The 23-year-old produced a superb display in the resort in Finland to give her an unassailable 167-point lead at the summit of the standings, with Gabriela Koukalová, the only athlete who could have caught the German, languishing down in 10th.

Dahlmeier completed the course in a time of 29min 54.4sec, 16.5 seconds quicker than silver medallist Marie Dorin Habert.

Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi earned her maiden career podium as she came through to take bronze.

But the day belonged to the formidable Dahlmeier, the standout performer throughout the World Cup campaign and who clinched five gold medals at last month's World Championships in Hochfilzen.

"It was a really great race for me," she said.

"I felt a bit tired on the uphill sections, but I think everybody feels tired after the long journey.

"It’s really amazing, it is such a special moment for me. 

"I would not have expected it at the beginning of the season. 

"I did not see it coming already in Kontiolahti.

"I have not looked at the total score, and now the TV told me about this.

"I have no pressure now, I can just enjoy the races and have a great time."

In the men's pursuit event, held over 12.5km, Germany's Arnd Peiffer secured his first win of the season in 30:35.

Peiffer produced his best display of the campaign to take victory, with Austria’s Simon Eder finishing second by a narrow margin as he was 0.3 seconds slower.

The bronze medal was won by Norway’s Emil Hegle Svendsen.

Martin Fourcade of France, the double Olympic champion, was outside of the podium places as he came fifth but his performance was enough for the overall pursuit crystal globe.

The event in Kontiolahti is due to conclude tomorrow with the relay races.