Kasper, who had earned two bronze medals so far this season, finally got her hands on gold as she won the women’s race in a time of 59min 16sec.

She led home a one-two for the United States as compatriot Summer Cook took home silver, seven seconds adrift of Kasper, while bronze went the way of South African Gillian Sanders, who claimed her first-ever World Cup podium result.

Sanders was a further eight seconds behind Cook but finished comfortably in front of Mexico’s Vanesa De La Torre, who ended outside of the medals as she was fourth.

"Words cannot describe how excited I am," Kasper said.

"I know Summer well from college, she ran for Villanova and I ran for Georgetown so we were big rivals.

"So I knew that if we just worked together and work off of each other we would do well."

She added: "To get away from her I was just trying to listen to my body and know where I was.

"I obviously cannot control what she was doing, so I just try and focus on myself.

"I was feeling strong in the final lap, so I thought I would take over and push through to the finish."

Castro was also seeking a first-ever ITU World Cup gold and he ensured he would leave the Ecuadorian city as the winner by clocking 53:33.

The Spaniard emerged victorious from a thrilling sprint finish as he edged American Mathew Mcelroy, who crossed the line a second after Castro, meaning he had to settle for the silver medal.

Crisanto Grajales of Mexico was also involved in the dramatic conclusion to the race as he secured bronze, beating Frenchman Felix Duchampt by a two-second margin.

"I am very happy - I can’t believe this, it really is unbelievable," Castro said.

"This was a sprint distance and in the last kilometres myself and Cristanto [Grajales] attacked the field and I just am very happy with gold."