France (centre), who are the current champions, successfully defended their title, holding off a strong challenge from Spain, with Germany taking bronze ©UCI/Facebook

France defended their title as the 2016 International Cycling Union (UCI) Trials World Championships began with the team competition in Vermiglio in Italy.

The French held off a strong challenge from Spain, who had to settle for silver, with Germany taking bronze.

In the team event, five riders from each country participate with one featuring from each category: junior men 20" and 26", elite men 20" and 26" and elite women.

The points from each rider contribute to the nation's overall score, with the highest combined score winning the world title.

France ended the competition with a total of 660 points to Spain's 630. Germany, the 2014 world champions, finished with 570 points ©UCI
France ended the competition with a total of 660 points to Spain's 630. Germany, the 2014 world champions, finished with 570 points ©UCI

The competition was decided in the final round, when Spain's defending elite 20" UCI world champion Abel Mustieles made a mistake and French rival Nicolas Vallée, the 2015 Junior UCI World Champion in 26", took advantage.

France ended the competition with a total of 660 points to Spain's 630 with Germany, the 2014 world champions, finishing with 570 points.

The individual competitions begin tomorrow with the semi-final rounds for junior men 20", elite men 20" and elite women.

Riders have to complete five sections, hoping to produce a clean display in each for the lowest possible score.

The top six riders in each category move on to the medal rounds, which will take place on Friday (September 2) and Saturday (September 3).