Nilsson could only manage a 20th place on yesterday’s race to fall to third overall, behind the Norwegian pairing of Heidi Weng and Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg.

But the 23-year-old responded to the setback in fine style, triumphing in the 10 kilometre classic mass start competition in a time of 30min 20.8sec.

Finland’s Anne Kylloenen and Sweden’s Charlotte Kalla finished within four seconds of Nilsson to complete the top three on the stage.

The triumph was key for Nilsson as Weng and Oestberg suffered, with the former now lying 19.2sec behind the Swedish skier in the overall Tour de Ski standings heading into the final stage.

“It is amazing, you never know how the body bounces back,” said Nilsson.

“Yesterday was a difficult day.

“I am really happy with today’s result.”

Russia’s Sergey Ustiugov saw his winning streak in the men’s event end at a record five straight stages, with defending champion Martin Johnsrud Sundby striking back in the 15km mass start race.

The Norwegian triumphed in a time of 40:40 having shaken off the challenge of Ustiugov, but the Russian would end as the runner-up on the stage, just 2.2sec back.

It leaves Ustiugov holding a 1:11 lead heading into the final stage of the event, meaning Sundby has a tough task as he looks to win the event for the third time in his career.

The Tour de Ski will conclude tomorrow with both the men and women contesting 9km individual pursuit events to decide the overall winners.