The Swiss pair Simone Niggli and Daniel Hubmann, both leading the World Cup standings by a large margin, demonstrated yet again today that they are the best in the world with victories in the first race of the Nordic Orienteering Tour, a mixed middle distance and sprint, held in Tuusula, Finland in conjunction with the Jukola relay programme.

Simone Niggli won by a convincing 35 seconds over arch rival and local hero Minna Kauppi. Sweden’s Lena Eliasson was third. Both Sweden and Denmark had two runners on the podium.

Daniel Hubmann’s victory was by just 10 seconds over Audun Weltzien, Norway, having one of his best results in international competition. Third was Valentin Novikov, Russia, a further 25 seconds down. Switzerland again demonstrated their strength in depth with 3 runners in the top 6.

Leading results

Women, 6.7 km
1) Simone Niggli SUI 38:11
2) Minna Kauppi FIN 38:46
3) Lena Eliasson SWE 39:24
4) Annika Billstam SWE 39:58
5) Maja Alm DEN 40:20
6) Signe Søes DEN 41:18

Men, 8.0 km
1) Daniel Hubmann SUI 39:53
2) Audun Weltzien NOR 40:03
3) Valentin Novikov RUS 40:28
4) Baptiste Rollier SUI 40:33
5) Matthias Müeller SUI 40:37
6) Tero Föhr FIN 40:56