Ilta-Sanomat reports that 36-year-old Niskanen is leaving the World Championship and thus will not start in Sunday's final 50km race. Also, veteran Krista Pärmäkoski, 34, is uncertain about starting.
Kerttu and Krista have been at this level for so long that they are only interested in competing for a medal at the World Championship. If you feel that you cannot compete for a medal, it's hard to find the right motivation, says Finnish women's coach Ville Maunuksela to Ilta-Sanomat.
Kerttu Niskanen has previously in her career taken three silver and three bronze medals in the Olympic Games and World Championship.
Finland has taken two medals in the World Championship so far – both on the men's side: one silver in the men's sprint relay and one bronze in the men's sprint.
