Sprint specialist Kristine Stavås Skistad didn't get it together at all in her delayed season debut in December, after a stomach operation before the competition winter.
On Saturday, she was back on the starting line and in Les Rousses, she was impossible to beat.
The Norwegian was challenged by three Swedish women in the final – Maja Dahlqvist, Jonna Sundling, and Emma Ribom – but skied to a perfect position with a top spot heading into the stadium.
Sundling initially seemed to be able to challenge, but didn't have the strength to keep up. Instead, Dahlqvist was the closest to succeeding, but despite a strong sprint, she didn't catch up either. Emma Ribom was simultaneously chanceless in the final and finished last, in sixth place.
If I had been a little further up in the last curve, I almost think I could have won. But a lot has to come together for that. But it was a good race for me, says Maja Dahlqvist to Viaplay.
Even Jonna Sundling was pleased, considering she often has a harder time in classical style.
I'm super happy. It's my best classical race this year. I did what I could, so I'm satisfied, says Sundling.
The Swedish women can also rejoice that the World Championship sprint in Trondheim in just over a month will be in freestyle.
A Swedish exclamation mark for the day was young Märta Rosenberg. The 22-year-old was third fastest in the qualifying round and then made it to the semifinals for the first time in her career.
