Simen Hegstad Krüger of Norway triumphed in the men's 15km freestyle at the FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Lillehammer ©Getty Images

Simen Hegstad Krüger led a Norwegian one-two-three in the men's 15 kilometres freestyle event at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Cross-Country World Cup at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium in Lillehammer.

The Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic silver medallist recorded his first win on this season's circuit with a time of 32min 26.2sec.

He saw off a strong challenge from Hans Christer Holund, who finished 1.6sec further back.

"It was such a tough race and a hard fight with Holund today," said Krüger afterwards.

"He was staring 30 seconds ahead of me and I saw him in front of me and so I was fighting all the way to the finish.

"I was struggling a bit at the start of the season so it is even better to have such a good race today."

Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget rounded off the podium, 17.5sec behind Krüger.

Sweden's Frida Karlsson earned a close victory in the women's 10km freestyle in Lillehammer ©Getty Images
Sweden's Frida Karlsson earned a close victory in the women's 10km freestyle in Lillehammer ©Getty Images

The Distance FIS Cross-Country World Cup overall leader Alexander Bolshunov of Russia remains top of the season's standings, despite placing 14th in Lillehammer.

In the women's 10km freestyle, Sweden's Frida Karlsson recorded a dramatic victory in 26:58.4, pipping Norway's Therese Johaug across the finishing line by 0.3sec.

Karlsson now leads the Overall, Distance and Under-23 FIS Cross-Country World Cup standings.

American Rosie Brennan finished third, 11.3sec behind the winner.

The relay races are set to be staged tomorrow in Lillehammer with the men's 4x7.5km and women's 4x5km.