Armistead delighted after clinching third national road crown

Armistead, who was flown to hospital following a crash 11 days ago, added to her victories in 2011 and 2013 as she crossed the line alone in Lincoln.

Second place on the day went to youngster Alice Barnes as the 19-year-old held off the challenge from Laura Trott in third.

Olympic silver medallist Armistead went clear on the ascent of Michaelgate and eventually took the win by one minute 52. And the 26-year-old was delighted to claim victory and says her confidence built as the day wore on.

"It means I get to be proud of being British in all the races that I do," she said after earning the right to wear the national champion jersey in every road race for the next year.

"It means a lot - it means new kit for a start! I go to the Giro on Friday so it will be a quick turnaround for them.

"I had some good people around me before the start who told me to believe in myself and I listened.

"It was a difficult race. The longer the race went on the better I started to feel."

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