Lizzie Armitstead finishes second at Trofeo Alfredo Binda in Italy to extend fine run of form

Lizzie Armitstead claimed her fifth podium in a row by finishing second behind Emma Johansson at the one-day Trofeo Alfredo Binda in Italy.

The 25-year-old Briton formed part of a late, eight-rider breakaway and was pipped to the line by her Swedish rival in the resulting sprint.

The race was the second of nine events in the UCI Women’s Road World Cup. Armitstead won the first race, the Ronde van Drenthe, and her second place in Italy ensures she remains at the top of the overall standings ahead of the third race in the series, the Tour of Flanders next Sunday.

Armitstead is now on 220 points, 50 points ahead of second-placed Anna van de Breggen, of the Netherlands.

The result also continued the best run of form of Armitstead's career. The Boels-Dolmans rider has now taken two wins, one second place and two third places in her last five outings. 

Result

1 Emma Johansson (Swe) Orica-AIS, 3:05:24
2 Lizzie Armitstead (GB) Boels-Dolmans, same time
3 Alena Amialiusik (Blr) Astana BePink, st
4 Anna van der Breggen (Ned) Rabobank-Liv, st
5 Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (Fra) Rabobank-Liv, st
6 Elisa Longo Borghini (Ita) Hitec Products, st
7 Olga Zabelinskaya (Rus) RusVelo, st
8 Ellen van Dijk (Ned) Boels-Dolmans, st
9 Geogia Bronzini (Ita) Wiggle Honda, +49secs
10 Elena Cecchini (Ita) Estado de Mexico-Faren Kuota, st

UCI Women’s Road World Cup standings

1 Lizzie Armitstead (GB) Boels-Dolmans, 220pts
2 Anna van der Breggen (Ned) Rabobank-Liv, 170pts
3 Emma Johansson (Swe) Orica-AIS, 155pts
4 Alena Amialiusik (Blr) Astana BePink, 85pts
5 Shelley Olds (USA) Ale Cipollini, 85pts