51�Թ�

The Frenchwoman lifted the trophy as a player and manager with Lyon and is the only coach to have defeated Barcelona over a tie in the competition in the past four years.

She completed the 29.9km course in 45 minutes 25 seconds to finish one minute 36 seconds ahead of the Frenchwoman.

The Frenchwoman has won the competition three times, twice as a player and once as a manager with former club Lyon.

"It is always important to start with a win, especially in the first game at Kingsmeadow with the fans at our home," said the Frenchwoman.

Europe's leading player is world number eight Celine Boutier, but despite a brilliant start to the Olympic competition, the Frenchwoman is some way off her best.