Sky Academy Sports Scholar road cyclist Lucy Garner proud to get through Tour de Yorkshire

Lucy Garner has expressed her relief and pride at overcoming the "killer climbs" of the Tour de Yorkshire on Saturday.

The Sky Academy Sports Scholar was unable to repeat her heroics from last year in Doncaster when she secured a stunning second spot in the notoriously gruelling event because of its hills.

It was former world champion Lizzie Deignan who took the honours in style, delighting the local crowd as she stormed to victory in Harrogate after fighting off the chasing pack.

Giorgia Bronzini, of the British-registered Wiggle High5 team, finished third, with Garner playing a crucial supporting role to the Italian and her four other team-mates.

"I was satisfied with my own performance," the 22-year-old from Leicester said.

"The course wasn't at all suited to me but I gave it my best shot for the team. Early on in the race [before the killer climb] I did a lot for the team. I chased down breaks and tried to protect my team as much as possible.

"The hill came and that was the end of it for me but I still got around to the finish. The crowds were amazing!

"I'm so happy for Giorgia, though. She is super-strong at the moment and showed it on Saturday by getting a third place."

The 122.5km route between Tadcaster and Harrogate also formed stage two of the men's race later in the day won by French sprinter Nacer Bouhanni.