The second leg of the IOF World Cup started in Sweden today ©Getty Images

Switzerland's Simona Aebersold and Norwegian Kasper Harlem Fosser claimed the gold medals in the long distance race on the opening day of the second leg of the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) World Cup at Idre Fjäll in Sweden.

Aebersold finished in a time of 1 hour 28 min 31 sec, 40 seconds in front of Norwegian Andrine Benjaminsen in the women's event.

Swedish great Tove Alexandersson was nearly two minutes down on the Swiss athlete to finish in third.

Completing the top five were Alexandersson's compatriots Hanna Lundberg and Emma Bjessmo.

Switzerland's Sabine Hauswirth, Norway's Victoria Haestad Bjornstad, Finland's Venla Harju and Ida Haapala, and Sara Hagstrom of Sweden finished off the top 10.

Tove Alexandersson was third in the women's race ©IOF
Tove Alexandersson was third in the women's race ©IOF

Fosser finished 99 seconds in front of team mate Magne Daehli, crossing the line in 1:39:53.

Daniel Hubmann of Switzerland was third, more than three minutes behind Fosser, and nearly a minute in front of Swedish athlete Gustav Bergman in fourth.

Timo Sild of Estonia was fifth, Matthias Kyburz of Switzerland was sixth, and Swedish pair Emil Svensk and Isac von Krusenstierna finished seventh and eighth.

Norwegians Audun Heimdal and Jon Aukrust Osmoen were ninth and tenth.

Competition is due to continue with the middle distance race on Saturday (August 14).