Johaug back with a bang as she takes world cup victory

Seven-time world champion Johaug, who did not compete during the recent Tour de Ski world cup events, finished in 29:53.7, 48.4 seconds ahead of Sweden's Ebba Andersson, while Russian skier Natalia Nepryaeva rounded off the podium.

The result sees Johaug climb to fourth in the overall season standings, with her compatriot Ingvild Flugstad Ostberg – who finished fifth in Estonia – maintaining her lead at the top, just ahead of Nepryaeva.

And, on returning to competition after a Tour de Ski that was dominated by Ostberg and Nepryaeva, Johaug was delighted to get straight back to winning ways as she targets a tilt at her third world cup title.

"My shape is really good at the moment," she said.

"I had a really good rest at home when the other girls were at the Tour de Ski. But after the break I was really motivated to come back."

Sportsbeat 2019