A superb blend of skiing and shooting proved a class above the rest of the field in the under-19 competition, an acheivement made all the more impressive considering Øygard was making his international debut.

He scored 19 successful hits before he finished in 37min 0.3sec, more than 40 seconds clear of second-placed team-mate Aleksander Fjeld Andersen

"This was great fun and something I I did not expect," Øygard said.

"I debuted internationally today, and just went out to do my duties and have fun.

"But then everything worked out on both the range and the track, and besides, I had fantastic skis."

Italy's Michael Durand completed the podium in third place, 1:10 behind the winner. 

If the men's race was a case of the winner being on a completely different level, the women's 10km youth affair came down to a sensational finish.

Germany's Marina Sauter ultimately claimed gold in 35:14.20, with France's Myrtille Begue only two seconds behind.

Marketa Davidova of Czech Republic finished third, a further 10 seconds back.

The Junior Championships have been held anually since 1968, when a first edition took place in Altenberg in East Germany.

Action is taking place at the Regional Winter Sport Centre in the Romanian resort this time around, located 36 kilometres from Brașov, the city beaten by Lasuanne in last year's race for the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Six hundred trucks of snow have been delivered from a nearby reserve in recent weeks due to warm temperatures and lower than average snowfall.

Competition is due set to continue until Tuesday (February 2).

The men's 15km and women's 12.5km junior individual races are scheduled for tomorrow.