Feb 15 โ€ข 14:02 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Finland Iltalehti

Finland out of medal contention โ€“ How the head coach explained his selections

Finland's coach Teemu Pasanen expressed disappointment over their fourth-place finish in the men's 4x7.5 kilometer relay after a strong race but acknowledged the competitive edge of stronger teams.

Following Finland's fourth-place finish in the men's 4x7.5 kilometer relay race, head coach Teemu Pasanen provided insights into the team's performance and strategy. He noted that while the team aimed for a medal and fought diligently throughout the race, the competition was fierce, with Italy's seasoned anchor Federico Pellegrino demonstrating exceptional speed and skill that ultimately led to Finland's defeat. Pasanen acknowledged that although Niko Anttola, who ran the anchor leg for Finland, executed the skiing tactics adequately, Pellegrino's overwhelming strength left little chance for Anttola to maintain the lead.

The race was intense, with Finland vying strongly for a podium position. Anttola entered the final leg third, but he was faced with a growing challenge from Pellegrino, who had a seasoned performance that showcased his extensive experience in competitive skiing. A gap of about 21.3 seconds separated Anttola from fourth-place Italy, intensifying the pressure as he sought to maintain pace. Coach Pasanen expressed his admiration for Pellegrino's speed, acknowledging that the Italian ski team presented a formidable challenge which the Finnish team could not overcome this time.

Overall, this race illustrated the strong competition Finland faces at this level and highlighted the team's determination and effort. While falling short of their goal, the insights shared by Pasanen reflect a commitment to improvement and strategic adjustments that may benefit future competitions. Even in disappointment, the team appears poised to learn and grow from their experiences in pursuit of future successes.

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