Dumoulin was largely considered the pre-race favourite heading into the final time trial event of the Championships here, with the 31 kilometre route concluding with a tough ascent up Mount Floyen.

He clocked an impressive 44min 41sec to seal top spot on the podium in the Norwegian city. 

It was anticipated the climb would likely boost the chances of Britain’s Chris Froome, the winner of the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, while it posed a different challenge to four-time world champion Tony Martin of Germany.

The UCI permitted riders the opportunity to change bikes during the race, allowing riders the option of switching from dedicated time trial machines to road.

Portugal's Nelson Oliveira was among the riders to set the pace by crossing the finish in a time of 46:10 to occupy the top spot in the standings heading into the final 15 competitors. 

As the favourites began their efforts, rain began to fall across the course to add an extra layer of intrigue to proceedings.

Dumoulin, the winner of this year’s Giro d’Italia, appeared untroubled by the conditions as he comfortably led his rivals at the intermediate time check at 19km, with over a 30 second gap.

The margin would probably have been smaller had Australia’s Rohan Dennis not suffered a crash, which eventually ended his hopes of a podium finish.

Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic would put himself into medal contention by achieving a time of 45:38, which proved enough to take the lead.

His effort would hold off the challenge of Froome, who crossed the line 24sec off the pace of the Slovenian rider.

The Briton would swiftly be followed by Dumoulin, with the Dutchman having rapidly closed on Froome in the closing stages of his effort.

Dumoulin, who won gold in the team time trial with Team Sunweb on Sunday (September 17), stormed across the line to win.

With Germany's Martin rounding off the field by crossing in ninth place, Roglic and Froome were confirmed as the silver and bronze medallists.

"I can’t believe it," said Dumoulin.

"It is really amazing, I was having such a good day.

"I felt really good.

"When it started raining I had to take the corners slow, my back wheel was slipping, I thought it would be dry.

"Yesterday, I made the decision not to take the risk.

"I was calm and on a good day."

Dumoulin's victory ensured a Dutch double in the elite time competitions, with Annemiek van Vleuten winning the women's race yesterday.

Racing will resume on Friday (September 22) with the junior women's and men's under-23 road race events, with the junior men's taking place the next day.

The women's elite race will also be held on the penultimate day of the Championships, with Amalie Dideriksen of Denmark the defending champion heading into the 152.8km event on Saturday (September 23).

Action will draw to a conclusion on September 24, with the men's elite race.

Slovakia's Peter Sagan will be seeking to win an unprecedented third straight world title, having triumphed in Richmond in 2015 and Doha in 2016.

The focus of tomorrow will be on the UCI Congress, as the governing body’s President Brian Cookson seeks a second term in the post.

He is being challenged by France’s David Lappartient, the European Cycling Union President.