The women’s race quickly became a three-way battle between Dutch stars Alvarado, Worst and Lucinda Brand, with defending champion Sanne Cant of Belgium fading.

The leading riders had all shown their ability during the World Cup season, with the trio sharing victories in the final seven races of the season.

Brand had earned three World Cup victories but saw her World Championship hopes fade in the closing stages, with Alvarado and Worst pushing clear as the finish approached.

Worst led the race heading into the home straight, but Alvarado timed her final effort to perfection as she surged past to clinch victory.

The 21-year-old came across the line in a winning time of 45min 20sec to claim her maiden world title.

Worst finished just 0.01 second behind to win silver, with an all-Dutch podium completed by Brand in 45:30.

The Netherlands enjoyed further success in age group events, as the country won all three titles on offer on the first day of competition.

Shirin Van Anrooij became the winner of the inaugural women’s junior race at the Championships, with a dominant performance seeing her triumph in 38:34.

Her team-mate Puck Pieterse won silver at 53 seconds back, with the United States’ finishing 1:18 behind the winner to win bronze.

The men’s under-23 event saw Ryan Kamp cross the line first, as the Dutch cyclist completed the event in 47:53.

Switzerland’s Kevin Kuhn and the Netherlands’ Mees Hendrikx rounded off the podium, after finishing 36 and 52 seconds behind the gold medallist respectively.

Gold medals will be won in the men’s junior and elite events tomorrow, as well as the women’s under-23 race.