Cycling news - Anna van der Breggen takes world road race title with glorious solo attack

Van der Breggen made her attack with 40km of the race remaining, and there was no catching the Dutch star, who effectively time-trialled to the title, building up a winning margin of over three minutes.

Her victory will have tasted all the sweeter after Tuesday's disappointment of missing out on the Time Trial rainbow jersey to compatriot Annemiek van Vleuten.

Emotions got the better of the 28-year-old as she slowed to cross the line with her arms aloft, with tears flowing freely as she was greeted by her team.

Van der Breggen is one of the most talented riders in the women's peloton, but a world title had alluded her prior to Saturday's 158km race in Innsbruck. And her win ensures that 2018 ends on a positive note after disappointing defeats to Van Vleuten in July's La Course and Tuesday's time trial.

"I look down and it looks really strange. I'm so happy with it," Van der Breggen said of her new rainbow jersey.

"I really had the feeling that I had won a lot but this was a big missing part in the list. It's really special seeing teammates riding in this jersey.

“The longer it took with my second places, the pressure was there to win the jersey. I made it a big goal but also the people around me made that goal. I think that the feeling when I crossed the finish line it was mostly relief that it finally worked out and I'm thankful for that."