Oslo had been due to host the final World Cup next week but the IBU was forced to cancel the competition after the Norwegian health authorities banned events with more than 500 participants.

The same rule in Finland prevented the IBU instead holding the season finale in Kontiolahti, the organisation said in a statement.

The IBU added the calculation of the total score in the race for the men's and women's overall World Cup titles would not change and the worst two results of each athlete will be scratched.

Competition in the Finnish resort has also been closed to spectators, despite earlier plans for fans to be allowed to watch from the stands, but the schedule remains as planned.

"The IBU explored an alternative option of remaining in Kontiolahti for the World Cup final," the IBU said.

"However, given the latest announcements made by the Finnish government to cancel all events with more than 500 participants and taking into account the general developments connected to the spread of COVID-19, the IBU Executive Board has unanimously decided to cancel the World Cup final."

Johannes Thingnes Bø of Norway won today's sprint event to reduce the deficit to Martin Fourcade of France on the overall men's standings.

Defending World Cup champion Bø clocked 22min 27.8sec to cut Fourcade's lead to 18 points.

Fourcade took silver, 21.1 seconds adrift of the victorious Norwegian, while Émilien Jacquelin of France finished third, a further 1.2 behind.

The event is set to continue with the women's sprint tomorrow.