SCOTT Thwaites enjoyed the ideal preparation for this weekend's National Road Race Championships by triumphing in the main event at the Ilkley Town Centre Races.

Coming from just down the road in Burley-in-Wharfedale, the Team Bora Argon 18 rider was a popular winner of the elite men's race.

His time of 1hour 3min 52sec saw him first home in the 42km Lister Horsfall Grand Prix ahead of second-placed Jack Pullar (Pedal Heaven) and Keighley's JLT Condor rider Tom Moses, who was third.

Otley teenager Tom Pidcock showed why he is tipped for a bright future with fourth spot.

Thwaites, set to compete in Sunday's National Championships at Stockton, tweeted: "Really enjoyed racing around my home town at Ilkley Cycle Races. Great crowds, great circuit. Thanks for all the support."

Mirfield's Rebecca Wolmersley triumphed in the ladies race ahead of Henrietta Colborne and fellow Drops Cycling Team rider Annabel Simpson from East Morton.