The reigning world champion has had a less than ideal build-up to the Olympic road race, with news emerging that she had missed three drugs tests and only escaped a ban after a successful appeal.

However, Armitstead was cleared to compete, and must now ensure that the controversy does not distract her from her goal of claiming Olympic gold.

What is Armitstead saying?

Riding is what I love doing and it’s the place I feel calm and happy. I think when I get a number on I’ll be okay. The one thing that’s kept me going through this whole process is being able to ride my bike. I always like to keep perspective on what I’m doing and the pressure that goes into an Olympic Games. I know that no matter what happens that it will probably be the best summer of my life. I am very excited about it.

Who are the ones to watch?

Armitstead's main competition comes in the form of Anna Van der Breggen, from Holland, who is one of the best climbers in the world and won the hilly La Flèche Wallonne Féminine in the spring.

Defending champion Marianne Vos, too, must not be discounted and the Dutchwoman is starting to rediscover her form after a long injury lay-off.

Megan Guarnier, who is the current No 1-ranked rider in the world, is also likely to be in medal contention. The 31-year old American has enjoyed a superb season and won the Giro d'Italia Internazionale Femminile stage race and will be backed by a strong team that includes two other contenders in Evelyn Stevens and Mara Abbott.