The 10-time world champion, who missed last year's Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang because of a doping ban, secured her fourth victory of the season in a time of 25min 02.7sec.

Johaug was 30.6 seconds quicker than silver medallist and team mate Heidi Weng, while Jessica Diggins of the United States came through to take third.

The Norwegian has extended her lead at the top of the overall women's standings following today's triumph.

She has a total of 541 points, 145 ahead of nearest challenger Weng, while Diggins is third.

Norway also tasted victory in the men's 15km event, won by Olympic skiathlon champion Simen Hegstad Krüger.

Krüger crossed the line in 33:59.3, 19 seconds ahead of Sergey Ustiugov of Russia in second.

Switzerland's Dario Cologna did enough for third having completed the course in 34:19.3.

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo of Norway occupies first place on the overall leaderboard with 520 points.

Compatriot Emil Iversen is second on 448, while Alexander Bolshunov of Russia is third on 375.

The Cross-Country World Cup tour resumes with a sprint event in Planica, Slovenia next weekend.