Geraint Thomas headed a clean sweep for Team Sky in Pendle yesterday as the Welsh rider claimed the British National Road Race title ahead of team-mates Peter Kennaugh and Ian Stannard who finished second and third respectively.

From start to finish the BSkyB backed team dominated the 180-kilometre race, which started in the shadow of Pendle Hill and attracted scores of cycling fans.

They were rewarded with a one-two-three as Kennaugh – who has now been runner-up for the past three years – was pipped in a final sprint by his elder team-mate Thomas after Stannard had been dropped on the final lap.

Thomas, 24, was last on the podium in 2008 when he finished third but will now get the chance to wear the British National Champions jersey at the Tour de France which starts next week.

“It is really special, the Nationals is something everybody dreams of, myself included,” he said.

Earlier, Emma Pooley ended Nicole Cooke’s nine-year reign as Britain’s road race champion by clinching the national title in a shortened women’s race.

The 27-year-old Cervelo Test Team rider made a crucial break just metres from the line to cruise to a clear win, leaving Lizzie Armitstead in second, with current Olympic champion Cooke having to settle for third.