That laid the platform for an eight riders to go clear on the penultimate climb of the Orino – Armitstead, Guarnier and Van der Breggen among them, as Emma Johannson (Wiggle-High 5) led the way over the summit.

– Lizzie Armitstead wins first race as world champion –

Now apparent this would be the race-winning move, Jolanda Neff (Servetto Footon) bid to strike out alone, and opened up a lead on the final lap.

But it was Armitstead who responded well, catching and passing Neff with a counter-attack inside the last five kilometres.

– World champion Lizzie Armitstead wins women’s Strada Bianche –

The lead was just five seconds as they passed under the flamme rouge, but Armitstead stayed clear for yet another victory.

Guarnier caught and passed Neff inside the final kilometre to claim second, meanwhile, with Armitstead now set to trade her rainbow jersey for the WorldTour leader’s jersey.

Trofeo Alfredo Binda 2016: result

1) Lizzie Armitstead (GBR) – Boels-Dolmans – 3.11.10hrs
2) Megan Guarnier (USA) – Boels-Dolmans +1”
3) Jolanda Neff (SUI) – Servetto Footon +4”
4) Emma Johansson (SWE) – Wiggle-High5 – ST
5) Alena Amialiusik (BLR) – Canyon-SRAM
6) Anna van der Breggen (NED) – Rabo-Liv Women
7) Katarzyna Niewiadoma (POL) – Rabo-Liv Women +11”
8) Annemiek van Vleuten (NED) – Orica-AIS +39”
9) Lauren Kitchen (AUS) – Hitec +1.06
10) Giorgia Bronzini (ITA) – Wiggle-High 5 – ST