Oestberg powers to victory in Oberstdorf

Norwegian Oestberg powered home in 23:16.5 in the 10km mass start, nearly two seconds ahead of compatriot Maiken Caspersen Falla, who claimed silver in Oberstdorf.

Finnish skier Krista Parmakoski completed the podium position after finishing in 23:19.7, seeing off the challenge of Nathalie von Siebenthal, who had to settle for fourth.

Oestberg, part of the Norwegian outfit which won cross-country team sprint gold at Sochi 2014 and the 2015 World Championships, now sits 36 points clear at the summit of the overall standings with 690.

Her nearest challenger is four-time world champion and compatriot Heidi Weng, who finished 11th in Oberstdorf, with Swedish skier Charlotte Kalla, a double Olympic and world champion, third overall.

After two victories in Lenzerheide prior to Oberstdorf, Oestberg will be looking to make it four Tour de Ski from four in the 10km mass start classic in Val di Fiemme on January 6.

Sportsbeat 2018