A total points score of 5,852 was enough to give the French duo top spot at the Fengshan Stadium in Chinese Taipei.

Clouvel, fifth overall in the women's individual competition, showed up well in the fencing event as both she and Belaud secured 23 victories to amass 904 points.

A time of 1min 56.99sec in the pool saw the pair climb to third on the leaderboard and they moved into second spot entering the combined event after a virtually faultless performance in the riding competition which saw them score the maximum 1,200 points.

Despite a nervy performance in the first round of shooting, 24-year-old Clouvel managed to stay in touch with leading pack before handing over to 2012 junior World Champion Belaud.

Belaud, who celebrates his 21st birthday next month, is a strong runner and his pace made the telling difference as he raced away from the rest of the field to cross the line in first place.

"The crucial moment was the last shooting, with Latvia and Great Britain so strong," said Belaud, who finished in 10th place in the individual standings.

"So when I get away in first place, I knew I would have an easy run."

An ecstatic Clouvel said: "It is amazing, fantastic, incredible.

"Thank you to Valentin.

"We had a good fencing, swimming was good and then the running, Valentin is so good.

"I am so happy."

Elodie Clouvel and Valentin Belaud celebrate their mixed relay gold in Kaohsiung