This was Slind's first individual victory in her World Championship career.
The 36-year-old is an experienced cross-country skier but has mainly focused on long-distance skiing in recent years. She was behind Johaug for most of the race and had almost given up on winning.
Johaug "only" third
But an incredibly strong finish was enough to take first place.
I can't believe it. I never thought this would happen, at least not with Therese back. I thought I was fighting for second place, but suddenly I realized I could win, says Astrid Øyre Slind in the victory interview on Viaplay's broadcast.
Johaug didn't even get second place. The Norwegian superstar, who made a comeback this year after retiring in 2022, stumbled badly at the end. She had to settle for third place, also beaten by three seconds by Finnish skier Kerttu Niskanen.
Slind's winning margin over Niskanen was 10.1 seconds.
This means an enormous amount. I've worked for this for an incredibly long time. And to be the best, at least in a single race, feels wonderful. I have to send thanks to all the Swedish skiers who stayed home, says Astrid Øyre Slind to Viaplay.
Only two Swedish women
Strong distance skiers like Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson opted out of the competitions in Davos entirely. In the end, only two Swedish skiers started, after Saturday's sprint winner Jonna Sundling withdrew during the morning.
Moa Ilar finished 18th (+3.12) and Sofia Henriksson 23rd (+4.41).
