With just under two weeks to go before the Games are due to open, Pilard and Claessens gave themselves a timely confidence boost following their success in Zolder in Belgium.

Pilard clinched victory in a time of 31.329 secs to beat Michael Schotman of The Netherlands in the men’s elite final.

Eddy Clerte ensured there were two French riders on the podium when he came third in 31.601 as Schotman secured second spot in 31.476.

Dutch rider Jay Schippers missed out on the medals after finishing in 32.44, while Aleksandr Katyshev of Russia and Mathis Ragot Richard of France also finished in the top six after clocking 33.137 and 34.382 respectively.

Claessens came out on top in the women’s elite final after crossing the finish line first in 34.246.

She was followed by two French riders with Manon Valentino coming second in 35.236 and Tessa Martinez third in 35.759.

Simone Tetsche Christens of Denmark was fourth in 36.505 before Russians Natalia Afremova and Natalia Suvorova took the next two spots in 37.156 and 37.666 respectively.

Two Swiss riders won the under-23 titles as Nadine Aeberhard triumphed in the women’s race and Cedric Butti emerged victorious in the men’s event.

France’s Mariane Beltrando and The Netherlands’ Tim Goossens won the respective women’s and men’s junior crowns.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.