Norway's Marit Bjoergen reacts during the flower ceremony after winning the women's cross-country skiathlon event at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics February 8, 2014. Bjoergen finished first ahead of Sweden's Charlotte Kalle and compatriot Heidi Weng. [Photo/Agencies]

COMPLTE CONTROL

Norway women's coach Egil Kristiansen, told TV2: "Marit seemed to be in complete control. And with third and fourth place too, it's a great day."

Bjoergen's fourth Olympic gold medal takes her past Sonja Henie as the most successful woman from Norway in summer or winter Games.

Kalla was the fastest at the 7.5km mark where the field changed skis but things did not go as smoothly for Pole Justyna Kowalczyk, who fell just before the stop and lost time she could not recover.

Johaug then pulled the leading pack of five into the final 3.75-km lap as they charged down a descent at over 70kph.

Kalla attacked with just under a kilometre left, taking Bjoergen in her slipstream and the Norwegian, who has now eight Olympic medals to her name, put in the decisive attack on the sprint to the line.

Second place seemed to satisfy Kalla, though.

"This is my dream," she said.

"It means a lot to me to be on the podium for the first time. I could not imagine this before the race."