Lizzie Armitstead extends contract with Boels-Dolmans through to 2016

Lizzie Armitstead has signed a two-year contract extension with the Boels-Dolmans cycling team through to the end of 2016, the Dutch squad confirmed today.

The 25-year-old, Yorkshire-born rider joined the team in 2013 following the collapse of AA Drink-leontien.nl.

She has enjoyed a strong start to the 2014 campaign, and goes into Sunday's Tour of Flanders World Cup race as the overall leader, following her victory in the Ronde van Drenthe series opener last month.

"I think that, as a team, we have the potential to become the best in the world and I would like to contribute to that, " Armitstead said in a press release.

"In my opinion, [team directeur sportif] Danny Stam and the sponsors have turned this team into the most professional women team in the world.

"By now, I feel right at home with the Boels-Dolmans team and I know that this is the best place for me in the next years, both during races and in other respects.”

Lizzie Armitstead wins Omloop van het Hageland

Lizzie Armitstead takes her first win of the 2014 season - also the first 2014 win for her Boels-Dolmans squad