Oberstdorf (Germany) (AFP)
Russian Alexander Bolshunov got rid of five Norwegian skiers to win the skiathlon (15 km classic + 15 km skating) on Saturday in Oberstdorf (Germany), his first world title at 24.
He beat the Norwegians Simen Hegstad Krueger (1 sec 1) and Hans Christer Holund (1 sec 7).
After the 15 km classic, Bolshunov isolated himself at the front with Briton Andrew Musgrave and five Norwegians: Krueger, Holund, Sjur Roethe, Emil Iversen and world sprint champion Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo.
The Russian, who has been crushing world cross-country skiing for two seasons by being both efficient over short and long distances, has gradually won all his opponents to win solo.
He had four world silver medals, won in Seefeld (Austria) two years ago, but no title so far.
In the absence of Maurice Manificat, preserved for other races, Clément Parisse took 12th place.
Jules Lapierre is 16th, and Jean-Marc Gaillard 28th at 40 years old for his ninth Worlds.
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