Sweden's Tove Alexandersson won the women's middle-distance race at the IOF World Cup in Helsinki ©Getty Images

Sweden's Tove Alexandersson and Gustav Bergman won the women's and men's middle-distance events, respectively, on the first day of the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) World Cup in Helsinki.

Alexandersson dominated the women's 4,600 metres competition in the Finnish capital, triumphing in 29mins 54secs. 

In second was Russia's Natalia Gemperle in 31:32, while Marika Teini gave the home crowd something to cheer about with a third-place finish in 31:53.

In the men's event, contested over 5,900m, Bergman crossed the finish line in 30:20.

Gustav Bergman was the second Swede of the day to win an event at the IOF World Cup in Helsinki ©Getty Images
Gustav Bergman was the second Swede of the day to win an event at the IOF World Cup in Helsinki ©Getty Images

Behind him was France's Frederic Tranchand in 31:23, while Norway's Olav Lundanes was third in 31:51. 

The competition continues tomorrow with the pursuit. 

Start times will be determined by today's results, with the leading athletes given a head start.