Victories for Norway and Russia on opening day of FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships

Norway's Kristine Stavaas Skistad and Russian Alexander Terentev secured gold in the women's and men's under-20 cross-country classic sprint events on the opening day of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Lahti.

Skistad emerged victorious from the women's final, held over 1.4 kilometres, as she crossed the line in 3min 23.12sec.

The Norwegian had too much power and speed in her skiis for the rest of the field in the final, with Monika Skinder of Poland coming through to take silver.

The bronze medal was claimed by Finland's Anita Korva.

Norway were denied further success on the first day of action in the Finnish resort as Terentev surged ahead of his challengers to clinch the junior world title in a time of 3.26:33.

First competition day was more than excited! Congratulations for the winners! #JWSC2019



Ladies TOP three:

1. Skistad, NOR

2. Skinder, POL

3. Korva, FIN



Men's TOP three:

1. Terentev, RUS

2. Evensen, NOR

3. Skaanes, NOR



Results: https://t.co/sIOjctvtSvhttps://t.co/REW9LokAcP — JWSC2019 (@JWSC2019) January 20, 2019

Ansgar Evensen of Norway was nearly three seconds slower in silver medal position, while bronze went to his compatriot Haakon Skaanes.

The results saw Norway and Russia, two of the most successful nations in cross-country at senior level, make a promising start to the event.

Action continues tomorrow with the cross-country classic sprint competitions in the under-23 categories.