Swiss cyclist Frei, a silver medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, won the women's elite race in a photo finish, narrowly reaching the line ahead of Briton Evie Richards.

France's Pauline Ferrand-Prevot was third after seven laps of the 0.95-kilometre course. 

Olympic champion Jolanda Neff was fifth and compatriot Linda Indergand fourth as the Swiss were unable to replicate the podium lockout they enjoyed at Tokyo 2020.

In the men's elite race, American Blevins was the fastest of the 39 riders.

Maximillian Brandl from Germany established a lead of seven seconds heading into the last of the eight laps, but could not hold off the Brazilian Henrique Avancini or Blevins.

The chasing duo caught Brandl and Blevins moved ahead to claim the win by two seconds.

Brandl and Avancini finished with the same time, but it was the Brazilian who edged it for the silver medal.

Blevins helped the US to a relay silver medal 24 hours ago.

French success had come earlier in the day at the Italian venue, in both men's and women's junior Olympic cross-country races.

Line Burquier won the women's, with compatriot Olivia Onesti second, and Adrien Boichis took the men's under-18 gold medal.

Three gold medals have now gone to France this UCI Mountain Bike World Championships.