The Ethiopian Olympic 10,000m champion went stride-for-stride with Eliud Kipchoge for much of the race in France before breaking away on the final lap.

Bekele clocked 35 minutes, 08 seconds ahead of Zersenay Tadesse, with Kipchoge run out of the places.

Bekele, 22, has now won both titles for a record fourth straight year.

Qatar's Hassan Abdullah Ahmad completed the podium places as he ran on for bronze.

Bekele's performance over the weekend answered many question marks about his fitness and ambition after the tragic death of his fiancee Alem in January.

The 22-year-old had lost two high-profile indoor races this season and his management admitted he was not in peak shape.

But Bekele cast all doubts aside at the St Galmier racecourse and blew kisses to the crowd as he crossed the line to rousing applause.

"I am very, very happy," he said "Thanks to the crowd who supported me throughout the race."

Congratulations Bekele from the SCMT!