Lahti #2

Today the women’s 5-k and men’s 10-k qualifiers were held, races designed so skiers without World Cup points can compete. Racers from such unlikely ski countries as Iran, Lebanon, Ireland, Brazil, Venezuela and Armenia skied, along with others from countries like Australia, Iceland and Denmark. The top 10 in each race will get to race against World Cup skiers later in the competition. By the way, the guy with the big gray beard at the bottom is Juha Mieto, a many-medaled Olympic skier from the 1970s, said to be among the most popular celebrities in Finland. Click here for some details and results.