Armitstead: I've always got one eye on Rio

The 26-year-old cyclist is the current Commonwealth Games road race champion although she had to settle for Olympic silver at London 2012 behind Dutch rider Marianne Vos.

Armitstead kicks off the defence of her World Cup title this Saturday in the Ronde van Drenthe in the Netherlands.

But she admits Olympic gold, as well as a World Championship medal on the road, is what is driving her on currently.

"I think about Rio every day. Every day in training it's something that drives me forward. I want to be Olympic champion," she said.

"I've got a lot of silvers. Second seems to be something I end up being. I don't want to be the bridesmaid forever.

"A world championship medal on the road is something that I'm missing from my CV. I wouldn't be happy to retire until I've achieved at least a medal anyway.

Armistead has already started the season well, winning the Tour of Qatar although she admits the Tour of Flanders in Belgium on April 4 is the main short-term goal.

"Flanders is an iconic race. When you win Flanders you're one of cycling's greats," she added.

"It's just a hard person that wins it. A Yorkshire lass should win it."

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