FORMER world road race champion Lizzie Deignan was an interested spectator at the fourth round of the Yorkshire Points Cyclo-Cross Series at Myrtle Park.

The 30-year-old, who was on the last day of her holiday before returning to France - Nice is preferable to Bingley at this time of year, even though Myrtle Park was showing off its autumn finery - was in Bingley to watch her eight-year-old niece Amelia compete.

Deignan, who has also won the Commonwealth Games road race title, said: "Being in France, which is where I live these days, helps a little bit with the training as we prepare for the new season so it's back to the sunshine."

The Otley-born ace, who won silver in the road race at the 2012 London Olympics, said: "There will be a full winter's training as we prepare for our season opener, the Strade Bianchi in March in Italy, and then I hope to be selected for the Tokyo Olympics and win that gold medal.

"I was really proud of the season that has just finished.

"I had just had my daughter Orla the previous autumn so didn't know what to expect but I came away with a win (Ovo Energy Women's Tour) so that was more than I could have hoped for really."

Trek-Segafredo team member Deignan added: "Being a mum has added motivation for me and mentally I am stronger than I have ever been and work so much harder.

"Having children gives you more balance in your life. When you are back at home you quickly switch off from cycling and when you are away from home and your daughter you make it count but to be the best in the world you need to be single-minded and have understanding people around you."