He overcame previous failures to produce a blisteringly quick final lap which propelled him to a 16^th overall gold medal on the world stage.

The Norwegian clocked in after 49min 57.5sec to take victory despite missing twice from four trips to the shooting range in Oberhof.

"It is special," said Bø.

"I can’t believe winning one more race here in the World Champs. 

"It is quite crazy. I am just enjoying every moment.

"I felt really good in the warm-up and this morning as well. 

"With the wet, deep snow here in Oberhof, the course is really hard. 

"I knew it was made just for me. 

"Our wax team, the wax mafia are so strong in making the best material - I had the best chance before the start but you have to hit the targets. 

"That was an issue with two penalties, but it was enough in the end."

Bø's compatriot Sturla Holm Laegreid was the next athlete across the line.

He finished 1:10.7 off the pace while Sweden's Sebastian Samuelsson was 0.4 slower than him.

Both of them finished with just one miss with the rifle but could not match Bø's speed on the ground.

France's Quentin Fillon Maillet, who saw his podium chances die with a last stage penalty, finished fourth, with one penalty, 1:31.9 off the pace.

Competition is set to continue tomorrow with the women's 15km individual race.