Neither Kopecky nor Norsgaard had raced since Paris-Roubaix last month.

Entering the last moments of the race, the Belgian lined-up her attack after positioning herself behind Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Denmark’s Amalie Dideriksen.

Once she launched into a sprint 180 metres from the end, none of the leading cyclists could keep up with the same tempo and she flew to the finish line, clocking at 3 hours 21 mins and 49 secs.

Norsgaard of Denmark was initially the closest challenge to the Team SD Worx rider but Neumanová of Czech Republic raced past to secure second place.

The Netherlands' Demi Vollering, who suffered a crash at the Itzulia Women, finished 25th while Italy’s Marta Cavalli could only muster 31st.

"It was pretty much a crosswind in the final, so it was hard to stay out of the wind and save as much power as possible," Kopecky said following the race.

"I think I managed really well with Demi [Vollering] in my wheel in case something happened, so I was completely safe there.

"I knew the uphill sprint really suited me, so I didn’t hesitate and just sprinted, I think with 200 metres to go, and it was enough to hold it to the end," said Kopecky after the finish.

"It was really hot.

"It was my first race here in Spain, I didn’t do Itzulia, so it was pretty hot.

"But I can handle it pretty well, so it was not a problem.

"Tomorrow is a possible sprint again, it would be nice to take another victory."

The result means Kopecky is leading the general classification while Norsgaard is in pole position for the under-23 cyclists.

The next stage is set to see the riders travel from Sasamón to Aguilar de Campo tomorrow.