Finland cross-country star Niskanen wins first distance race of season

KUUSAMO, Finland -- Finland's latest cross-country star Iivo Niskanen won the first men's distance race of the World Cup cross-country season on Sunday.

Niskanen finished the 15-kilometer classic race on the Ruka track in 35 minutes, 9.4 seconds.

Defending World Cup champion, Martin Johnsrud Sundby of Norway, took second in 35:19.7.

Finnish veteran Sami Jauhojaervi was third in 35:21.9, one tenth of a second ahead of Norway's Niklas Dyrhaug.

The 23-year-old Niskanen won the team sprint gold at the Sochi Olympics, pairing with the 33-year-old Jauhojaervi.

The victory was not a big surprise for Niskanen, a brash youngster hailed as a budding superstar.

"I have competed here many times and knew the track, and I had decided to take a little off my maximum in certain parts. It worked well, with Sami Jauhojaervi and me on the podium. I like the look of this yellow jersey, but I can't wear it for long, I'm not going to the next races in Lillehammer," Niskanen said.

He received the traditional yellow jersey as a World Cup leader, tied with Friday's sprint winner, Norwegian Eirik Brandsdal.

Niskanen will not add any points to his tally next weekend because he will be attending a presidential gala held once a year on Finland's independence day, Dec. 6. Olympic winners are usually invited to attend.