Lizzie Armitstead’s incredible season continued today as she took victory in the Tour of Flanders (UCI 1.WWT) after narrowly outsprinting Swedish champion Emma Johansson (Wiggle High5) with a photo finish determining the winner.
“I knew in my gut that I had won because I knew my momentum took me over the top of her,” said Armitstead. “Generally you know in that situation, but I didn’t dare risk it. I knew for certain when she congratulated me.”
“I’m delighted but it’s also a big relief,” Armitstead added. “I’ve got that win, that career goal done, and now it’s all about shifting focus. It’s a good way to start putting the spring behind me and thinking about Rio.”
Armitstead’s victory is her fourth in the rainbow jersey and her Boels-Dolmans team’s eighth win on the road. The Dutch-registered squad has now won all five rounds of the inaugural UCI Women’s WorldTour series. Armitstead leads the series overall ahead of Chantal Blaak, who started Ronde van Vlaanderen in the series leader’s jersey.
Armitstead’s win today adds to her victories this season at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche and Trofeo Binda.
