The Belgian was among the pre-race favourites for victory, but she was forced to battle to the line on the Czech circuit.

She formed part of a three-rider leading group on the opening lap of the race, alongside Dutch riders Annemarie Worst and Lucinda Brand.

The trio were later joined by Maria Arzuffi of Italy, with the group taking it in turns on the front for the final three laps.

Cant and Brand would ultimately break clear on the closing climb of the race, with the world champion having enough to win the sprint.

The France rider claimed her third European title by finishing in a winning time of 41min and 57sec.

Brand was forced to settle for the silver medal on the same time, while Arzuffi ended 15 seconds adrift to round off the podium places.

Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel continued his excellent form in the men’s event, as he added the European title to the three World Cup victories achieved already this season.

The 2015 world champion pulled away from his rivals to take a solo win in a time of 57:37.

He was followed across the line by his compatriot Lars van der Haar, who came to the finish 22 seconds down.

While defending champion Toon Aerts ended 1:27 behind the winner, the Belgian rider could celebrate taking bronze.

Belgium’s Eli Iserbyt edged Britain’s Tom Pidcock to gold in the men’s under-23 event by finishing in 53:19, while Dutch rider Sieben Wouters was third at seven seconds down.

It was a similar story in the women’s race, as Chiara Teocchi of Italy beat Belgium’s Laura Verdonschot on the line.

The hosts took bronze, with Nikola Nosková coming across the line four seconds behind the leading pair.

Switzerland’s Loris Rouiller won the men’s junior race in 39:16, with the Czech Republic’s Tomas Kopecky and Britain’s Ben Tulett finishing two and eight seconds down respectively to round off the podium.