The five-time Olympic medallist continued her formidable run of recent form, adding to her triumphs in the sprint and pursuit events at the French venue by clocking 35min 52.8sec with two penalties.

Eckhoff dominated today's race and completed the 12.5 kilometres course 1:24.9 quicker than nearest challenger Dorothea Wierer of Italy, the reigning overall women's World Cup champion.

Sweden’s Linn Persson earned her first podium finish by coming through to take third place, just 0.02 seconds behind Wierer.

Victory for Eckhoff saw the Norwegian close the gap to Wierer on the overall standings.

Eckhoff has 287 points, 17 behind Wierer's tally of 304 after seven races of the season.

"I am very very happy today," said Eckhoff.

"I think it was the worst snow I have ever skied on, so it was a tough race."

Eckhoff's compatriot and reigning World Cup champion Johannes Thingnes Bø clinched his second straight victory as he triumphed in the men's 15km mass start.

Bø defied the tough conditions to secure gold in a time of 41:36.3, 42.1 seconds ahead of Frenchman Emilien Jacquelin.

Johannes' older brother Tarjei Bø did enough for third, 51.8 seconds back.

"I have had some good days on the skis," said the victorious Norwegian.

"My skis today were probably the best on the team so I have to say a big thanks. 

"In these tough conditions, when you have the best equipment, skis, you save a lot of power. 

"I tried to use my saved power to gain some seconds in front and it was a big success."

Bø leads the overall standings on 374 points, 63 ahead of his sibling.