The reigning world champion battled her compatriots Annemarie Worst and Lucinda Brand during the race, which saw the riders complete five laps of a 2.9-kilometre course.

The event was held without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Brand sought to take control of the race on the final lap, but Alvarado was able to pass her on a sand section to establish an advantage.

Alvarado remained clear to the finish to secure victory in a time of 40min 45sec.

She finished 22 seconds clear of Worst, who earned the silver medal ahead of Brand.

Brand finished on the same time in third place.

The Netherlands’ domination was further highlighted by Denise Betsema placing fourth at 0:55 down, with France’s Perrine Clauzel the best of the rest in fifth place.

Defending champion Yara Kastelijn, Dutch as well, finished down in eighth.

The men’s under-23 race was also held today.

The Netherlands’ Ryan Kamp emerged as the winner of the 20km event, finishing in a time of 51:28.

Kamp held off the challenge of Britain’s Thomas Mein and Cameron Mason, who completed the podium at 12 and 13 seconds down respectively.

Tomorrow will see the men’s elite and women’s under-23 races held.