Whistler, Canada  - Italy's Pietro Piller Cottrer won the Nordic ski World Cup men's double pursuit over 30 kilometres at the Canadian resort of Whistler on Saturday.

The 2006 winter Olympic relay gold medallist broke from a leading group after 22 kilometres for a comfortable win in one hour 13 minutes 1.5 seconds.

Jean Marc Gaillard of France was 15 seconds back in second place, just edging Italian Valerio Checchi into third place.

A women's double pursuit was scheduled for later. dpa