Mélanie Pugin earned the women's e-mountain bike title ©UCI

Thomas Pidcock of Britain and Mélanie Pugin of France earned the men and women's e-mountain bike world titles in Leogang-Saalfelden in Austria.

The e-mountain bike contest took place on the opening day of the International Cycling Union (UCI) Mountain Bike World Championships.

Pidcock triumphed in the men's contest, finishing in 1 hour 1min 41sec. 

Frenchman Jerome Gilloux was 35 seconds off the leader to take silver, while Simon Andreassen of Denmark was 49 seconds off the pace to claim bronze. 

In the women's competition, Pugin topped the podium in 56:33, beating Kathrin Stirnemann of Switzerland by 27 seconds. 

Swiss team mate and defending champion Nathalie Schneitter could only finish third in 57:48. 

Competition also took place in the cross-country team relay, won by France in 1:27:34. 

Italy were 1:35 behind to come second in the mixed event, followed by Switzerland. 

Competition continues tomorrow with the downhill qualifying event.