Frida Karlsson wins the first World Cup race at Ruka ahead of Therese Johaug

Frida Karlsson, during the Winter Olympics. (F. Seguin/L'Équipe)

Frida Karlsson dominated the competition this Friday, winning the 10 km classic event in Ruka (Finland) at the start of the 2024-2025 season. The 25-year-old skier finished over 45 seconds ahead of her closest rival, Therese Johaug, who returned to competition at age 36 after a two-year break to give birth to her first child. The podium was completed by fellow Norwegian Astrid Oeyre Slind, 54 seconds behind. American Jessica Diggins, last season's World Cup winner, finished in 7th place, 1 minute and 13 seconds behind.

The French skiers Melissa Gal, Flora Dolci, Delphine Claudel, and Juliette Ducordeau finished in 33rd, 37th, 39th, and 51st places, respectively. The next event will take place in Lillehammer, Norway, in a week.