Aspenes clawed back a considerable deficit to Russia's Anton Babikov after the final shooting phase before crossing the line in 51min 32.1sec.

The 24-year-old Norwegian completed the 20 kilometres course 11.6sec quicker than Babikov, who had to settle for silver after getting himself into a strong position for victory.

Third place went to Matthias Dorfer of Germany, who finished more than a minute behind the triumphant Norwegian.

Babikov's second-place result saw him clinch the overall individual IBU Cup title.

"It is really over the expectations," said Aspenes.

"I was really looking forward to this European Championship and I was thinking that I've been really confident in the shooting range recently and I knew that I could do a great performance. 

"The first focus was to shoot well and I felt really in control on the shooting range."

Russia’s Evgeniia Burtasova won the women's 15km individual event in a time of 44:22.9.

Burtasova ended 12.1 clear of Moldova's Alina Stremous in second, while Natalia Gerbulova of Russia was third, a further 4.3 back.

Victory for Burtasova saw her take the lead in the race for the women's overall crystal globe on the IBU Cup circuit, the second-tier series behind the World Cup.

The Open European Championships at the German venue are due to continue on Friday (January 28) following a rest day tomorrow.