The 20-year-old Dane was supported by two team-mates throughout the duration of the 134 kilometre race in the Qatari capital, who helped keep her in contention on the sprinter friendly circuit.

Newly crowned time trial world champion Amber Neben attempted to test the legs of the field by launching a solo attack inside the final two laps of the seven lap circuit on Pearl Island.

Her lead grew to around 50 seconds, but the chasing of the Australian and British teams saw the American’s advantage evaporate ahead of the finish.

A surge from Britain’s Dani King briefly broke up the peloton ahead of the finish, but the predicted sprint conclusion would ultimately take place.

Riders were aiming to use the wheel of the pre-race favourite Kirsten Wild of The Netherlands, with Dideriksen securing the vital position in the closing kilometres.

The Dane, who finished 25th on her maiden appearance in the senior race last year, timed her effort expertly to overtake Wild in the sprint and claim gold in a time of 3 hours, 10min and 27sec.

"Winning here is a surprise for me," said Dideriksen, winner of the junior race in 2013 and 2014.

"But today I had such good teammates, who even brought me back after a crash and kept on bringing me bottles so I have to say a huge thanks to them.

“I chose Wild’s wheel in the sprint.

"I'm 20 years old and it was a goal for the future to win the Worlds but I felt pretty great the entire race.

"I tried to stay calm and at the front of the peloton and not waste too much energy, and I’ve beat a top-class sprinter so I'm so happy."

Wild, who was supported by a strong Dutch team, crossed the line on the same time as the winner in second.

Finland’s Lotta Lepisto claimed an impressive bronze medal ahead of Britain’s Elizabeth Deignan, the defending world champion.

Tomorrow will see the final race of the World Championships contested, with the men’s elite race due to take place over 257km.