Frida Karlsson Dominates Ruka to Win World Cup Opening event - Pärmäkoski, FIN, was 12th

The 2024/25 Cross-Country Skiing World Cup season started at Ruka on Friday. Frida Karlsson was overwhelming at the 10 kilometer classic race.

“My body felt great and I felt I was mentally at the right place. It felt amazing to get to start the World Cup season”, Karlsson said after the win.

She was 46.5 seconds faster than Therese Johaug who finished second. The competition was her first one in World Cup since her break after the 2022 season. Astrid Slind finished third with a slight gap.

For the Finns, the race was a disappointment since there weren’t any in the top 10.

The best of them was Krista Pärmäkoski, who finished 12th. The difference to Karlsson was 1 minute and 27 seconds.

“I believe our staff did a good job today, there´s nothing to blame about skis or the staff”, Pärmäkoski said after the race.

Jasmi Joensuu was the second best Finn, finishing 15th. She finished 11.5 seconds after Pärmäkoski.

Other Finns and their positions: Kerttu Niskanen 18th. Johanna Matinpalo 22th. Vilma Nissinen 26th. Anne Kyllönen 27th. Katri Lylynperä 29th. Anni Alakoski 39th. Nora Kytäjä 44th. Oona Kettunen 47th. Elsa Torvinen 53th.

Results

Teksti: Olli Österman
Kuva: Risto Raunio