The 10-time world champion, who in 2016 served an 18-month drugs ban, arrives for the latest stop on the circuit having won the last five races and a straight victory for Johaug will move her closer to wrapping up the women's title for the third time.

The event in Trondheim is scheduled to begin with the men's and women's sprints tomorrow, before the pursuit races on Sunday (February 23).

Johaug occupies top spot on the overall leaderboard on 1,890 points with nearest challenger compatriot Heidi Weng, who she leads by 587.

Natalia Nepryaeva of Russia is third on 1,260 points.

Nepryaeva's compatriot Alexander Bolshunov is in pole position for the overall men's crown on 1,810 points.

Bolshunov, winner of yesterday's mass start in Meråker, leads Johannes Høsflot Klæbo of Norway, who has 1,324 points in second.

Sjur Røthe, also of Norway, is 300 points further behind in third place.