Eskil Kinnerberg, Olav Lundanes and Magne Dæhli ran an impressively controlled race throughout as Norway defended their men's crown with a clear victory.

The trio finished 1 min 16sec ahead of nearest challengers France, who were represented by Frederic Tranchand, Lucas Basset and Thierry Gueorgiou.

Rounding out the podium, 2:03 off the pace, were Sweden’s Johan Runesson, William Lind and Gustav Bergman.

The decisive leg was the second, which saw Lundanes establish a lead of 1:21 over the chasing pack.

The deficit was too much for Gueorgiou to make up on the last leg as Dæhli sealed Norway’s triumph.

"I was really nervous," Dæhli said.

"I knew Thierry is in really good shape.

"Yesterday I struggled at the beginning and today I was very focused on the way to the first control.

"It felt really good, except for the first control after the arena passage where I made a small mistake."

Gueorgiou, who yesterday marked his final individual World Orienteering Championships competition before retiring by claiming his eighth men's middle-distance title, said he did not see Dæhli on the course.

"I was just focusing on my orienteering," he added.

"The second place feels like a gold for us.

"We are really satisfied."

Emma Johansson, Helena Jansson and Tove Alexandersson led Sweden to victory in the women’s relay by a margin of 2:41 over last year’s champions Russia, whose team consisted of Anastasia Rudnaya, Svetlana Mironova and Natalia Gemperle.

Finland’s Venla Harju, Marika Teini and Merja Rantanen were 4:23 behind in third place.