Fresh from his sprint success in Davos a week ago Pellegrino produced an assured display in the final as he kept his rivals at bay when he crossed the line in 2min 21.96sec.

Britain's Andrew Young claimed silver 0.53sec behind Pellegrino, despite suffering a broken pole on the first lap.

Gleb Retivykh of Russia completed the podium after finishing 0.91sec behind in third.

Fellow Russian Alexander Bolshunov finished fourth with two American skiers - Simeon Hamilton and Kevin Bolger - finishing fifth and sixth respectively.

Fähndrich had experienced both successes and disappoints on previous visits to the German course but paced this effort well and finished top of the pile in 2:38.52.

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton of the United States claimed silver 0.32sec behind the winner as she celebrated her tenth World Cup podium.

Third place went to Anamarija Lampic of Slovenia, who finished 0.03sec behind second placed Caldwell Hamilton.

Lampic suffered a broken pole during the race but battled hard and was close to taking silver, being separated from Caldwell Hamilton by a photo finish.

Skiers from Norway, Sweden and FInland are not participating in this month's FIS Cross-Country World Cup events, including in Dresden, because of coronavirus fears.

Action continues in Dresden tomorrow with the teamsprint semi-finals and final.