Norway’s Johannes Thingnes Bø was unbeatable in the men's 15km mass start at the IBU World Cup in Antholz-Anterselva today ©IBU

Norway’s Johannes Thingnes Bø skied brilliantly and shot adequately to ensure victory in the men’s 15 kilometres mass start at the International Biathlon Union (IBU) Biathlon World Cup in Antholz-Anterselva in Italy.

Bø finished in 35min 44.3sec with a single penalty, with France’s Quentin Fillon Maillet second, 31.3sec back with two penalties.

Jakov Fak of Slovenia claimed his first podium of the season in third place, with one penalty, 44.2 back.

Earlier in the day an outstanding effort on Russia’s anchor leg from Uliana Kaisheva enabled her to hold off Germany’s Franziska Preuß in the standing stage to earn victory in the women’s 4x6km relay.

Germany, with six spares, finished second, 11.0 back.

France, with a penalty and nine spares, finished third, 21.7 back.

After what was his fourth win of the season, Bø told said he had been making a conscious effort to be more positive on the shooting range.

"Last race, actually all the races this year, I felt like I was defending," the Norwegian said.

"I have not felt really natural behind the rifle, relaxed, so today and yesterday I wanted to play more, to lower the shoulder and attack, instead of defending.

"That is why I was so happy today because I attacked and it ended with a win.

"This is biathlon - you have to attack to be the best."

Norway's Vetle Sjasstad Christiansen finished fourth in a photo finish with the lunging Arnd Peiffer who ended up fifth, both 49.1 off the winner.

The Norwegian had three penalties while his German rival had two.

Christiansen’s team mate Erlend Bjøntegaard finished sixth, with three penalties, 56.6 back.

The last loop was all Bø as he increased his stadium-leaving lead over his French rival from 13 second to 26 by the next split, adding a few more until he crossed the finish line with hands held high.

Fillon Maillet, visibly pleased, slapped a few hands as he rounded the last loop into the finish ahead of Fak.

Bø now has 709 points at the top of the overall men's IBU Biathlon World Cup standings, with compatriot Sturla Holm Lægreid second on 645.

After seeing Russia through to their first relay victory of the season, Kaisheva commented: "I feel so happy - I am glad I could make enough speed on the last loop.

"Since the last race, I did not feel so good, but today I gave it all I could."