Incredible finish sees cross-country gold shared in Seefeld

Both athletes finished in 2min 18.65sec and multiple television replays could not determine a clear winner between the Swiss and American, with Norway’s Maiken Caspersen Falla claiming third place.

In the race for the World Cup Heidi Weng, also of Norway, leads on 1,254 points, while compatriot Ingvild Flugstad Ostberg has 1,087 and American Jessica Diggins is third on 852 points.

Van der Graaff said: "I have told myself to believe that it was possible and now I have two wins this season.

"I didn't realise Sophie was so close at the finish. It's kind of fun to share the podium with her - I have never heard of that happening before."

In the men’s 1.4km sprint race, Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo recorded his ninth win of the season to move onto 1,112 points in the World Cup standings, ahead of teammate Martin Johnsrud Sundby on 875 points and Switzerland’s Dario Cologna who has 833.

In the race itself, Lucas Chavanat of France was 0.48 behind in second, while Sweden’s Calle Halfvarsson secured bronze.