Switzerland's Dario Cologna powered to victory in the men's skiathlon at Sochi 2014, hanging on to take the line in an enthralling final sprint.

Medal events: 12Athletes: 310Dates: 8–23 February

The seemingly unstoppable Marit Björgen came away from Vancouver 2010 with more medals than any other athlete (three golds, one silver and one bronze) and has 12 world crowns to her name. She recently extended her record number of FIS Cross-Country World Cup wins to 62. In a rich vein of form, she is expected to scale even greater heights in Sochi.

Petter Northug had long been heralded as cross country skiing’s next big star, with sponsors fighting for his signature right from his junior days.