Tomas Northug has announced his retirement from skiing ©Getty Images

Norwegian cross-country skier Tomas Northug has announced his retirement.

The 27-year-old won the sprint title at the 2010 Junior World Championships in Hinterzarten in Germany, before progressing to the senior ranks.

He won one International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup title, in the sprint in Otepää in Estonia during the 2014-15 season.

That achievement saw him called up to the Norwegian squad for the FIS World Championships in 2015 in Falun in Sweden.

Northug said hanging up his skis was a difficult decision to reach.

"It's hard but but I made the decision and now I will see what the future holds," he said to NRK.

Tomas Northug celebrates his sole World Cup win in Estonia ©Getty Images
Tomas Northug celebrates his sole World Cup win in Estonia ©Getty Images

Northug is the younger brother of Petter Northug, a double Olympic champion in cross-country skiing for Norway.

He won the 50 kilometeres classical gold medal at the Vancouver 2010 Games, and also tasted success in the Canadian city in the team sprint.

In addition, he won 13 World Championship gold medals during his glittering career. 

Tomas Northug helped his brother to World Championship sprint gold in the final of the sprint in Falun, sacrificing his own hopes as he went on to finish last.