The 20-year-old powered around the 24.5 kilometre course to finish in a winning time of 33min and 59sec, adding to his triumph in the junior event two years ago.

Italy’s Filippo Ganna, who won individual pursuit gold at the International Cycling Union (UCI) Track Cycling World Championships earlier this year, was 30 seconds off the pace in second.

Remi Cavagna completed the podium, with the Frenchman finishing in a time of 34:34.

France were able to celebrate gold in the junior men’s event, with Alexis Brunel completing the course in 35:58.

The podium was completed by Switzerland’s Marc Hirschi and Iver Knotten of Norway, with the pair finishing in 36:09.54 and 36:09.78 respectively.

Italy proved dominant in the women’s junior race by claiming the gold and silver medals, with Lisa Morzenti triumphing at the conclusion of the 12.7km course in a time of 19:02.

Alessia Vigilia finished second to her team-mate in 19:12, while France’s Juliette Labous secured bronze by finishing in 19:24.

Tomorrow will see the Under-23 and elite women’s titles decided over a 25.4km course, while the men’s elite event will take place over a 45.5km route.

The Championships were originally due to be held in Nice, but the city pulled out after announcing they were cancelling all sport and cultural events following the deadly lorry attack during Bastille Day celebrations on July 14 left 85 people dead and more than 200 injured.

Plumelec was chosen only last month, ahead of rival bids from Britain and Italy.