The 10-time world champion proved far too good in the middle-distance race, coming home ahead of Swiss duo Simona Aebersold and Sabine Hauswirth in second and third respectively.

Alexandersson finished the course in 37min 01sec, 2:36 ahead of Aebersold as Hauswrith finished in 39:50.

It means Alexandersson has a perfect 500 points in the overall World Cup standings from five events, with Aebersold trailing well behind on 281.

Russia's Natalia Gemperle rose to third in the overall standings following a fourth place finish over the 6.2 kilometres course after Finland's Marika Teini was disqualified.

In the men's race, there was home joy as Switzerland secured a one-two finish, Joey Hadorn beating team mate Daniel Hubman.

Martin Regborn of Sweden came third.

It was a tight contest between the compatriots, Hadorn finishing in 37:21, just nine seconds ahead of Hubmann,with Regborn coming home in 37:58.

Sweden's overall leader Gustav Bergman finished fifth and saw lead cut to just 11 points after Norway's Olav Lundanes, second in the total standings, was fourth in Laufen.

Bergman has 354 points, followed by Lundanes on 343,with France's Frederic Tranchand is third on 252 after he could only come joint 20th today.

Hubmann is only a point behind Tranchand overall after today, .

Hadorn moved up to eighth place.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with the knockout sprint event.