LIZZ IN A TIZZ #Rio 2016 #Olympics: Lizzie Armistead has only herself to blame over missed drugs tests, says Victoria Pendleton

VICTORIA PENDELTON fears the drug test controversy surrounding Lizzie Armistead will prevent her from going one better than London 2012 and winning gold in the Olympic women’s road race.

But the double gold medallist says Armistead, 27, only has herself to blame.

The row over Armistead’s three missed drug tests is in danger of affecting her performance and Pendelton wonders if she can ride the storm.

She said: “It is not easy to watch what Lizzie is going through right now. She is clearly in a hugely emotional state and I am afraid it might have a negative effect on her performance.

“In my opinion, she was one of the strongest contenders for gold in the women’s race. Either way, as she admitted, people will be asking questions of her for the rest of her career.

“It is really sad, but the truth is she only has herself to blame.”