Scott Thwaites could not hide his delight after winning the Elite Circuit Race National Championship for the second year running at the annual Otley Cycle Races tonight.

The Burley-in-Wharfedale professional edged a thrilling sprint finish and said: "I think it’s always harder the second time.

"A lot say ‘you’ve won it before so you can win it again’, but it’s never that easy.

"It can work against you, but I’m just so happy to win again in front of my home crowd."

Russell Downing came second with Matt Cronshaw taking the bronze medal at the event which saw Otley’s Lizzie Armitstead, who did not race with the Olympics looming ever closer, make a special guest appearance.

Lee Tunnicliffe won the Chevin Cycles Classic with Mirfield's Jake Womersley coming second and James King third.