Coming into the last 300m, Johaug and Slind were still in front but had not managed to shake Diggins off. In the last uphill section, the overall World Cup leader made her move to take the lead and none of her competitors could stop her, Johaug falling further back in the field as Niskanen beat Slind in a home straight sprint behind the winner.
Norway’s Heidi Weng, with bib No.36, and Silje Theodorsen, who had started in 46th place, clinched place four and five as Johaug made it four Norwegians in the top-six, all finishing within five seconds of the winner.
Ebba Andersson was the best Swedish skier, in seventh place, crossing the line 7.1 seconds after Diggins as the last one in the front group. Austria’s Theresa Stadlober…