Slavík returned to the top of a World Championships podium for the first time in seven years with victory in the men's race, where all four athletes compete on the same course at the same time.

The 34-year-old won the big final in front of French rival Adrien Loron, whose silver medal continued the country's strong showing so far at the event at the Italian venue.

Hannes Slavik of Austria did enough for the bronze medal as he held off Martti Sciortino to deny the home rider a podium finish.

Victory for Slavík handed him a third World Championships gold medal after he triumphed in the same event in 2010 and 2014.

Hajkova sealed the women's crown as she crossed the line ahead of Mathilde Bernard of France.

Bolivia's Anna Sara Rojas took bronze in a closely-fought big final.

Jerome Gilloux led a French one-two in the men's e-mountain bike cross country race as he clocked 51.44sec to beat compatriot Hugo Pigeon.

American Christopher Blevins, winner of the first-ever men's cross-country short track world title yesterday, had to settle for bronze after crossing 1min 11sec behind the victorious Gilloux.

Gilloux finally got his hands on gold after finishing second in the two preceding years in the men's category.

Nicole Goeldi of Switzerland clinched the women's honours in 49.24, edging out France's Laura Charles.

Sofia Wiedenroth of Germany was the recipient of the bronze medal.

"It's pretty unbelievable, I never thought this could happen," said Goeldi. 

"I surprised myself a lot. 

"I started behind and had to chase all the riders, and then in the last lap my motor switched off; it was very strange and I was afraid [of being caught]. 

"But in the end it was all good."

The event is due to continue tomorrow.