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Sagan attacked with about a mile left in the elite men’s race Sunday, gritting his teeth as he powered down Broad Street and away from his rivals. Michael Matthews of Australia sprinted for silver in a reduced group of big names, while Ramunas Navardauskus of Lithuania took bronze.

“I could not believe I crossed the line alone,� Sagan said with a grin. “I wasn’t thinking about a rainbow jersey this year and now I have it. It’s strange.�

It was the first world championship medal in the men’s road race for Slovakia, but hardly one that came as a surprise. Sagan long ago emerged as one of cycling’s biggest talents, even though he had an up-and-down season that including sharp criticism from his trade team owner.

Sagan may have been the only one who refused to anoint himself the favorite.

“Probably the most deserving winner we’ve had at the world championships in a while,� said American standout Taylor Phinney, who spent part of the race in a breakaway.

“I came here to win today and I knew I had the legs to do it,� Matthews said, “but yeah, the final there, Sagan slipped away and he was really strong, so unfortunately I sprinted for second.�

The day’s first breakaway formed shortly after riders departed from the University of Richmond and made their way downtown, where thousands of fans lined the 10-mile circuit.

Among those in the eight-man move was Ben King, who was born in Richmond and still has a home near Charlottesville. The Virginia Tech alum responded to the roars of his nation by leading the break up the cobbled climb of Libby Hill, ensuring the red, white and blue would be well-represented in the first world championships on home soil since 1986.

“It was cool to be out front,� King said, “put on a little bit of a show.�