Lizzie Armitstead wins UCI Women's Road World Cup title

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, "I didn't expect to win the overall World Cup today already," said Armitstead

Britain's Lizzie Armitstead secured the UCI Women's Road World Cup for the first time with one race remaining.

The 25-year-old Commonwealth champion finished eighth in the Open de Suede Vargarda in Sweden, two places ahead of nearest rival Emma Johansson.

"I am relieved and happy," Armitstead said. "I didn't expect to win the overall World Cup today."

Chantal Blaak of the Netherlands won the 132km race in cold and damp conditions in Vargarda, western Sweden.

Elena Cecchini took the leader's jersey for best young rider this year. The Italian champion came in 11th, which was enough to secure the overall win.

The last World Cup race is the GP Plouay on Saturday, 30 August where the sprints jersey will be decided. Rabo-Liv's Iris Slappendel leads with 20 points.