RISCA cycling star Sam Harrison insisted a gruelling day in the saddle didn’t detract from his sense of satisfaction after a star turn at the inaugural Prudential RideLondon Classic.

The 21-year-old took on some of the world’s best riders at their own game over 140km through the streets of the capital, briefly leading the race in the closing stages before being swallowed by the peloton.

But after missing out on London 2012, the Risca-born star believes he is better for having taken on the Olympic road race route and left his mark – despite finishing the day 82nd.

“I’m pretty happy, it’s a big experience riding with the all the professionals, as they are who we aspire to be at the end of the day, and I’m happy to make it through the distance with the lead group,” said Harrison.

“The course was tough and it was harder than I expected it to be, Leith Hill tended to drag on and on and three times up that and then straight up Box Hill, but it was an amazing experience really.

“You only have to look at the crowds to see the benefits of the Olympics as every part of the course was lined with spectators, especially the Mall coming in which was unbelievable, so it has definitely had a huge impact.

“It wasn’t pre-planned but it’s a big stage and I wanted to get stuck in.

“I thought, ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’ so I gave it a go. It’s good to show your face and be at the front even if it’s only for a couple of kilometres.”

The Classic was the blue chip event of a weekend of cycling festivities in the city, with Frenchman Arnaud Demare winning the sprint to the line to finish in 5hrs 7mins 44secs.

Italian Sacha Modolo was second with Yannick Martinez of France third.

Pre-race favourite Peter Sagan, winner of the green jersey at the Tour de France, failed to finish in the top 50 after the peloton gradually pulled in a mid-race break from seven riders with Ben Swift of Team Sky the first Brit over the line in tenth.

But Harrison, who claimed silver in the team pursuit at the World Championships earlier this year, said it was vital to his development to come up against the world’s best if he is to keep on improving as a rider.

“It was a pretty amazing experience, we are aspiring to be like the best guys in this team and do what they do week-in week-out so to get a chance to go toe-to-toe with them and see what it is all about was amazing,” added the GB rider.

“It would be amazing to see cycling continue to grow, they closed London for a day which was pretty amazing and it would be great to see it continue and get even bigger maybe.

“This is probably my biggest race ever on the road.”

  • Prudential RideLondon took place on 3 & 4 August. If you’re inspired to ride, visit www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk