With qualification having been postponed yesterday as a result of strong winds, the competition began with some strong preliminary rounds before the quarter-final stage, where Anna Holmlund led her team-mate Sandra Naeslund to the line to book their place in the next phase.

The duo swapped places in a closely fought semi-final to ensure that the local fans celebrated at least one Swedish skier climbing onto the podium at the end of the competition.

France’s Alizee Baron and Canada’s Marielle Thompson aimed to provide the threat to the home favourites, having made it through their half of the draw, but were unable to stop Holmlund.

Thompson secured second position and Naeslund sealed Sweden’s second podium stop by beating Baron to third.

“It’s pretty stressful to be in the lead on this course today,” said Holmlund.

“It felt l was going 180 heartbeats per minute, it was tough conditions, but it was the same for everybody, and I’m really happy I was able to hold it together across the line.

“It was the second time this year Sandra and I have shared a podium, and I think that shows that we’ve got one of the best teams on the World Cup, even if we are only five skiers.”

The victory saw Holmlund, yet to miss a big final this season, move further clear in World Cup having now secured 770 points.

Thompson lies 263 further back, having moved up to second position with her strong result today.

Slovenia’s Filip Flisar was able to secure his first win of the season in the men’s event, displaying strong form from the start.

He secured  victories in each of his heats and then battled to victory in the final, narrowly edging ahead of Canada’s Chris Delbosco.

Austria’s Christoph Wahrstoetter made it a rare event without a Frenchman on the podium, after finishing ahead of Bastien Midol.

France’s Jean Frederic Chapuis, though remains top of the World Cup standings, despite a lowly 17th place finish today, with a score of 584 points.

He benefited from Brady Leman ending 33rd, the Canadian spurning the chance to close the 114 point gap.

The event is due to continue tomorrow.