The 30-year-old, who won the gold medal in the time trial at the 2013 World Championships in Florence and claimed silver at the event in Doha last year, clocked 40min 33.58sec to take victory.

Ann-Sophie Duyck of Belgium claimed silver in 41:31.85, while Olympic champion Anna van der Breggen was forced to settle for bronze.

Dutchwoman Van der Breggen came into the race as one of the favourites but was unable to deliver as her compatriot secured her second consecutive European Road Cycling Championships gold medal.

In the men's event, Belgium's Victor Campenaerts went one better than his silver medal last year as he crossed the line in 53:12.86 to seal the title.

Poland's Maciej Bodnar, who won the penultimate stage of this year's Tour de France, came through to take silver in 53:15.40.

Ryan Mullen of Ireland rounded out the podium by claiming bronze in 53:17.22.

The second day of action in the Danish city was dominated by time trial competition and the men's under-23 race proved to be particularly successful for the host nation.

Kasper Asgreen sealed gold in 37:33.38, beating team-mate Mikkel Bjerg, who did enough for silver.

Corentin Ermenault of France was the recipient of the bronze medal.

The event in Herning continues tomorrow with road races for junior women, junior men and under-23 women.