The third round of the UCI Women’s WorldTour is upon us this weekend as the racing returns to Italy and the hills of Lombardy in the province of Varese, just northwest of Milan close to the shores of the beautiful Lake Maggiore.

A traditional round of the former World Cup series, the Trofeo Alfredo Binda, named after a five-time winner of the men’s Giro d’Italia who hailed from Cittiglio where the race is based, takes place on Sunday as round three of the UCI Women’s WorldTour.

Covering over 123 hilly kilometres, the race uses a variety of loops which often prove to be a race of attrition.  2015 winner Lizzie Armitstead is back as are the riders she beat to victory 12-months ago, Rabo Liv duo Pauline Ferrand Prevot and Anna van der Breggen.

Van der Breggen arrives as leader of the WorldTour, although the opening two events have both been won by Boels Dolmans riders – Armistead at Strade Bianche and Chantal Blaak at the Ronde Van Drenthe.

To get you in the mood for the race and to recap on what has happened so far in the opening two events of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, check out the UCI’s WorldTour Chronicle here, including highlights of the Ronde Van Drenthe and more information on the Trofeo Alfredo Binda.

For a detailed preview of the Trofeo Alfredo Binda including lots of useful links on how to watch or follow the action and more information about the race, we can recommend the ever excellent Pro Women’s Cycling blog here.

You can find the startlist on the ProCyclingStats website here, with a trio of Brits – Armitstead, Dani King and Molly Weaver – all due to ride.

Don’t forget, the Aviva Women’s Tour takes place from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 June as a part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour.  Why not enjoy the best seat in the house at the race and treat yourself to VIP Hospitality with a range of packages available here.

And if you fancy getting on your bike, then check out the Tour Ride Northamptonshire, the official sportive of the Aviva Women’s Tour.  The event takes place on Sunday 17 July with 40 and 80-mile routes using sections of Stage Five from the professional race.

You can sign-up here with a special early bird entry price before Friday 4 April.