Bjoergen makes history with record 15th World Champs gold

The 36-year-old Norwegian, also a six-time Olympic champion, beat Finland's Krista Parmakoski by 4.8 seconds to become the most successful athlete in cross country World Championships history – moving ahead of Elena Valbe's 14 gold medals.

Sweden's Charlotte Kalla trailed in 32 seconds behind Stuhec, making her the last skier to finish within a minute of Bjoergen.

The Norwegian clocked the fastest times in both 7.5km runs, finishing the classic section in 18:10.6, and the free run in 19:11.7, allowing her to have just the 32nd fastest time in the pit of 35.2 seconds.

"I kept little bit left so that I could keep control of the race at the end. I heard the crowd was cheering for Krista. It was really special to ski against her on her home snow," said Bjoergen.

"I did not know how close Kalla was. I had bad exchange and I came behind the girls in the free technique. To win gold medal today was in my mind for a long time and it's amazing I succeeded."

The cross country World Championship action continues on Tuesday with the women's 10km classical. Sportsbeat 2017