The London 2012 Olympic road race bronze medallist was awarded victory following a tight conclusion, which required a photo finish.

Kristoff and Italian Elia Viviani were shoulder to shoulder in the final few metres.

The rivals touched at one point but a late lunge to the line by the Norwegian nudged him in front.

Viviani waved his finger in protest but after consulting several replays the judges confirmed Kristoff as the new European champion in a time of 5 hours 41min 10sec. 

Viviani was forced to settle for the silver medal in the same time.

Moreno Hofland of The Netherlands finished third, also on the same mark as the top two.

Hofland's compatriot Marianne Vos had claimed the gold medal in the women's elite road race yesterday.

The London 2012 Olympic road race champion sealed the third European title of her career following previous under-23 continental road race success at Valkenburg in 2006 and Sofia in 2007.