Richard Jouve of France, centre, won the men’s sprint classic in Beitostølen ©Getty Images

Two-time Olympic medallist Richard Jouve of France won his first International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Cross-Country World Cup title of the season by winning the men’s sprint classic in Beitostølen.

The 28-year-old crossed the line in 2min 36.37 sec to claim gold which was also the third World Cup win of his career.

Italian Simone Mocellini finished second, clocking 2:36.67 while the bronze medal went to Calle Halfvarsson from Sweden.

For Mocellini , it was his first ever World Cup podium of his career.

Meanwhile, the 33-year-old Halfvarsson finished 0.51sec after Jouve.

"It was a long and cold day," Jouve said.

"The final was good for me.

"I took the lead in the first uphill and I was in shape so (it was) very good."

The event was missing five-time Olympic champion Johannes Høsflot Klæbo of Norway due to illness.

Nadine Fähndrich of Switzerland won the women’s event in 2:57.31.

Lotta Udnes Weng gave something to cheer for the hosts, finishing second in 2:58.24.

Johanna Matintalo of Finland won the bronze medal in, clocking 1.42 after Fähndrich.