Jessica Diggins of the United States won the final race before next month's Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang ©Getty Images

Jessica Diggins of the United States won the final race before next month's Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang as she surged to victory in the women's 10 kilometres mass start at the International Ski Federation Cross-Country World Cup in Seefeld.

The American skier produced a superb display to lay down a marker prior to Pyeongchang 2018 as she crossed the line in 23min 08.5sec.

Norway's Heidi Weng, the overall World Cup leader, was second, while third place was secured by her compatriot Ragnhild Haga.

Norwegian athletes also finished fourth and fifth as Ingvild Flugstad Østberg held off the challenge of the returning veteran Marit Bjørgen, who had not competed since before Christmas.

Weng remains in charge of the race for the overall crown as she has 1,346 points.

Østberg is second on 1,147 and Diggins is still in contention following her success today as she has 967.

Switzerland's Dario Cologna claimed victory in the men's race ©Getty Images
Switzerland's Dario Cologna claimed victory in the men's race ©Getty Images

"I knew that final climb would be important," said Diggins. 

"I tested it early in the race because I knew I had good skis and wanted to see how the draft affect was working. 

"In the end it all worked and I'm so happy to get this win."

Switzerland's Dario Cologna claimed victory in the men's race, held over 15km, as he clocked a time of 31:37.9.

Canada's Alex Harvey was 1.4 seconds behind the Swiss in second place, while bronze went to Martin Johnsrud Sundby of Norway.

Cologna's victory saw him reduce the deficit in the battle for the World Cup title as he now has 953 points, 159 adrift of current leader Johannes Høsflot Klæbo of Norway.