Defending women’s champion Atherton headed into the competition as the overwhelming favourite for victory, having completed a perfect World Cup season last weekend.

The Briton was the final rider to tackle the course as she looked to claim the world title for the fourth time in her career.

Atherton quickly showed her form at the Italian venue by achieving the fastest time at the intermediate split points, before crossing the finish line in a time of 4min 20.187sec.

France’s Myriam Nicole settled for the silver medal behind Atherton, after finishing 3.114 seconds off the British rider’s time.

The podium was completed by Australia’s Tracey Hannah, who finished in 4:29.64.

There was disappointment for Atherton’s team-mate Manon Carpenter as the Briton, starting second from last, crashed out of contention on the first turn.

“You could say it's the perfect end to the perfect season,” Atherton said afterwards.

“I'm absolutely knackered and I'm glad it's the last race, but half of me is sad.

“As soon as the season is over, it's in the history books, it's done and you can never go back.

“I will probably never be as good as I am now, so I'm happy and going to try and enjoy the moment.”

.@rachelatherton signing her rainbow stripes jersey @SANTINI_SMS #MTBWorlds pic.twitter.com/fTJIAbXLDw

— UCI MTB (@UCI_MTB) September 11, 2016

Newly crowned men’s World Cup champion Aaron Gwin of the United States would have a day to forget as a flat tyre, shortly after the start of his run, curtailed his hopes of earning the world title.

Hart, who had won the final three races of the World Cup season, continued his excellent form by taking victory in 3:32.484.

Laurie Greenland made it a British one-two as the former junior world champion ended 2.927 seconds behind Hart’s winning time.

France’s Florent Payet completed the podium by finishing in 3:37.531.

 The junior men’s title was won by Finnley Iles of Canada, while Italy’s Alessia Missiaggia won the women’s event.