November 22, 2013 (Bruksvallarna, Sweden) – Charlotte Kalla (SWE) and Calle Halfvarsson (SWE) won their season-opener races in Bruksvallarna, Sweden, in the women’s and men’s 5/10km classic events, respectively.  Kalla was far and away the best in the women’s competition, winning by over 37 seconds in the 5 km classic.  The men’s 10 km classic podium was much closer with all three being separated by less than 8 seconds.

Charlotte Kalla © Nordic Focus

In the ladies competition Kalla stopped the clock in a time of 13:16.5, a full 37 seconds ahead of second place finisher Sofia Bleckur +37.4.  In third was Ida Ingemarsdotter (SWE)+42.0 seconds back from the lead. Canada’s Chandra Crawford (CAN) was the only North American in 55th.

In the men’s competition Halfvarsson completed the 10 km classic course for the win in a time of 24:01.7.  Just 6.5 seconds behind for second place was Daniel Richardsson (SWE) and behind him by just 0.1 seconds was Jimmie Johnsson (SWE) with a time of 24:08.3. Canada’s Brian McKeever (CAN) was the top North American in 74th. Teammate Erik Carleton (CAN) finished 103rd.

Tomorrow’s events will be the 10 km F for the ladies and 15 km F for the men.

Women 5km Classic
1.  Charlotte  Kalla (SWE) 13:16.5
2.  Sofia Bleckur (SWE) 13:53.9
3.  Ida  Ingemarsdotter (SWE) 13:58.5
4.  Britta Johannson Norgren (SWE) 13:59.6
5.  Hanna Erikson (SWE) 14:02.2

Full results HERE.

Men 10km Classic
1.  Calle  Halfvarsson (SWE) 24:01.7
2.  Daniel Richardsson (SWE) 24:08.2
3.  Jimmie  Johnsson (SWE) 24:08.3
4.  Lars Nelson (SWE) 24:17.2
5.  Jean Marc Gaillard (FRA) 24:19.0

Complete results are available HERE