OTLEY cycling star Lizzie Armitstead begins her defence of the coveted UCI Women’s World Cup on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Commonwealth Games champion, will be looking to continue her exciting early season form in the Ronde van Drenthe – an event she won in 2014.

Armitstead, winner of the recent women’s Tour of Qatar, will have support from her Boels-Dolman team-mates, Chantal Blaak, Megan Guarnier, Romy Kasper, Christine Majerus and Ellen van Dijk.

Armitstead was in action in the Molecaten Dentse 8 today, where Blaak and Gaurnier were part of the Boels-Dolman line-up along with Demi de Jongh, Evelyn Stevens and Amalie Dideriksen

Team Director Danny Stam said: “The riders started off their season very well. That motivates all. Everybody wants to show their best, because the riders all know a high level is required to be selected for the top races. I hope we can show strong racing in the home country of our team.”