Ferrand-Prevot dominated the 30.8-kilometre course, which was divided into seven laps. The demanding route took the riders over the highest point in the Paris region at 231 metres above sea level.

The Frenchwoman was 2'57" ahead of Batten, and 3'02" ahead of Rissveds. The predictions that had made her the favourite in her own country were fulfilled by Ferrand-Prevot. She has already won five world cross-country titles, but this is her first gold medal and the first time she has finished on the podium in her three previous appearances. 

Ferrand-Prevot was also world road champion in 2014 in Ponferrada, Spain, the year Mihail Kwiatkowski also won gold in the men's road race.

Ferrand-Prevot was the best and the strongest on Sunday. She took to the Elancourt hill on the outskirts of the capital. It was the first individual gold medal for the French delegation at one of the most highly represented Games in history.

"I can't believe it, I worked so hard for today, I was like a robot. I'm super happy, but I don't know what to say, it's huge," said the winner, as quoted by Flashscore.

For Ferrand-Prevot, this could be her last chance to win in front of her compatriots. She made a strong start, but couldn't break away on her own. She stayed with her compatriot Loana Lecomte and Dutch rider Puck Pieterse.

On the second of the seven laps she took the lead and never relinquished it. She soon pulled away, leaving her two companions behind. Pieterse lost her rhythm and was overtaken. Accidents started to happen, like Candice Lill's. Pieterse suffered a puncture. 

The gap grew and Ferrand-Prevot crossed the line to start the final lap with a lead of over three minutes. Behind her, Haley Batten and Jenny Rissveds took the medal positions. Everything seemed settled. Except who would take the silver and who the bronze.

With Ferrand-Prevot already tasting victory with a three-minute lead, Batten began to push for silver.

There were no surprises, Ferrand-Prevot was the favourite and won. Batten and Rissveds made the most of their opportunities throughout the race. Meanwhile, Evie Richards secured fifth place, a result she was delighted with after riding with the best throughout the race.

The men's race will take place at the same venue on Monday and Tom Pidcock will be one of the favourites to win the final race. The Ineos Team professional, winner of stages such as Alpe D'Huez in the Tour de France and an accomplished cyclocross specialist, will be the one to beat for all cyclists next Monday.

Final classification of the event:

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (France) 1:26:02

Haley Batten (USA) 1:28:59

Jenny Rissveds (SWE) 1:29:04

Puck Pieterse (NED) 1.29.25

Evie Richards (GB) 1.29.29