ANNA Kay was delighted to earn a place on the podium at the national cyclocross championships.

The Gateshead rider (Edco Continental) finished third in the Under-23 women's championship at Hetton Lyons Country Park, Tyne and Wear.

Kay, who will ride for Storey Racing this season, said it was great to achieve such success on home turf.

"The race went off really fast, Evie (Richards) took the lead, I was in second but Hattie (Harnden) overtook us and I just stayed in third. There was a bit of chopping and changing between me Ffion (James) and Emily (Wadsworth) but I managed to get bronze so I was very pleased."

Of riding in the North-East she said: "It's been amazing, there's been so much support, so many people shouting your name. (Crossing the line) was probably one of the best feelings this season or ever. Everyone was banging on the side and shouting my name. My whole family was here as well which was so good.

"It's topped off my season. I have had probably one of the best seasons I have ever had so to get a good result here I am so pleased to finish on a high."