Linda Villumsen wins time-trial gold at World Championships

New Zealand's Linda Villumsen won gold in the women's individual time trial at the Road Cycling World Championships in Richmond, Virginia.

The Commonwealth champion, 30, finished the 30km course in 40 minutes 29 seconds to beat Netherlands' Anna van der Breggen by two and a half seconds.

German defending champion Lisa Brennauer was third with Australia's Katrin Garfoot fourth.

Hayley Simmonds, Britain's sole entrant, finished 26th.

The 42-year-old American Kristin Armstrong, who came out of retirement earlier this year, went out second and led for almost three hours before slipping down to fifth.

It was Villumsen who first beat Armstrong's time as she claimed victory at an event in which she had won two silver and three bronze medals between 2009 and 2013.

"I can't believe it," she said. "I came with a big motivation and had the best team behind me. It's an incredible feeling.

"Everything played out my way."

The men's individual time-trial takes place on Wednesday, with Commonwealth champion Alex Dowsett set to compete for Great Britain.

Villumsen (centre) won three bronzes and two silvers between 2009 and 2013