Hirschi had earned the gold at the European Championships earlier this year at Brno in the Czech Republic.

He formed part of a strong Swiss squad, which produced an attacking display on the 180 kilometre course in the Austrian city.

Gino Mäder, Patrick Müller and Lukas Ruegg joined Hirschi in establishing a breakaway with 50 kilometres to go of the climber friendly course.

The four Swiss riders were joined by Denmark's Mikkel Honore, United States' Neilson Powless and Mark Padun of Ukraine.

Padun and Müller would go clear on a climb, while efforts from Ireland's Eddie Dunbar and Belgium's Bjorg Lambrecht and Jaakko Hanninen of Finland saw them close on the remaining breakaway riders.

The leader’s advantage would fall in the final lap, with Lambrecht leading a three man move on the final descent.

Hirschi would ultimately come through to take the victory ahead of the Belgian, with the Swiss rider taking gold in 4 hours, 24min and 5sec.

The silver was earned by Lambrecht at 15 seconds down, with Hanninen winning bronze on the same time.

"You have to be strong and smart to win the world title," said Hirschi.

"Bjorg Lambrecht was the strongest but he was nervous.

"I was at the limit, I could have waited for the sprint but I saw the possibility to attack in the descent.

"We learned from previous experiences at the World Championships, so we wanted to make a very active race today.

"We rode together perfectly as a team although the way the race unfolded wasn’t what we planned.

"We had three leaders [with Gino Mäder and Patrick Müller].

"I’m very happy with the outcome of course."

The focus now shifts to the women’s elite road race, which will take place tomorrow.

The men’s elite race will bring the Championships to a close on Sunday (September 30).