Olympic Games star Lizzie Armitstead has revealed how she struggled to sleep after claiming her country’s first medal at London 2012.

But the cyclist from Otley has not had much chance to celebrate her stunning silver in Sunday’s dramatic road race and was back on her bike yesterday in preparation for tomorrow’s time trial event.

The 23-year-old had the nation on tenterhooks as she cycled to glory down the Mall in the pouring rain, coming in second behind Holland’s Marianne Voss in the 87-mile race.

And the excitement at claiming Team GB’s first medal at their home event and the biggest prize in her career stopped Lizzie from getting to sleep. In the early hours yesterday she tweeted: “I can't sleep!!

“I want to give every person who watched in the rain a hug! Thank you! Soaking up the Olympic atmosphere now without nerves!"

However, before long she was back up and on her bike ahead of the time trial, where she is not considered a medal contender.

She managed to find a cafe to enjoy a Nutella milkshake as congratulations continued to pour in from across the country after her success.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Ann Castle said: “Huge congratulations to Lizzie Armitstead for winning Team GB’s first medal at the London 2012 Olympics with a wonderful silver. Despite the awful conditions Lizzie judged the race fantastically well and put in a great performance.

“Everyone in the country and especially here in Otley and Yorkshire can be very proud of her.”

Members of Otley Town Council also praised Lizzie. The council’s official twitter feed said: “Well done Lizzie. A fantastic achievement. Truly inspirational! Otley is proud of you.”

She also received the seal of approval from some of Otley’s churchgoers just hours after she claimed her prize.

There was a different start to the evening service at Bridge Church, Otley, on Sunday, when Rev Tony Gardiner led a chorus of three cheers for Lizzie.

It is understood the cyclist and her family have a long association with the church and the members of proud of her Olympic achievement.

Meanwhile, road race world champion, Mark Cavendish, who missed out in his own shot for Olympic glory in the men’s event at the weekend also praised Lizzie on Twitter.

He said: “Maybe I should ask her for some tips...”