Alexander Bolshunov won the Olympic skiathlon in superior style.

The Russian jerked at the change of skis and finally won over a minute ahead of compatriot Denis Spitsov.

Before the race, there was a lot of talk about the duel between Bolshunov and Norwegian star Johannes Hösflot Kläbo.

But there was never a match.

The Norwegian crossed the finish line in 40th place - a full nine minutes after the winner.

"Will be a tough nut to crack"

SVT Sports expert Anders Blomquist was impressed by Bolshunov, at the same time as he believes in tougher duels with Kläbo in the future.

- The continued match between Bolshunov and Kläbo will be very tough.

Bolshunov's efforts with good skis and extremely good physique are impressive.

The effort creates a great favorite for him during the rest of the Olympics, says Blomquist and continues:

- These conditions with hard snow where you do not get paid for technical, nice riding.

This suggests that Bolshunov has an advantage in addition to the fact that he seems to be in extremely good shape.

Bolshunov will definitely be a tough nut to crack, even if Kläbo comes back in a different way in the sprint.

Poromaa impressed

The best Swede was William Poromaa, 21, who impressed a lot and drove into a sixth place in his Olympic debut.

– Sett till hans ålder och hans erfarenhet är det enormt stort. Att göra det på en tuff bana på hög höjd med hög friktion i snön, det blir ett rent kapacitetslopp. Att vara i den åldern och att kunna prestera så bra i sin första OS-start. Det är väldigt, väldigt bra.