The Swedish orienteering star came to this year's edition of O-ringen directly from a training camp in Norwegian Galdhøpiggen with the national team in ski mountaineering. It is a part of her ambition to form a Swedish team in the Olympic Games together with Jersker Lysell.
Therefore, it was a change from snow to orienteering for Alexandersson, who noted that Simona Aebersold, competing for IFK Göteborg, won the three initial stages. Nevertheless, it seemed that Alexandersson had the victory within reach when she won Friday's fourth stage. A victory that meant Alexandersson started just over two minutes after Aebersold before the final pursuit start.
Aebersold nervous
This is a lead that the Swedish star orienteer has taken in many times in major competitions. Aebersold also admits that she was nervous before the start:
- Two minutes is not much. On a long distance, a lot can happen, says Aebersold, who earlier this summer won the World Championship gold in long distance ahead of Tove Alexandersson.
The Swiss also showed masterful performances and already in the first radio control, she had extended the lead to just over five minutes. At the finish, her winning margin was 8.39.
First loss
Tove Alexandersson has won O-ringen's senior class seven times. But this was the first time she lost when she participated in O-ringen's senior class.
In the men's class, Emil Svensk, Stora Tuna, won, who has orienteered safely all week. He also had nerves before the start:
- I have run incredibly well, but got stressed and pressured, despite having a lead. It was a bit unpleasant, says Emil Svensk, who made a fine final stretch and won with just over five minutes.
Second came Max Peter Bejmer, Malung.
