Mischa Bredewold celebrates becoming the youngest winner of the women's elite road race at the Road European Cycling Championships ©Getty Images

Mischa Bredewold became the youngest winner of the women’s road race at the European Cycling Union Road European Championships in Drenthe.

The 23-year-old Dutch rider claimed an unexpected success on home soil as she crossed the line first in 3hours 4min 12sec.

It was a first continental title for SD Worx rider Bredewold, who earlier this year won the International Cycling Union Women’s WorldTour race the Classic Lorient Agglomération, formerly known as the Grand Prix de Plouay-Bretagne.

The podium for the elite women's road race in Drenthe, featuring a Dutch one-two of Mischa Bredewold, centre, and Lorena Wiebes, left ©Getty Images
The podium for the elite women's road race in Drenthe, featuring a Dutch one-two of Mischa Bredewold, centre, and Lorena Wiebes, left ©Getty Images

Bredewold won by four seconds from her compatriot and defending champion Lorena Wiebes, breaking away from the favourites on the final lap of the 129.6 kilometres course.

The podium was completed by Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky, who was also four seconds behind the winner.

Four seconds behind in fourth place was Britain’s Pfeiffer Georgi, while the top five was completed by Silvia Persico of Italy.

Senior action is due to conclude in Drenthe tomorrow with the elite men’s race, scheduled to take place over 199.8 kilometres.