Cologna had previously lost out at the Holmenkollen 50 kilometres event on two occasions in photo finishes but ended on the right side of the verdict today.

He went head-to-head with Norway’s Martin Johnsrud Sundby throughout the event as local skier aimed for a record third victory at the race.

The pair were left sprinting to the line at the end of the race with both men diving for the line.

Cologna’s boot was deemed to have crossed first and was adjudged the winner in time of 2 hours 01min 48.1sec - 0.01 seconds clear of Sundby.

Russia’s Maxim Vylegzhanin rounded off the podium places, 1.1 seconds behind the winner.

"I felt very good today," said Cologna.

"I tried to be in the front during the whole race, Martin was very strong."

Cologna added: "Both of us wanted to make our final move on Grattishaugen.

"Going to the finish I thought he would be stronger than me.

"It is amazing to finally win here. It’s the most important individual competition on the World Cup.

“I had to wait some years to finally get this victory.”

Cologna’s victory saw him end top of the World Cup distance standings for the season on 642 points, with Sundby second on 612.

France’s Maurice Manificat ended third on 579 points.

The women’s 30km mass start is due to take place tomorrow.