Perttu Hyvärinen, recently dropped from Finland's Olympic team, is gearing up to compete in the skiathlon event at the Falun World Cup on Sunday. The skiathlon involves skiing 10 kilometers using traditional techniques and 10 kilometers using freestyle methods. As he participates, Hyvärinen will join fellow Finnish team members Arsi Ruuskanen, Niko Anttola, Markus Vuorela, Alexander Ståhlberg, and Petteri Koivisto for this long-standing competitive event.

The men's 20-kilometer race is expected to start at 1:30 PM, with Johannes Kläbo, regarded as the greatest winter sports athlete of all time, being the pre-race favorite. Kläbo’s prowess adds an exciting competitive edge to the race, making it highly anticipated among skiing enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the women's event will take place later in the day, starting at 4:05 PM, where Vilma Ryytty will be the only representation from the Finnish team, highlighting a somewhat subdued participation.

This competition reflects the ongoing preparations and challenges athletes face as they head into major tournaments, especially following the dropping of Hyvärinen, which may impact the morale and dynamics of the Finnish team. As the World Cup serves as a significant platform for athletes, the outcomes here could influence selections and strategies for upcoming Olympic events, underscoring the importance of these races in the winter sports calendar.