This season it does not matter which technique it is for Martin Johnsrud Sundby of Norway he has won them all so far. Free technique competitions in Ruka and Davos, the Skiathlon in Lillehammer and now double polling 15 km in Toblach, Sundby has become class of the field.

It was known heading into today's 15 km classic competition in Toblach, Italy that many of the men would opt for skate skis and double pole the entire course, as Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ) won here last season during the Tour over 10 km classic. Although the podium contained two athletes who went on skate skis, three of the top five and six of the top ten today were on classic skis with wax.

Joining Sundby on the podium today was Russia's Alexander Bessmertnykh. Bessmertnykh went out with bib 26 on classic skis and crossed the line with a clear lead and sat in the leaders chair for the next 34 finishers before Sundby eclipsed his time by 12.6 seconds. In third place was Norway's Sjur Roethe +48.6 behind Sundby and he also raced on skate skis.

Sundby has now won four distance competitions this season. The last athlete to win four distance races in a season was Petter Northug in 2012/2013. The record for distance wins in one season is seven, done by Petter Northug in 2009/2010 and Vladimir Smirnov in 1993/1994.

ATHLETE QUOTES

Martin Johnsrud Sundby, NOR
Last season I did not believe it was possible to win with double pole. I was so impressed by Poltoranin last year so I decided to train more double poling. I am really happy with the start of the season. It is a nice Christmas gift to win in Toblach.

Alexander Bessmertnykh, RUS
It is great to be back on the podium again. I had a ver good race and it was a good choice to go with kick wax. I had amazing skis. Our service team did a great job.

Sjur Røthe, NOR
It feels great to be on the podium. I had to be careful after the start not to push too hard. I started quite early and I did not know how I was doing comparing to others. In the last lap I learned that I was fighting for the podium. I felt great and very strong in the last kilometres.

OFFICIAL RESULTS - Toblach, Italy

Men's 15 km classic interval start

1. SUNDBY Martin Johnsrud NOR 35:27.4
2. BESSMERTNYKH Alexander RUS +12.6
3. ROETHE Sjur NOR +48.6
4. COLOGNA Dario SUI +1:00.8
5. VOLZHENTSEV Stanislav RUS +1:05.5

Source: fis-ski.com