Cross-country skiing: Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo and Kristine Stavaas Skistad triumph in Drammen

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo and Kristine Stavaas Skistad were triumphant in Drammen, winning the sprint classic on home snow.

Skistad had finished second to Linn Svahn in her semi-final, but the positions were reversed in the final as the Norwegian pulled away on the final straight to take her fourth win of the season and second in a row in the sprint.

Svahn finished 0.63 seconds back to take silver, closing the gap at the top of the overall world standings on Jessie Diggins, who was knocked out at the quarter-final stage.

Diggins now leads the way by 102 points, but there are still three races to come during next week’s finale in Falun.

Fellow American Rosie Brennan completed the podium.

“It was amazing,” Skistad said. “I love to be in Drammen so I am very happy. I had very good skis today.”

Meanwhile, on the men’s side, the overall World Cup crown will also be decided in Falun as Klaebo continued his stunning end to the season.

The Norwegian was unbeaten heading into the final and finished more than a second clear of the field, leading home a podium sweep for Norway.

Trailing 1.09 seconds behind Klaebo was Haavard Solaas Taugboel, with Even Northug grabbing third.

Klaebo now sits 157 points behind Harald Oestberg Amundsen in the overall World Cup standings, remaining mathematically within striking distance ahead of Falun. But he has played down his chances of catching his compatriot.

“I love skiing here in Drammen,” Klaebo said. “Amazing crowd and the course is so much fun.

“I wish we had two more race weekends. Then I think I would have a better chance to take Harald [Oestberg Amundsen].”