After a 1-2-3 in the men’s 10 kilometres cross-country freestyle yesterday, the Russians did it again in the men's under-23 15km freestyle, with Alexander Bolshunov striking gold.

He won with a 21.8sec margin over compatriot Alexey Chervotkin, as Denis Spitsov took bronze.

Andorra’s Irneu Esteve Altimiras fell out of the medals and into fourth on the line as Russia ensured a memorable day.

Bolshunov had already won classic sprint silver in Park City.

"I did not know which pair of skis I should take, but I made the right choice, my skis were the best," said Bolshunov, who said competing on the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympic trails was "very cool".

In the women's under-23 10km freestyle, Sweden's Anna Dyvik raced to gold for the second time at the Championships.

The sprint champion added another title with a 16.8sec win over Norwegian Tirol Udnes Weng.

Lovise Heimdal, also from Norway, took bronze.

In Nordic combined competition, Austria won a team event in front of France and the Czech Republic.

Team ski jumping competitions will take place tomorrow, as well as skiathlon relays in cross-country.