Frenchman Martin Fourcade completed a hat-trick of IBU World Championship golds in Oslo ©IBU

Two-time Olympic champion Martin Fourcade of France reaffirmed his legendary status by securing a hat-trick of titles at the International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Championships with victory in the men’s 12.5 kilometres pursuit event in Oslo today.

The 27-year-old, who had already claimed gold in the mixed relay and yesterday’s sprint race, powered to another world crown, his ninth in total, in a time of 32min 56.5sec.

His triumph also handed him a fifth straight overall IBU World Cup crown as he has an insurmountable total of 1037 points at the summit of the leaderboard.

“This is something that I had no doubts about, but winning five years in a row,” he said.

“I never imagined this in my wildest dreams...this is all crazy; the pursuit win and the third gold medal, 46th World Cup win and the Crystal Globe.”

Fourcade finished 20.1 seconds in front of Norwegian star and eight-time Olympic gold medallist Ole Einar Bjørndalen, who is set to retire at the end of his home World Championships.

Bjørndalen, one of biathlon’s most recognisable names along with the Frenchman, was forced to settle for a second consecutive silver after he also crossed the line behind Fourcade in the sprint race.

His team-mate Emil Hegle Svendsen came through to clinch the final position on the podium as he claimed bronze.

Laura Dahlmeier of Germany secured her nation's first gold at the event with victory in the women's 10km pursuit
Laura Dahlmeier of Germany secured her nation's first gold at the event with victory in the women's 10km pursuit ©IBU

But the day once again belonged to the formidable Fourcade, who could yet finish the event at the Holmenkollen National Ski Arena with a haul of six gold medals.

In the women’s pursuit event, held over 10km, Laura Dahlmeier sealed Germany’s first gold of the 2016 World Championships as she shot clean on her way to topping the podium in 30:49.2.

Dorothea Wierer of Italy was able to claim silver despite amassing two penalties on her way around the course as she finished 48.3 seconds adrift of the winning time.

Defending champion Marie Dorin Habert was unable to replicate the performance from Fourcade in the men’s event though she did manage to add to the French medal haul with bronze.

“It was a perfect race for me,” Dahlmeier said.

“The last lap was amazing, as I had time to look around, greet the German team, and pick up a German flag.

“I am World Champion now!

“I made the decisions to miss some competitions this season.

“Each time I go to the start, I give my best - now I am healthy and nothing could be better.”

The next action at the World Championships takes place on Wednesday (March 9) with the women’s 15km individual race.