STOCKTON time trial rider Josh Teasdale has praised the support he received during Thursday's opening day of the British Cycling Road Championships.

The Hardwick rider, who is based in Belgium, finished 13th overall, but had been as high as third.

"It was absolutely amazing out there," he said. "The crowds, both local and those who travelled especially to spectate, were absolutely fantastic all around the course.

"Coming through the town centre four times meant four times of just everybody screaming support. It was the best bit of the race!"

Last year, Teasdale was competing in the U23 race, but this year he was up against the elite riders.

"I was pretty happy with my ride," he said. "I had nothing really go wrong and paced my effort as well as I could.

"The only thing was the guys in front were faster and they were very very fast!

"I came in 13th so, as a first year out of the U23s, I can be happy with that because I know that the level doesn't get any higher.

"But overall I am very, very proud of Stockton for putting on a great show!"