LIZZIE Armitstead is still the leader of the women’s World Cup after the Sparkassen Giro in Bochum.

The British champion was 11th in the German race to remain at the top of the rankings.

The Otley rider said: “The most important thing is that I keep in the lead.

“It was quite a hectic finish in Bochum and I was happy to stay on my bike in the last kilometres because I almost fell off my bike twice in the last 500 metres.

“I think the damage was not too big today. The other contenders for the World Cup were not ahead of me.

“The next races in Valgarda and Plouay will be more selective, and suit me better.”

Team director Bram Sevens said: “The final kilometre is a little dangerous but Lizzie does well in these circumstances.

“Now she has to stay healthy and focus for the next three World Cup races and the World Championships.

“The team worked well for her today.”