The 22-year-old from Crewe, who won world titles in 2007, 2008 and 2010 had been a doubt earlier this week with a wrist problem.

But she was fastest in the qualifying run and topped the standings again in the final, with Australian Caroline Buchanan taking silver.

The Briton finished in 37.440sec - 0.187 seconds ahead of Buchanan.

Reade had pulled out of the event earlier this week after aggravating the wrist on which she had recently undergone surgery, only to be persuaded to delay her decision over whether to compete following further tests and training.

After the event, Reade tweeted "All I can say is WOW! What a day winning World-championships Time trial! Thank you for all the messages :) #FeelingOnTopOfTheWorld"

She is next due to compete in the London 2012 test event at the Olympic Park on August 19 and 20.

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