France's Pauline Ferrand-Prevot won gold in the women's road race at the Road World Championships as Marianne Vos' eight-year run of podium finishes ended in Spain.
Ferrand-Prevot won a sprint in a select group in Ponferrada ahead of Germany's Lisa Brennauer, the time trial champion on Tuesday, with Emma Johannson taking bronze.
The remarkable Vos, the reigning world and Olympic champion, had been an ever-present on the podium since 2006, when she claimed her first of three victories.
However, the Dutch star could finish only 10th on the undulating 127.4-kilometre course (seven 18.2km laps).
Johansson, Britain's Lizzie Armitstead, Italian Elisa Longo Borghini and Vos broke away from the pack near the top of the final climb four kilometres from the finish.
But as the line loomed, they played mind games, looked at each other and refused to take turns, allowing a small bunch to catch them within the final kilometre.
Ferrand-Prevot, who is Vos's team-mate at Rabobank-Liv, took shelter behind the Dutch favourite when she launched the final sprint.
The 22-year-old then sneaked through and held off Brennauer, who finished stronger.
Ferrand-Prevot burst into tears after crossing the line.
"I want to thank the whole staff, the whole team. It's a beautiful day," she said.
However, the Irish riders were placed well throughout the race, with Eddie Dunbar and Michael O’Loughlin positioned well at the front of the bunch throughout. A blistering final lap tore the field apart, putting the Irishmen under pressure for the first time, missing out on the select group who were left to sprint for the title.
Michael O’Loughlin fared best of the Irish competitors in the junior men’s road race, finishing 44th.
