With the 2016 Tour de Yorkshire set to begin, Team England had a quick chat with Commonwealth Road Race champion Lizzie Armitstead as she prepares to take on the Yorkshire streets.

Are you looking forward to the Tour de Yorkshire?

Yes! I never expected to be able to compete in my home town in a UCI women’s race, let alone in the rainbow stripes, so I am really excited.

How are your preparations going?

Tour de Yorkshire was not on my original schedule at the start of 2016 and I am competing on Saturday after a week of off the bike commitments that had been planned months in advance.

So, my preparation has been less than ideal, but I did not want to miss out on the opportunity to race at home and am just looking forward to the home support and riding on local roads.

Being from Yorkshire, it must be special for you to compete not only in your home town, but also in your home country.

Nothing beats a home crowd and it’s not often I get to compete with friends and family watching, it gives me extra motivation to do them proud and put on a good show!

What an incredible step you have made since taking Silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. How do you feel major events like the Games have helped you get to where you are today?

I have learnt a huge amount over the years, and continue to do so. I am lucky to have experienced a home Games (Glasgow 2014) and all the extra pressure, benefits and experience that came with it.

I think it’s important to never get comfortable and think you know it all.

What’s your #BestOfEngland?

Yorkshire, and coming home to friends and family here.