Sprint World Champion Helena Jansson, Sweden, took the first gold medal in the European Championships, winning by 20 seconds ahead of Simone Niggli, Switzerland in today’s sprint final held in Primorsko, Bulgaria. Rising star Maja Alm, Denmark took the bronze medal, a further 48 seconds down.

The men’s gold medal went to Fabian Hertner, Switzerland, silver medallist in last year’s World Championships. His time was 26 seconds better than that of his compatriot Daniel Hubmann.

Third place went to the experienced Swede Emil Wingstedt who was 3 seconds slower than Hubmann. The Swiss male runners excelled with 6 placings in the top 8.

Today’s results count as the first event in this year’s World Cup.

Leading results

Women
1) Helena Jansson SWE 14:36
2) Simone Niggli SUI 14:56
3) Maja Alm DEN 15:44
4= Elise Egseth NOR & Angela Wild SUI 15:53
6= Dana Brozkova CZE & Signe Søes DEN 16:08

Men
1) Fabian Hertner SUI 14:45
2) Daniel Hubmann SUI 15:11
3) Emil Wingstedt SWE 15:14
4) Matthias Merz SUI 15:21
5) Matthias Mueller SUI 15:24
6) Tue Lassen DEN 15:29