The 31-year-old led a French one-two finish ahead of Émilien Jacquelin, shooting clean for the first time this season and clocking a time of 25 min 27.2sec.

Jacquelin was 25.5 seconds behind with one penalty.

Third place went to Germany's Johannes Kühn, who was 33 seconds off the pace with one penalty.

Last night's heavy rain, plus the warm weather and wind, softened the tracks to the point that the course had to be changed. 

Instead of the typical 3.3km loops, the organisers went to the 2.5 km loop.

However, it did not stop Fourcade from claiming his 78th victory on the IBU World Cup tour and first since December 1, when he topped the men's 20km individual podium in Östersund in Sweden.

"I am really satisfied, in spite of the poor conditions here in Oberhof," he said.

"My race management was really good."

The Frenchman added: "I think I took advantage of the absence of Johannes Bø because when he is here, you know that you need to start full speed if you want to stay in the race. 

"Today, without him, I knew I could take it a bit slower in the first loop and then give it all for the end of my competition. 

"I must say, I am really satisfied about this victory. 

"It is a good way to start 2020."

Fourcade now sits third in the IBU World Cup standings with 327 points.

Bø, who is back home in Norway on paternity leave, remains the frontrunner on 374 points.

Older brother Tarjei Bø is second with 330 points.

Action in Oberhof continues tomorrow, with the men's 4x7.5km and women's 4x6km relay events.