Boe recently returned to competition after suffering illness and showed no ill effects from his time off, with the 23-year-old shooting clean en-route to victory.

He would finish the 15 kilometre event in a time of 37min 4.3sec to take the win in front of Quentin Fillon Maillet.

The Frenchman would be left ruing the one penalty he received during the race, which ultimately proved pivotal in missing out on top spot on the podium.

Russia’s Anton Shipulin completed the top three positions on the day, ending 21.7 seconds adrift of the winner.

Shipulin also finished with one penalty, following a missed shot.

The women’s 4x6km relay event was also contested today, with Germany prevailing from a field which contained a further 22 teams.

Their quartet of Vanessa Hinz, Maren Hammerschmidt, Franziska Hildebrand and Laura Dahlmeier were the dominant force in the race.

Despite 12 spare rounds, the German team earned their third victory of the World Cup season in a time of 1:09.12.4.

"My shape was very good today, I felt very good also on my skis," said Hammerschmidt afterwards.

"I skied much better than some days before.

"On the shooting range I have to be more focused, I have to shoot clean next time."

The German team were followed across the line by France, with Anais Chevalier, Justine Braisaz, Anais Bescond and Marie Dorin Habert ending 24.2 seconds down.

Italy would complete the podium places, coming across the line a further nine seconds behind.