The double Olympic champion's success meant that he completed a clean sweep of victories at the Czech course, after his earlier wins in the 10km sprint and 12.5km pursuit.

Fourcade, who is seeking a sixth overall World Cup title in a row, has now won seven races this season with only three legs of the campaign complete.

He triumphed today with one penalty in a time of 36min 18.9sec, with Germany's Simon Schempp finishing second with two penalties, 8.3sec behind.

Russia's Anton Babikov came third with one penalty, 9.4sec adrift of Fourcade's pace.

The Frenchman admitted disappointment that the next leg of the World Cup season will not start until January 5, in Oberhof in Germany.

"I am a little sad now that the break is coming, because I don't want this to stop," he said.

"Also Christmas means eating a lot of chocolate so I'll come back on tour in poor shape.

"But jokes aside, I am happy to see my daughter again and spend some time with my family.

"It was really exciting [today], a tense competition. 

"I was a nervous on the shooting range, I think everyone felt it." 

Fourcade has only failed to win one of this season's eight races, the 12.5km pursuit at the opening World Cup leg in Ostersund in Sweden which was won by Babikov.

He has 468 points at the top of the overall standings, with Russia's Anton Shipulin second on 310.

Norway's Johannes Thingnes Bø has 308 in third.