'No shame' in losing to Bradley Wiggins, says Geraint Thomas

Fans are delighted to see Sir Bradley Wiggins in action at Celtic Manor

Geraint Thomas says there was no shame in being beaten by 2012 Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins in the time-trial at the National Road Championships.

Thomas, 28, collected silver after Wiggins, who says he has not been selected for this year's Tour de France, won in 53 min, 56 sec.

But Thomas was pleased with his effort on the 26-mile course.

"It's no shame being beaten by Brad," said the Cardiff-born racer.

"He's one of the best in the world. I maybe could have got a bit [more] out through the circuit.

"But at the same time I wouldn't have gone a minute quicker to win it."

The two-time Tour of Bavaria champion finished in a time of 55:04, putting him ahead of defending champion Alex Dowsett and fellow Welshman Luke Rowe.

Dowsett pipped Rowe to third place, denying Team Sky a clean sweep of medals.

Thomas returns to action on Sunday for the road race and he says he is enjoying racing on home turf.

He said: "I grew up riding round these roads so it was nice to race around them.

"It's great to be home and I'll get stuck-in on Sunday.

"Luke is definitely one of the guys to watch on Sunday…hopefully one of us can come away [with a win]."

In the women's time-trial over a 13-mile course, Elinor Barker beat double Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott and defending champion Joanna Rowsell to finish fourth in 31:22 seconds.

Elinor Barker finishes fourth in Thursday's women's British road time trial at Celtic Manor. The race was won by Emma Pooley

Emma Pooley won gold with Katie Archibald taking silver and Dame Sarah Storey finishing third.

Scott Davies, 18, beat fellow Welshman Owain Doull to win the men's under-23 time-trial.

The Carmarthenshire rider completed the 13-mile course in a time of 27 minutes, 45 seconds, with Doull finishing second.

"I'm over the moon to take the win on a course like this and against these competitors… it makes it really special," said Davies.

"I didn't expect to take the win… but to step on the top step of the podium, it means the world to me.

"I came into this as one of the underdogs.

"I think the real hard work will be the next year and the year after that…so [I need to] keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard."

There were mixed emotions for Doull, a European Champion in the team pursuit, as he clocked a time of 28:09.

"I'm pleased to finish second…with the injuries I've had, it's not been the perfect run-up," said Doull.

"If I had to lose to anyone, it would be Scott.

"He's phenomenal - I knew coming into it he would be the person to beat.

"This is the perfect course for him - not too technical and quite up and down," said the 21-year-old.

Doull and Davies race again on Sunday in the 117-mile road race.

Until then, the celebrations are on hold for Davies.

"I haven't drunk any of the champagne," said the Madison Genesis rider.

"I have to get Sunday out the way first and maybe then look to celebrate. It's bound to be a hard race."