The 31-year-old had never won a continental title but ended his drought in style today, clinching victory in a time of 53min 18.1sec.

Anev, a perennial Open European Championships medallist, finished 3.7 seconds in front of Norwegian Tarjei Bø.

Bø, a double Winter Olympic medallist and winner of the overall World Cup title in 2011, took the silver medal as he was 7.4 seconds quicker than compatriot Endre Stroemsheim.

"I knew I was first after the last shooting,"said Anev. 

"I also knew that Tarjei is much faster on the skis than me. 

"I fought to the end and I managed to bring some advantage over finish line."

Anev added: "For us Bulgarians success here is of great importance. 

"We prepared for this Championships at home in Belmeken where winds are also strong. 

"It helped, obviously."

Hanna Öberg of Sweden added the European individual crown to the Olympic title she claimed in the event at Pyeongchang 2018 s she triumphed in the women's race, held over 15km.

The 23-year-old sent a message to the rest of the women's field before next month's IBU World Championships as she crossed the line in 48:13.1.

Yuliia Zhuravok of Ukraine took the silver medal, 32.3 seconds adrift, while the bronze medal was earned by Iryna Kryuko of Belarus.

Relay races for men and women are due to be held when the event resumes tomorrow.