Beitostolen - Norway's Marit Bjorgen claimed victory in the opening cross-country race of the season Saturday, a 10-kilometre freestyle event in Beitostolen.

Bjorgen was the clear winner in Norway in a time of 24 minutes 48.3 seconds, finishing 29.2 seconds ahead of Sweden's Charlotte Kalla. Anna Haag, also of Sweden, came home third, 37.2 seconds adrift of the winner. (dpa)