The former sprint world champion achieved her third consecutive win in the World Cup, having triumphed in the sprint event yesterday and achieving a maiden victory in the pursuit in Hochfilzen last week. 

Today she crossed the line in 29min 41.6sec, picking up two penalties along the way. 

Her nearest opponent was compatriot Ingrid Iandmark Tandrevold, 38.1 seconds back, while Lena Haecki of Switzerland managed her first World Cup podium after finishing 46 seconds off the mark.  

Both Iandmark Tandrevold and Haecki collected two penalties. 

"Today I was not in my best shape," said Eckhoff.

"I had to take one round at a time, they were going very fast behind me.

"I was really lucky that I had really good skis again…I am very happy that I managed to stay in front as number one."

There was more success for Norway in the men's competition, won by Johannes Thingnes Boe.

He achieved a time of 30:07.8 with one penalty. 

"I needed to improve my shooting from the sprint," said Thingnes Boe.

"I was not determined or focused enough. 

"Today I was really into it from the morning, then my race felt better."

Quentin Fillon Maillet of France was 22 seconds back with no penalties, while another Norwegian, Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen, claimed third place after finishing exactly one minute back from his winning team-mate with one penalty.

The World Cup is due to continue tomorrow with the men's 15km and women's 12.5km mass start.