It wasn't a dream start at the EC for Tove Alexandersson.

The Swede, who was in the same qualifying heat as tough competitor Simona Aebersold, was almost five minutes behind the Swiss at the first time pass.

But Alexandersson finished strongly and gained over a minute on Aebersold when she finished third and thus advanced to Saturday's middle distance final.

- It was a bit of a nightmare in the forest.

It was green, you were stuck in the jungle.

It was a control that I really missed.

I was very close to the control but I simply didn't see it, Alexandersson told the association.

Johanna Öberg and Lisa Risby finished second in their respective heats.

The recent silver medalist at the World Games, Karolin Ohlsson, started solidly but lost a lot at the end and is eliminated.

Bergman qualified fastest

The Swedish men's runners Gustav Bergman and Albin Ridefelt convinced in their qualifying heat.

Bergman, who took World Cup silver in the middle distance last year and showed strong form with the victory in the O-ring last week, won twelve seconds ahead of Ridefelt.

- Calm and stable.

I have had a good trip in the forest.

I've had some back problems since the O-ring and was a bit unsure.

But it felt good now when I ran, says Bergman.

Tomorrow, SVT's broadcasts from the European Championships begin when the long distance is decided.

MORE ORIENTATION: Tove Alexandersson won WC gold by far (June 28)

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Tove Alexandersson won the first WC gold in the knockout sprint Photo: Bildbyrån