The cross-country skiing season kicked off in Gällivare, Sweden, this weekend with compelling performances from both established and rising stars. Edvin Anger and Ebba Andersson secured decisive victories in the men’s and women’s 10km classic races, respectively, signaling strong form for the Swedish team as they look ahead to upcoming World cup competitions. Complete race results and analysis follow.
Edvin Anger dominated the men’s 10km classic race in Gällivare on Saturday, securing a decisive victory with a margin of 39.5 seconds over Leo Johansson. The result marks a strong start to the cross-country skiing season for the Swedish team.
“It was tough out there, but I felt my body responded well,” Anger told SVT after the race. “The results show it was a good race, one that I think would have been competitive at the World Cup level as well.”
Johansson showcased impressive form, positioning himself well for a successful season. “It felt good to get a solid result,” Johansson said to SVT. “I wanted to start conservatively and build momentum throughout the race, and I think that worked well. I maintained good times throughout.”
Alvar Myhlback finished third, rebounding from a disqualification in the earlier sprint event in Gällivare. “It was just nice to finish the race,” Myhlback said with a smile to SVT, adding, “The level of competition is high. My body feels strong, but I’m not quite feeling comfortable with my technique today. I need to work on the transition between diagonal stride and poling.”
In the women’s race, Ebba Andersson and Moa Ilar quickly separated themselves from the rest of the field, battling for the top spot.
Andersson ultimately claimed the win with a 13.5-second advantage over Ilar in a thrilling finish. “I felt like I was able to execute many of the things I’ve been working on during the off-season,” Andersson told SVT after the race. “There are still areas for improvement, but it was a stable and strong performance. It’s a good feeling heading into the next races.”
Ilar finished a strong second, 34.5 seconds ahead of Nadine Fähndrich in third. The result is a positive step for Ilar, who followed up her fifth-place finish in the opening sprint with a podium appearance. “I’m super happy with today’s race,” Ilar said to SVT. “It’s one of the best classic races I’ve ever done. I was worried I might have started too fast, but looking back, I think I was able to finish strong.”
Resultat 10 km klassiskt
Herrar
- Edvin Anger, Åsarna IK: 24:36,7
- Leo Johansson, Falun-Borlänge SK: +39,5
- Alvar Myhlback, Bjursås IK: +41.0
- Eric Rosjö, IFK Mora SK: +47,4
- Jesper Persson, Åsarna IK: +48.8
- Gustaf Berglund, IFK Mora SK: +53.1
Damer
- Ebba Andersson, Piteå Elit SK: 28:54,9
- Moa Ilar, Falun-Borlänge SK: +13,5
- Nadine Fähndrich, SUI: +58,0
- Moa Lundgren, Åsarna IK: +1:16,3
- Evelina Crüsell, Skellefteå SK: +1:30,2
- Märta Rosenberg, Trillevallens SK: +1:32,1
See samtliga resultat here.
