Ebba Andersson of Sweden won the women's under-23 classic cross-country event at the FIS Nordic Junior and Under-23 Cross-Country World Ski Championships ©Getty Images

Ebba Andersson of Sweden and Sergey Ardashev of Russia earned gold medals in the under-23 classic cross-country events at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Nordic Junior and Under-23 Cross-Country World Ski Championships in Oberwiesenthal.

The 22-year-old Andersson triumphed in the women's 10 kilometre event, crossing the line in 28min 28.7sec.

She has already had significant success on the senior stage, achieving a world title in the 4x5km relay in 2019 and an Olympic silver medal in the same event at Pyeongchang 2018. 

Compatriot Emma Ribom was third in 28:58.9, with Marte Mæhlum Johansen of Norway finishing between the two in 28:53.5.

"I really had to make an effort," Andersson said.

"Emma was really strong at the beginning. 

"So I knew I had to accelerate, but it was pretty tough. 

"At the finish I was totally exhausted."

Ebba Andersson was part of the Swedish cross-country team that won silver at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games ©Getty Images
Ebba Andersson was part of the Swedish cross-country team that won silver at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games ©Getty Images

Ardashev struck gold in the men's 15km race in a time of 36:26.4, beating Norway's Harald Østberg Amundsen, who was more than a minute behind at 37:28.4.

Hugo Lapalus of France was the bronze medallist with 38:02.0.

"I felt really good today," Ardashev said. 

"I had taken the leading position from the start and was able to improve from lap to lap."

Competition continues tomorrow with junior events, including the women's 15km mass start and men's 30km mass start.