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One Year On: Armitstead secures Great Britain's first Olympic medal of home Games

Published 29 July 2013

One year ago today Lizzie Armitstead produced an outstanding performance in torrential rain in the women’s road race to win Britain’s first medal of the London 2012 Olympics.

The cyclist, who has been on UK Sport’s World Class Programme since 2006, took part in a dramatic breakaway during a memorable race which ended on The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace.

The first hour of the race was one of calm, but the next two hours were fast and furious. With just 25km to go Russian Olga Zabelinskaya launched herself into the lead which left Armitstead and pre-race favourite Marianne Vos no chance to go with her.

With Vos in the lead approaching The Mall, Armitstead made her move and attacked, but the Dutchwoman had too much power and held on for the gold.

"I'm so glad I committed to that break," the 24-year-old told the BBC. "I was umming and aahing but I'm really happy I went with it. I should've jumped earlier in the sprint, but never mind.

"Vos was always the one to watch so I was following her around. We both got in an early break, but I thought it was too early so I waited."

Did you know? Lizzie is one of over 1300 athletes supported by UK Sport’s World Class Performance Programme, all benefitting from the best coaching and meticulous support in their preparation for Rio 2016 and beyond. If you’ve bought a National Lottery ticket, you’ve made a difference.

Follow @uk_sport on the #RoadtoRio to be inspired by our athletes’ incredible sporting journeys.

Find out more about British Cycling.
 

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