Goldberg claims first ever sprint victory

The competition took a break for the Winter Olympics in Sochi last month, with Golberg placing 18th in the 15km classic in Russia.

But he was right up at the front in Finland on Saturday, qualifying third fastest before finishing the final heat of the 1.55km sprint free race in 2:31.58minutes.

He became the fourth Norwegian to win a sprint this season while the ninth different winner in all nine World Cup sprints this season.

Second went to Russia's Alexey Petukhov while Norway's Eirik Brandsdal picked up the bronze.

The top six competitors in the overall World Cup standings were absent in Finland, but there was no change in the order with Norway's Martin Johnsrud Sundby , 30km skiathlon bronze medallist in Sochi, out front.

Meanwhile in the women's event, America were toasting a successful day after having two athletes on a World Cup podium for the first time in 31 years.

It was the first time ever for two females, with Kikkan Randall taking top spot in 2:56.53minutes, with Sophie Caldwall in third, 0.90secs back.

Slovenia's Katja Visnar split the Americans in second, 0.57secs behind Randall, who now moves up to fifth in the overall World Cup standings on 682 points.

Norway's Therese Johaug, winner of silver and bronze in Sochi, remains in the lead on 1082 points despite being absent for the past two events.

� Sportsbeat 2014