The poles squeaked loudly when the men started in Falun.
14 degrees below zero on the WC distance, 15 km free.
Alexander Bolshunov from Russia opened calmly but pressed the gas firmly after the first half.
After half the race, the Russian took a big lead and put pressure on the skiers who came later in the field.
- He is just terribly impressive, Bolshunov looked a bit worn last weekend but bounces back today so it just thunders about it, says SVT's expert Anders Blomquist when Bolshunov came to the finish with a convincing lead.
Simen Hegstad Krüger from Norway was the skier who could best keep up with Bolshunov's furious speed.
A huge finish by the Norwegian meant that he was only 1.8 seconds behind Bolshunov in goal.
- That is a race that will bring him among the Norwegian skiers who will have the chance to ride 15 km freely at the WC, says Blomquist.
Hard day for the Swedes
Calle Halvarsson, who struggled with form, made a strong opening in the race but did not have the strength all the way.
- Brave investment, sparkled on the first lap but a little heavier now, says Blomquist.
Halvfvarsson lost even more on the second lap and was eventually beaten by three other Swedes.
Karl-Johan Westberg became the best Swede with a 17th place.
William Poromaa was 24th and Jens Burman 26th.
- It's not possible, I have no energy.
I get dumb and it seems like it is not there from the beginning, it is heavy now, says Calle Halfvarsson to SVT Sport after the finish.
The text is updated
The ladies start at 13.00 and drive 10 km free.
Follow the broadcast on SVT1 or on play.