Therese Johaug marks cross-country return with gold in Finland

Therese Johaug's first World Cup race in nearly 1,000 days ended in glory after taking victory in the 10km cross country in Finland.

The Norwegian skier tested positive for anabolic steroid clostebol in 2016 and was banned for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, with this race marking her comeback to elite competition.

Therese Johaug of Norway reacts.

Image credit: Reuters

But the 30-year-old wasted no time getting back to her best, securing her 43rd World Cup win and 101st podium in a time of 28:02.5.

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"It was a very good run. I almost do not think I'm back here and start the season with victory," she said.

I am very happy now. It's good to see that the audience is so kind and support me.

"This has been a dream for me the last two years. The goal has been to win my first run and I managed it."

A seven-time world champion across multiple cross-disciplines, some have argued that Johaug could still get better as she bids to add to her three Olympic medals.

This race was the perfect indicator of that, biding her time before flying clear in the middle and latter stages to take a comfortable victory by more than 22 seconds.

Sweden's Charlotte Kalla took second place in 28:25.0 while compatriot Ebba Andersson rounded off the podium.

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