Rohan Dennis produced a stunning ride to claim the men’s time trial title ahead of the Dutchman Tom Dumoulin at the World Road Race Championships in Innsbruck.

The Australian completed the 52.1km course, which included a testing 5km Gnandenwald climb, in one hour three minutes and 2.57 seconds - more than a minute faster than his rival.

Defending champion Dumoulin finished 1min 21.09sec back, having found the climb tough going, to claim silver just ahead of Belgium’s Victor Campenaerts.

It marked the end of long wait for the 28-year-old Australian’s first rainbow jersey. Dennis said on Eurosport: “It’s a dream come true being world champion.

“I have been chasing this since I was a junior. I have never won it in any age group so to win my first one in the seniors is really special. I am just going to enjoy the moment, then try again next year.”

British rider Alex Dowsett finished in 29th place, more than five minutes off the pace, with Tao Geoghegan Hart in 35th.