Sunday’s 30-kilometer interval start in freestyle technique brought drama to the Swedish Championships in Kalix, as a wrong turn by the World Champion added high tension throughout the entire event.

The favorite, Ebba Andersson, opened strong by taking the lead at the 1-kilometer mark, 1.7 seconds ahead of sprint queen Jonna Sundling. By 3.5 kilometers, Andersson was expected to have extended her lead—but she didn’t appear on time. A minute and a half later, Ebba passed by and informed a course official that she had gone the wrong way. Jonna capitalized on Ebba’s mistake and picked up the pace, setting up a fierce battle for victory between the two Piteå skiers in Kalix, Sweden.

A determined Ebba Andersson chased hard, but at the halfway point, the World Champion was still 45 seconds behind Sundling, and the situation looked tough. She had only gained 4 seconds over 3 kilometers. That trend, however, didn’t hold. At 19.8 kilometers, Ebba was just 29.2 seconds behind, and the win suddenly didn’t seem out of reach. With 8 kilometers to go and only 15 seconds to make up, the battle for first was on.

Sundling crossed the finish line in 1:18:09.5. After a few minutes of anxious waiting, Andersson passed the 28.1-kilometer mark—taking the lead. With just 2 kilometers left, she was 1.5 seconds ahead, now with the advantage.

But the extra distance Ebba skied turned out to be too much. She finished 2.8 seconds behind Jonna. Although she skied the fastest 30km of anyone, she ended up in second place.

The fight for bronze was between Lisa Eriksson and Moa Hansson. It was a tight contest for a long time, but sprint ace Hansson couldn’t hold on, and Lisa claimed the bronze.

Top 5

1. Jonna Sundling, 1:18:09.5
2. Ebba Andersson, +2.8
3. Lisa Eriksson, +2:31.3
4. Moa Hansson, +3:19.3
5. Elin Henriksson, +4:20.2

Results available HERE

Also Read: Ebba Andersson dominates the 10km race at Swedish Nationals

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