Three-time Olympic champion in cross-country skiing Iivo Niskanen opened his competition season on Sunday in the Finnish Cup relay in Vuokatti, Sotkamo, as he had predicted at his press conference about a month ago. Niskanen, representing Puijo Ski Club, skied a strong second leg in the 3x9-kilometer free relay. Puijo finished third in the final heat, while Niilo Mäkinen narrowly lost to winner Joni Mäki of Pohti SkiTeam and second-placed Veeti …