ROAD race world champion Lizzie Armitstead says starting the women's Tour de Yorkshire race from her home-town of Otley will be 'a dream.'
However, she has also warned her supporters lining the route to Doncaster on Saturday not to expect a victory from their home favourite.
This year sees Armitstead make her debut in the event – now in its second year – and she admits racing across 'her' county in the hunt for a record winner's cheque of £15,000 is an exciting prospect.
She said: "The Tour de Yorkshire women’s race will be my first race in the UK in my world champion's jersey, and it’s a dream to be starting in my home-town and to be introduced as the reigning world champion!
"It's not often I get to compete with friends and family watching – it gives me extra motivation to do them proud and put on a good show.
"I think I would have preferred less of a sprinters' stage, though! But a full distance stage with the prize-list on offer is unparalleled in the rest of my season. I think it's a blueprint of how a women's race should look in 2016.
"To be honest, I'm not expecting to win, much to the disappointment of a lot of people I am sure – especially locally!
"I've taken a small break after a busy spring of racing and have been busy with other commitments this week, so I am just looking forward to being able to race on home soil."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here