The Norwegian, who had three penalties, crossed the line in 36min 12sec.

It was the ninth victory of the season for Bø, who is the reigning Olympic champion in the category.

His compatriot Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen bagged the silver medal in 36:31.

The Beijing 2022 4 × 7.5 km relay gold medallist also had two penalties.

Sturla Holm Lægreid, also of Norway, settled for bronze in 36:47.

"My main rival today was Vetle," Bø said.

"He was really good on the skis today.

"I felt it already in the first loop.

"He was there in the first part and I really had to struggle to catch him.

"We all know his sprint and there was just one uphill left.

"After catching seven seconds (out of the penalty loop), to push for an attack is hard but in the end a victory.

"It is already worth it.

"What the sport is about."

France won gold and bronze while Italy took the silver medal in the women’s 12.5km mass start.

For France, Julia Simon bagged the top prize in 32:52, also with three penalties.

With one penalty, Italian Lisa Vittozzi finished second, 2.6sec behind.

Simon’s compatriot Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet completed the top-three, winning the bronze medal in 32:58.