Mendrisio, 28 Sept.(AKI) - Cadel Evans has become Australia's first cycling road race world champion, after winning the major event in Switzerland. Evans finished the 262.2 kilometre race in six hours, 56 minutes and 26 seconds, 27 seconds ahead of Russian Alexandr Kolobnev, with Joaquin Rodriguez of Spain taking bronze, also 27 seconds behind the winner.

The two-time Tour de France runner-up was thrilled with the result.

"It's something exceptional," said the new world champion, who kissed the wedding ring he wears on a necklace as he crossed the finish line.

Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara was in contention on the final lap, but finished fifth.

The 32-year-old Evans fought back tears on the podium and said he had seized his best chance of a win on a circuit just a few kilometres from his European home.

"It's a promotion for the world championships in my real hometown, Geelong, in Australia," Evans said.

"The world championships will be there next year but I'll be honest, this course suits me better than the one in Geelong and I think I proved that today."

The southern Australian city of Geelong, near Melbourne, will host the 2010 road world championships.