Austria's Paul Verbjnak, centre, won the the men's individual title at the ISMF World Military Skiing Championship in Boden ©ISMF

Austria's Paul Verbnjak and Emily Harrop of France  won the ski mountaineering individual event for the men's and women's, respectively, at the International Ski Mountaineering Federation World Military Skiing Championship in Boden in Sweden.

The 21-year-old Verbnjak was dominant in the men's race, finishing 35 seconds ahead of second-placed compatriot Armin Höfl.

In third was Switzerland's Marti Werner of Switzerland, who managed to secure his spot ahead of French pair Samuel Equy and Xavier Gachet.

More than 300 athletes serving in the military from 23 nations competed in the event in a town which houses the largest garrison of the Swedish Army.

France, led by Emily Harrop, swept the podium spots at the women's individual event ©ISMF
France, led by Emily Harrop, swept the podium spots at the women's individual event ©ISMF

The 25-year-old Harrop, the dominant force on the ISMF World Cup circuit this season, managed to claim a win in tremendous fashion in the women's, finishing a minute ahead of team-mate Celia Perillar-Pessey, while Axelle Gachet-Mollaret rounded off the podium as France claimed all three spots.

With such strength in depth, it was no surprise that France won the mixed relay with a trio of Harrop, Xavier Gachet and Equy.

They completed the race two minutes ahead of silver medallists Poland, who fielded Iwona Januszyk, Andreas Mayer and Daniel Zugg, with Austria's team of Höfl, Verbjnak and Lisa Rettensteiner securing the bronze.