Lizzie Armitstead takes world title in Road World Championships

Twelve months ago, Armitstead suffered heartbreak and, despite being one of the pre-race favourites, she was eventually caught on the final sprint and finished seventh.

But there would be no repeat this time around in America as she hit the front with a kilometre to go before holding off any late attacks to cross the line first.

It was an impressive finish for the 26-year-old who at one stage was a minute down on the break with 19km to go, but led the fightback, leaving just enough energy to take the sprint to the finish.

The title – which ensures she will wear the rainbow jersey for the next 12 months – adds to road race medal collection that already includes Olympic silver and Commonwealth gold but crucially never a World Championships podium finish.

"This is the big one. To get to wear the rainbow jersey – it’s the most special thing in cycling – so to wear that is a dream come true," she said.

"I just could not believe it, I did not get to celebrate as I was really going all out for the line. I was on the front, I was just waiting for the rush to come and it never came.

"I had to be patient in the race. With two laps to go I tested them on the steep cobbled climb. I thought maybe people would come across with me but they didn’t. I’m grateful that other teams had people in the front.

"It’s really strange, I can’t believe I have won, I’m still in shock."