In the 10 kilometre Free event, Johaug's time of 23min 51.6 sec was well clear of Russia's Natalia Nepryaeva, 32.7 seconds behind, with Norwegian Heidi Weng rounding out the podium in third.

"I have been a little tired after Tour de Ski and made some good and bad decisions, but today the tracks and the snow was really good for me so I am really happy," Johaug said.

"I am also happy to have 30 seconds for tomorrow's race, but I know that there will be a big group behind me and they can work together and I will be in the front alone.

"I will have to work hard to defend my top position, but I will do my best and we will see how it ends."

A track where it was not possible to relax at any point. Just exactly what Alexander Bolshunov was looking for ?#fiscrosscountry pic.twitter.com/QpF9CmWUvN

— FIS Cross-Country (@FISCrossCountry) January 18, 2020

In the men's competition, Russia's Alexander Bolshunov is the leader in the overall and distance standings and continued his success in today's 15km Free event.

In difficult conditions, Bolshunov set a tough standard, 55 seconds ahead when he crossed the line.

Finland's Livo Niskanen got slightly closer, finishing 24 seconds adrift in second place, with Norway's Sjur Roethe a further 16 seconds back in third.

The men's and women's pursuit races are tomorrow.