Oestberg held off a strong challenge from Sweden's Stina Nilsson in the final to eventually cross the line in 3mins 20.18secs in difficult conditions, and Celine Brun-Lie of Norway was third, 2.29 off the lead.

"I had a good qualification and heats, before the final I had to make the decision if I go on zero skis or klister," Oestberg said.

"I chose the second option and it was a good decision.

"The whole day I had perfect skis, I felt good that nobody could keep up with me in the last 100 metres."

Oestberg ensured she extended her lead at the top of the sprint standings, although team mate Marit Bjøergen comfortably leads the overall World Cup leaderboard.

Northug meanwhile also tasted his maiden success in the event as he finished 1:57 ahead of compatriot Ola Vigen Hattestad and Finland's Toni Ketelae, who himself was competing in his first World Cup event.

The Norwegian led from the front in a dominant win which will go down in history as one of the most spectacular victories in the event's pictures, as he earned his first-ever podium finish.

"It was a special final, I decided not to go on skate skis," he said.

"I did not plan to go so fast after the start but I saw that Finn was little bit behind and on the first climb I got the information I had a 15 metres lead.

"I took a chance and went for it, it is great to win the first World Cup."

Tomas Northug capped off a wonderful afternoon for Norway with his maiden World Cup victory ©Getty Images



Finnish star Toni Ketelae earned a podium finish despite having not competed in the event before and he was delighted with the result.

"It is amazing to finish third today," he said.

"It was my first World Cup final and my first World Cup podium result."

Martin Johnsrud Sundby still leads the men's overall World Cup standings ahead of Tomas' brother Petter, and Calle Halfvarsson of Sweden.

The competition continues with the team sprint event tomorrow.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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