The 2014 overall title winner finished second at last year's race in Italy and appeared determined to go one better to claim the leader's jersey, which would be vacated by the absent Jolien D'Hoore of Belgium, winner of the opening Boels Rental Ronde van Drenthe event in The Netherlands.

The 123-kilometre course, which began in Laveno-Mombello, saw an unsuccessful early attack, before a group of six riders established a breakaway that would stay away from the field until the end of the race.

Armitstead, representing Boels Dolmans Cycling Team was joined by Italy's Elisa Longo Borghini, Alena Amialiusik of Belarus and Switzerland's Jolanda Neff.

However, the main danger for the Briton would come from world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot of France, riding for Rabo-Liv, who was being supported by her Dutch team mate Anna van der Breggen.

With the race featuring several sharp ascents, it was unsurprising that the closing stages featured several attacks and counterattacks, with Prévot attempting to make a decisive move heading into the final lap of the race.

Lizzie Armitstead faced strong competition from French world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot ©AFP/Getty Images



Her effort proved to be unsuccessful, with Armitstead taking full advantage to win the sprint to the line and collect the World Cup leader's jersey, setting her on the path to defending her title.

"I am very happy with the result," Armitstead said. 

"Today I was in good form.

"The last lap was very tough though."

Despite her breakaway attempt proving futile, Prévot clinched second on her season debut, having missed the opening race, while Van Der Breggen completed the podium.