Lucky 13th World Cup victory for Sweden's Karlsson in Ruka

Frida Karlsson (SWE) opened the 2025/26 FIS Cross‑Country World Cup with a commanding win in the women’s 10 km Interval Start Classic in Ruka, Finland. Coming off a summer of rollerski training and a high‑altitude camp in Tenerife, the 26‑year‑old looked perfectly at home on her favourite track, securing the 13th World Cup victory of her career and her fourth win in Ruka (third at 10 km).

Karlsson controlled the race from early splits, balancing grip and glide on a tricky, fast course that featured fresh snow higher up and icier sections below. By 3 km she led by three seconds; at halfway her advantage over Moa Ilar (SWE) was 10.2 seconds. Heidi Weng (NOR) mounted a mid‑race push on lap two to gain time, ultimately passing Ilar for second, but could not close the gap to Karlsson.

At the finish, Karlsson won by 10.5 seconds over Weng, with Ilar third at 18.3 seconds. Ebba Andersson (SWE) placed fourth, 3.1 seconds behind Ilar, with Jessie Diggins (USA) fifth and “super happy” with one of her best classic races in Ruka. The event marked the 24th consecutive season‑opening weekend in Ruka.

Pre‑race attention had focused on Diggins—reigning two‑time overall Crystal Globe holder—who announced she will retire at season’s end, as well as Finnish star Krista Pärmäkoski, who plans to finish her career after Milano Cortina 2026. Veteran Weng also hinted this could be her final campaign.

Post‑race, Karlsson credited steady training and confidence for her form: she hadn’t specifically targeted the opener but was pleased how her body responded. Weng noted the electric atmosphere, likely boosted by fans turning out to see Pärmäkoski in her home World Cup. The Ruka weekend continues with the Classic Sprint on Saturday. Full results are available via FIS.