Northug finishes Games on a high with 50km individual gold

From Sportsbeat staff, in Whistler

NORWEGIAN favourite Petter Northug captured the final individual medal of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, winning the prestigious 50km mass start race in Whistler.

DISTANCE KING: Norway's Petter Northug adds the Olympic individual 50km title to his world crown to finish the Vancouver Games on a high (Getty Images)

The 24-year stormed away from Germany's Axel Teichmann in a group sprint finish to finish in 2:05:35.5 hours to claim his second gold and fourth medal of the Games.

The German recovered 35 seconds in the final 5km lap to put himself in contention but couldn't hold off the Norwegian in the final straight and finished 0.3 back in second for his country's second ever medal in the event.

Sweden's Johan Olsson and Switzerland's Dario Cologna were battling for bronze just behind the front two.

But the Swiss, who won the individual 15km race in Whistler, slipped on the final bend to allow Olsson to ski clear for bronze, adding to his 30km double pursuit bronze from earlier in the Games.

But it was Northug's incredible turn of pace that turned heads in the final straight as the World Cup leader pushed twice as hard as Teichmann, to stream past him.

That the Norwegian, who is also 50km world champion, had the energy to sprint home with such zest is a tribute to the man who has become the star of cross country skiing this season.

Northug was desolate after being ignored as a promising 20-year old for the Norwegian team in Turin four years ago and was out to make a point in Vancouver.

But the start of the Games didn't go to plan as a bronze in the sprint was scant consolation for missing out in the individual 15km and the 30km double pursuit - an event in which he is world champion and was desperate to win.

But victory in the team sprint with Oystein Pettersen was the turning of the tide for Northug and he followed up with a surprise silver in the 4x10km relay.

And gold in the 50km mass start - the race that every male cross country skier wants to win - was the best of the lot.

The Norwegian is sure to be back in Sochi in four years' time and at 28, will still be at his peak.

And while the double pursuit will be top of his priorities at Sochi 2014, what odds on Northug becoming the first person to defend his 50km crown?