The French star led the race after the final standing stage to secure the top podium spot in a time of 47:29.4, with one penalty, in Kontiolahti, Finland.

"This was an emotional victory for me today," Fourcade said.

"I thought about where I was this summer with the mononucleosis and I was thinking about skipping the World Cup season.

"Now I have the Yellow Bib and won the World Championship; this is very special and I am very lucky.

"I have won seven of my 10 individual competitions, but I do remember that I was 84th in the season opening 20K in Östersund...after missing that one shot, I was on automatic pilot, not thinking about the results."

Emil Hegle Svendsen was delighted with his silver medal today ©Getty Images


The silver medal went to Norwegian Olympic gold medallist Emil Hegle Svendsen, who shot clean but finished in a time of 47:50.3, while the bronze went to Ondrej Moravec of the Czech Republic, who finished in 48:09.9 with one penalty to add to the mixed relay gold medal he claimed last week at these Championships.

"I tried to stay focused and I think I managed that pretty well," Svendsen said.

"It has been a long time since felt like I could be on the podium.

"I think it was three months ago.

"I am very proud of my silver medal today.

"It was a good day to shoot 20."

Fourcade's older brother Simon finished fourth, shooting clean but with a time of 48:15.1.

The action in Kontiolahti continues tomorrow with the women's 4x6km relay race.

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