Norway's Olav Lundanes and Russia's Natalia Gemperle won the men's and women's middle distance races in Cēsis ©IOF

Norway's Olav Lundanes and Russia's Natalia Gemperle won the men's and women's middle distance races on day one of the International Orienteering Federation World Cup in Cēsis in Latvia.

Their successes came after both series leaders made mistakes on a "technically demanding" forested course. 

Lundanes was fastest after the 3.6 kilometre mark in the men's race and came home to win in 35min 57sec.

Switzerland's defending overall champion Matthias Kyburz came home in 36.41 for second place and Gustav Bergman of Sweden was third in 37.13.

Daniel Hubmann, the Swiss World Cup leader, was 1.49 down after the 3.6km mark and had to settle for seventh place in the end.

In the women's event Gemperle recovered from a slow start to win in 38.56.

Tove Alexandersson made mistakes and finished fifth ©IOF
Tove Alexandersson made mistakes and finished fifth ©IOF

Sabine Hauswirth of Switzerland finished 25 seconds back in second position as Marika Teini of Finland clocked 39.47 for bronze.

Sweden's overall leader Tove Alexandersson lost nearly two minutes on legs three and four and then dropped 20 places after heading way off line while on a track to the north of the course.

She was able to recover to some extent and finished fifth.

Relay events will be held at the World Cup tomorrow.