Friday 26 September 2014 18:12, UK
Marianne Vos believes Britain’s Lizzie Armitstead will be among her fiercest challengers as she attempts to win the women’s world road race title for a fourth time on Saturday.
The remarkable Vos has been ever-present on the podium since 2006, when she claimed her first of three victories, and is seeking a third consecutive success in Ponferrada, northern Spain.
Armitstead, the Olympic silver medallist behind Vos at London 2012, has enjoyed a stellar season in which she won the UCI World Cup series and Commonwealth Games gold.
"She's definitely one of the top favourites," Vos said. "She has had a great season. I was aware of what she was capable of before this season, but this season she shown she can be at a top level for a whole year. She has good a chance."
If successful, Armitstead would become the fourth British female to win the world champion's rainbow jersey after Beryl Burton (1960 and 1967), Mandy Jones (1982) and Nicole Cooke (2008).
Vos believes the undulating 127.4km course - seven 18.2km laps - is not as challenging as the 2013 route in Italy and the race could therefore be more open.
"It's not as selective as last year in Florence," she added. "Different types of rider can win the race. Sprinter types who are in good shape could win the race and also more climber types.
"I don't feel like I'm the only favourite, but I'm always among the top favourites for every race."
