Lizzie Armitstead not worried about Zika virus at Rio Olympic Games
By Matt Westby
Last Updated: 17/02/16 1:59pm
Lizzie Armitstead says she is not concerned about competing amid an outbreak of the Zika virus at this summer's Olympic Games in Rio.
Brazil has been one of the countries hardest hit by Zika, which is carried by mosquitoes and has been linked to serious birth defects.
Jessica Ennis-Hill's coach, Toni Minichiello, wants the British Olympic Association to consider moving its preparation camp out of Brazil, while a Kenyan official has hinted at withdrawing the country's athletes from the Games.
But Armitstead told Sky Sports: "It's not something I'm worrying about at the moment. I haven't done a huge amount of reading about it - just the same as anyone else who has seen it in the news.
"I'm not planning to be a mother in the next couple of years, so I'm not going to let it affect my focus for Rio, which is solely on becoming a gold medallist. I certainly wouldn't consider not going to Rio."
Armitstead is aiming to win the women's road race in Rio, and her chances could be boosted by the potential return to professional cycling of Emma Pooley.
Pooley retired in 2014 but said in December that she "can't resist" bidding for a comeback on the "impressively hilly" Rio courses.
She is targeting the time trial in particular but could also ride the road race, and Armitstead would welcome her warmly.
The London 2012 road race silver medallist and current world champion said: "I don't really know what the situation is at the moment but I would definitely like to have her in the team. She is a climber and the course suits her perfectly. She would definitely help to make us a team to be feared."
What are your thoughts on the Zika virus at the Olympic Games? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by tweeting @SkyCycling.
