and aim for victory despite adversity.