SJUSJOEN, Norway (AP) — Olympic champion Marit Bjoergen of Norway dominated the first event of the women’s cross-country World Cup season Saturday, winning a 10-kilometer freestyle race by 27.1 seconds.
Bjoergen, who won three gold medals in Vancouver, finished in 24 minutes, 22.3 seconds. Charlotte Kalla of Sweden was second in 24:49.4. Vibeke Skofterud of Norway was another 1.8 seconds back in third.
The World Cup opener had been scheduled for Beitostoelen in Norway, but was moved to Sjusjoen because of lack of snow in the unusually mild winter weather.
The top American was Kikkan Randall in eighth place.
A men’s 15K freestyle event was scheduled for later Saturday.
