The reigning World Cup champion took the lead with just over 600 metres to go and crossed the line ahead of the rest of the pack to claim a dramatic win.

The German team, which also included Franziska Preuß, Denise Herrmann and Franziska Hildebrand, clocked a combined 1hr 08min 47sec to take the gold medal.

Italy, represented by Lisa Vittozzi, Dorothea Wierer, Nicole Gontier and Federica Sanfilippo, were 2.9 seconds adrift in second.

Lin Persson, Mona Brorsson, Anna Magnusson, Hanna Öberg of Sweden came through to earn bronze.

"Today was an important and special day for us," said Dahlmeier, who has endured a tough start to the defence of her individual World Cup crown.

"It is a great feeling to win a race; especially in front of this crowd.

"I had a hard last loop. 

"We had a strong battle on the last uphill, but I was lucky to catch her and in the end, it is cool to be on top."

Dahlmeier saved her best form for when it mattered as she attacked late on, a move which proved too strong for Italy's Sanfilippo.

"That last loop with Laura was really tough; I did my best," the Italian said. 

"I knew I can be strong on the last loop. 

"I tried to attack, but Laura was a little bit stronger. 

"I am really happy we finished in second place.”

The event in Ruhpolding concludes tomorrow with the men's and women's mass start races, held over 15km and 12.5km respectively.