The four-times Beijing 2022 champion took the decision after considering the amount of workload he has taken on during the Olympic cycle.

"Both physically and mentally the last year has been extra challenging in terms of infection control and optimisation towards the Olympics," Bø said in a statement.

"Since the last Olympics in 2018, there has been no room for a long break, and therefore I take time off now, so I am ready and highly motivated for the next four years leading up to the Olympics in Anterselva in 2016."

At the Winter Olympics, Bø won gold in the 10 kilometre sprint, 15km mass start, 4x7.5km relay and 4x6km mixed relay as well as taking bronze in the 20km individual.

In the 2021-2022 World Cup season, the 28-year-old was victorious at Le Grand-Bornand in the sprint event, took silver at Antholz-Anterselva in the mass start and won bronze at Östersund.

His performances left him fifth in the World Cup standings with three more rounds scheduled to take place.

"We naturally respect Johannes’ decision, and understand that the last year has been a strain," said Per Arne Botnan, sports manager of the NSSF.

"He wants to stay in shape and has already set himself the goal of winning the World Cup overall next season."

The NSSF has taken Sverre Dahlen Aspenes to the Kontiolahti World Cup leg due to Bø’s decision.

The Kontiolahti World Cup, the eighth leg of the series, is due to be staged between March 3 and 6.

Otepää will host the next event between March 10 and 13 while the final is due to be held in Oslo Holmenkollen from March 17 to 20.