In the lead-up to the men's 50-kilometer race at the Val di Fiemme, anticipation had been high among fans and competitors alike. Discussions were rife regarding the impact of weather conditions, ski waxing, and team tactics, especially given the reported health concerns of Finnish skier Iivo Niskanen, who has been unwell since Monday. This news has deflated expectations for the race weekend, as Niskanen was considered a strong contender.

Another topic of discussion in the skiing community is Ristomatti Hakola, who recently welcomed a child at the new year. As he embarks on this journey of fatherhood, Hakola candidly shared on social media about the challenges he faced in the early days of his child's life. His experience as a new parent adds a personal dimension to his participation in the current competitions, and he hinted at a shift in priorities now that he is a father.

However, a scandal surfaced when Reijo Jylhä was accused of deceitfully misleading the Finnish media at the Lago di Teseron skiing stadium. Such allegations contribute to the drama surrounding the tournament and raise questions regarding transparency and trust within the sporting community, further complicating an already tense atmosphere leading into the key races.