LIZZIE Armitstead proved she is not superstitious as she started the new season where she left off the last – with a win.

She became the first world champion to win the Belgian classic the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday, riding the final 10 kilometres of the European season opener alone.

The delighted Otley star has been repeatedly asked over the winter about the curse of the prestigious rainbow jersey and she joked “I was number 13 today as well.

“That shows how much I believe in those things. Yeah. I think World Champions aren’t lucky. You work hard and you don’t suddenly stop working next winter because you’re world champion. It gives me extra motivation more than anything.”

The Otley star's win marks the first time a world champion has graced the top step of the podium at the Belgian Classic.