Jo Allison was the best performer in the six-person Australian team who are contesting Rounds 4 and 5 of the World Cup, near Oslo in Norway. She had a solid run to finish 20th, just ahead of fellow Australian Grace Elson, who was 24th.

The men found the going harder and the field deeper. Julian Dent was the best of the Australians at 37th, with Dave Shepherd 45th, Simon Uppill 49th and Blair Trewin 62nd.

At the front end of the results there was a Norwegian double. Ann Margrethe Hausken continued an excellent season and was almost a minute clear of the field, while Anders Nordberg came back from a disappointing European Championships to post a fast time early that was never really threatened.

The event continues with a long-distance race tomorrow.