VAL DI FIEMME, Italy -- Thomas Alsgaard won the opening men's event of the Nordic world championships Wednesday, leading an all-Norwegian podium finish in the 30-kilometer classical cross country race.

Anders Aukland was 0.6 seconds back and took the silver. Frode Estil claimed the bronze medal, 1.1 seconds behind Alsgaard's winning time of one hour, 12 minutes, 29.3 seconds.

The top American was Justin Freeman in 42nd place, more than five minutes behind Alsgaard.

The three Norwegians worked together to overcome defending world champion Andrus Veerpalu of Estonia in the final kilometers. Veerpalu placed fourth, 1.9 seconds back.

It was the fifth world title for Alsgaard, who recently recovered from a strained back. He has 14 medals overall, including the Olympics.

At the Salt Lake City Games last year, Alsgaard won a relay gold medal and a silver in the combined.

A mass start was used in the 30K for the first time at the worlds.

The podium sweep boosted Norway's medal total to four following Bente Skari's dominant performance in the women's 15K classical race on Tuesday.

The next event in the 12-day championships is the women's 10K freestyle race on Thursday.