Ustiugov skis to fifth successive Tour de Ski stage victory

The Russian, who in clinching his fourth win on Wednesday set a new Tour de Ski record, extended it further with victory in the 10km free technique. It also marked his first World Cup victory in an individual start competition.

France's Maurice Manificat put in a strong performance to finish second, just 0.4 seconds back, with Norway's Simen Hegstad Krueger placing third - his first ever World Cup podium finish.

Krueger sealed the bronze medal by just 0.7 seconds ahead of Finland's Matti Heikkinen, finishing 16.6 seconds behind Ustiugov.

Ustiugov's victory extended his lead at the top of the Tour de Ski standings to 1:34.1, with Martin Johnsrud Sundby's 14th place finish costing him valuable time behind the Russian in second.

"I had extra motivation today because it's my mother's birthday," said Ustiugov.

"I pushed very hard from the start. I wanted to extend the overall Tour de Ski lead."

Sportsbeat 2017