Ostrobothnians dominated the opening leg of the Jukola Relay at Lapua. Sami Löfbacka from Rasti-Kurikka brought his team the leading position at the first changeover. Löfbacka had run the entire length close to the lead but managed to squeeze a 2-second advantage over Stora Tuna IK from Sweden.

Löfbacka says he knew he was close to the lead ever since the third control. At times the top men advanced together and at times they parted ways toward different controls.

"I had to be careful throughout the leg as the terrain is rather subtle in features. There was no room for losing focus."

Last year's winner Vehkalahden Veikot is also fighting for the lead. Jonne Lehto was 7th to arrive at changeover, 20 seconds behind Rasti-Kurikka.

Frenchman Philippe Adamski from one of the favorites, Kalevan Rasti, however made a big mistake and was left over 7.5 minutes from the lead despite the fact that he was able to improve his orienteering towards the end of the leg.