Lizzie Holden has spoken of her delight after claiming arguably the best result of her career so far in Spain last weekend.

The Manx cyclist was competing for new team Bizkaia Durango at the UCI-ranked Setmana Cicliste Valenciana race in Spain which took place over four stages from Thursday to Sunday.

The 22-year-old from Tromode successfully broke away with Astana rider Lizbeth Yareli Salazar Vazquez as the undulating 94-kilometre third stage from Valencia to Port de Sagunt neared its conclusion.

Ultimately, Salazar took the honours by a narrow margin but the pair were a full 2min 52sec clear of the bunch, led over the line by the latter’s team-mate Arlenis Sierra of Cuba.

Speaking to the Manx Independent on Wednesday, Lizzie explained: ’The team’s tactic from the start of the day for me was to try get in breakaways which are important for small teams to get coverage/TV time for their sponsors.

’I tried a few times to get away and then eventually I ended up with two other strong girls and I thought we might actually be able to break away from the peloton.

’It took a little while of going full gas but eventually it happened - at one point we had almost five minutes over the peloton, but even at this point I wasn’t certain we’d stay away to the line.

’Obviously I was hopeful we would, but with such a strong peloton behind you never know what will happen! Also when we dropped one of the riders with about 20km to go, I thought this would give us even less of a chance of staying away.

’It was only with 5km to go when we still had around three minutes, I knew it was just going to be us to the line, so all we had to do was stay on two wheels!

’I knew she [Salazar Vazquez] was a very good sprinter so I was going to have to try something to not have to sprint against her. I attacked with about 1.5km to go and did distance her a little bit but then was caught in the last 150/200m.

’Obviously this was disappointing, but at the same time I was still so over the moon to even be in that position going for the win.

’It’s definitely one of my best results to date and feels so good to get a result this early on in the season. The team were so happy for me after and it feels so nice being able to give something back to them.

’So far I am loving my new team - it has its challenges with the language etc, but they are all lovely people who have your best interests at heart.

’Up next for me is a block in Belgium starting on March 13 with a few World Tour races along the way.

’Hopefully I can carry my form over there and pick up some more results.’