The two-time Vancouver Olympic champion was 11.8 seconds faster than Johan Olsson of Sweden, who came second, with Norway's Tord Asle Gjerdalen in third, a further 10.5 seconds adrift.

Northug’s medal is his second at the ongoing Nordic world championships after he took silver in the sprint event.

His win is Norway's fifth gold of the championships and comes a day after Teresa Johaug won gold in the women's 10km event.

The women's relay takes place Thursday, with the 30km classic race Saturday.

For the men, Friday sees the 15km freestyle, with the relay Friday and the 50km classic rounding out the championships Sunday.

Source: r-sport.ru