29-Year-Old in Great Form Wins Again

Victoria Carl (29) skated to her second straight victory at the Finnish ski opening in Muonio on Sunday and could become a serious contender for the podium in the World Cup.

The 29-year-old Carl was dominant in the classic race on Saturday, winning by nearly half a minute. On Sunday, she wasn't as dominant but still won the 10-kilometer freestyle by 9.1 seconds over Kerttu Niskanen in this national Finnish cross-country skiing opening.

Austria’s Teresa Stadlober switched places with Niskanen from the classic race and finished third, 28.5 seconds behind Victoria Carl.

Following in the standings were Pia Fink, Anne Kyllönen, and Katharina Hennig.

Norwegian Tone Lise Pedersen was the best performer in 15th place, finishing 1.35.8 minutes behind the winner.

In the men's 10-kilometer race, Italy's Federico Pellegrino took first place, finishing 0.07.3 minutes ahead of Germany's Friedrich Moch. Finland's Arsi Ruskanen placed third, 0.16.9 minutes behind the winner. Simon Gløgård Stensrud was the best Norwegian in seventh place, 0.20.9 minutes back from Pellegrino.

The Norwegian season opener will take place next week in Beitostølen, followed by the World Cup start in Ruka, Finland, in two weeks.