By Nick Butler

Petter Northug led Norway to a thrilling relay gold over Sweden ©FIS/Nordic FocusPetter Northug produced a trademark sprint finish to break Swedish hearts and lead Norway to a fifth straight cross-country 4x10 kilometres relay title at the Nordic Skiing World Championships in Falun.


In front of more than 40,000 home fans, Northug entered the stadium just behind home hope Calle Halfvarsson, but powered past in a style befitting a double Olympic and 12-time world champion. 

The 29-year-old, sentenced to 50 days in jail last year after being convicted for drink driving, stayed several metres ahead of his Scandinavian rival, before putting his fingers to his lips in a "hush" sign to the vocal crowd after crossing the line first.

It was a case of déjà vu for the home fans, with Norway having pipped Sweden to gold in the corresponding women's event yesterday. 

Northug, a member of successful Norwegian squads for each of the last five Championships, was joined this time around by three first-timers in Niklas Dyrhaug, Didrik Toenseth and Anders Gloeersen.

"I was prepared for all scenarios," the anchor-leg man told local television station SVT afterwards. 

"And it was a fair fight on the last stretch.

"I'm incredibly proud to be part of this team.

"When I skied my first Championship relay I was shaking all over, they skied so well and I got a lot of energy by seeing how they went."

Norway celebrate after receiving their gold medals after their relay victory in Falun ©FIS/Nordic FocusNorway celebrate after receiving their gold medals after their relay victory in Falun ©FIS/Nordic Focus



Sochi 2014 champions Sweden finished 0.6 seconds behind to settle for the runners-up spot for a third successive World Championships, while France took bronze, a further 8.9 seconds in arrears.

Olympic silver medallists Russia finished fourth, with Switzerland crossing the line fifth.

Action is due to continue over the weekend in Falun, with the women's 30km mass start cross country, the men's team ski jumping and the men's Nordic Combined team sprint all taking place at the Swedish resort tomorrow.

The Championships will then draw to a close in traditional fashion on Sunday (March 1) with the men's 50km mass start race.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2015: Norwegian women complete relay treble with success at Nordic Skiing World Championships
February 2015: Olsson bags second Nordic Skiing World Championships gold on home soil
February 2015: Kalla seals maiden individual Nordic Skiing World Championships gold on home snow
February 2015: Germany and Norway secure two team titles at Nordic World Ski Championships
February 2015: Skiathlon golds for Norway and Russia as Velta leaps to glory at Nordic World Ski Championships