The Swiss reigning world and Olympic champion entered the Nové Město Stadium locked alongside his New Zealand rival in the men's cross-country race today and both crossed the line in 1 hour 21min 31sec after a thrilling sprint finish.

A photo finish followed before Schurter was awarded victory to follow his win in Albstadt last week.

"That was crazy," he said afterwards.

"I thought I had him, then I saw him coming on the right. 

"That’s the hardest sprint I’ve ever had."

Maxime Marotte of France finished eight seconds behind the leading duo in third.

A similarly close battle had earlier unfolded in the corresponding women's race, but Switzerland missed-out this time around.

Denmark's Annika Langvad triumphed by a single second in 1:20:37.

Switzerland's Jolanda Neff had to settle for second while Pauline Ferrand Prevot of France crossed third.

She finished 47 seconds behind the winner.