Alejandro Valverde finally claimed his first Road World Championships title in Austria having previously finished second or third on six occasions.
The Spaniard, 38, triumphed in Innsbruck by leading out the sprint in the final few hundred metres as he finished ahead of France's Romain Bardet and Canada's Michael Woods.
Valverde had been the road race's runner-up in 2003 and 2005, while he was third in 2006, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
"The truth is, this is incredible," he said in quotes published on the event's website.
"I've fought for many years, and finally I get it. The Spanish national team was attentive in every moment in the race.
"I controlled the distance from the finishing line. It was a very long sprint.
"I took my responsibilities and I launched my sprint at 350metres, which was perfect for me. It's the win of the national selection, of all the people who like me and support me.
"I'm speechless because I don't believe it. I've been close many times. I've had several medals but I was still missing the gold. I'm caught by a huge emotion."
RESULT
1. Alejandro Valverde (Spain) 6:46.41
2. Romain Bardet (France) +0:00
3. Michael Woods (Canada) +0:00
4. Tom Dumoulin (Netherlands) +0:00
5. Gianni Moscon (Italy) +0:13
