The poster girl of British women’s road racing has lived up to her reputation with some stunning performances across the season. Armitstead has led the UCI Women’s Road World Cup standings from the very off, after winning the Ronde van Drenthe, and has complemented that win with three second-place finishes to earn a commanding overall lead. The Olympic silver medallist, racing in the national champion’s jersey, has also won the Omloop van het Hageland and was second in her most recent one-day race, narrowly pipped to victory by world champion Marianne Vos (Rabobank Liv Women).

Otley-born Armitstead was crowned under-23 champion the last time the national championships were held in Abergavenny, finishing second behind home favourite Nicole Cooke. Last year, in Glasgow, Armitstead attacked on the final lap to solo to victory, taking advantage of the ascent of University Avenue. There will be climbs aplenty this time out too for her to do similarly. However, unlike 12 months ago, she will not have the services of team-mate Emma Trott, who retired after the Women’s Tour. Though perfectly capable of riding with the front group as she did 12 months ago, if Armitstead is to be beaten other teams will hope to take advantage of their strength in numbers.