The Italian attacked early in Brittany and developed a healthy lead before being reeled back in.

However later in the race the Trek-Segafredo rider attacked again from a small group and made it stick to the line.

Going into the final ascent of the Pont Neuf climb, Longo Borghini’s gap was 42 seconds to the peloton and 12 seconds ahead of the trailing Floortje Mackaij of the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Spain's Mavi Garcia caught up with Mackaij and the two began to work together as Italian Marta Cavalli and Germany's Liane Lippert joined them.

With under two kilometres to go American Kristen Faulkner brought the rest of the group back up to the four chasers but just as they caught, Cavalli attacked but the move did not stick and all signs pointed to a reduced bunch sprint for second.

As Longo Borghini crossed the line solo, the group behind began to wind up for a sprint with Coryn Rivera of the United States going early, however it was France's Gladys Verhulst who managed to cross the line second, with Faulkner third.

The 20th edition of the Grand Prix de Plouay took place over 150 kilometres with 11 laps of a 13.68km circuit containing three climbs, the first of which maxed out at a 19 per cent gradient.

This year, the race took a slightly different route by incorporating smaller circuits.

This change increased the difficulty as it meant that climbs came in quick succession.

The event was the 14^th of 18 races scheduled races this year on the International Cycling Union (UCI) Women's WorldTour.

La Madrid Challenge by La Vuelta is the next race on the Tour and is due to be held from September 2 to 5.