Lewis Bridger insists he did not have tears in his eyes when he was crowned the new under-21 British champion but admits it was a special feeling.

The Eastbourne Eagles star roared to a 15-heat maximum in the qualifiers before making it six of the best by beating off the challenge of reigning champion Tai Woffinden to take the silverware at Lakeside.

The Bexhill rider has missed out twice before, but made no mistakes this time as he led all his heats from start to finish before leaving Woffinden, Joe Haines and Ben Barker trailing in the grand final.

Bridger, 19, said: “It’s great to achieve such a big thing so early in the season. It’s nice to be able to add that to my portfolio.

“It’s great especially as all the limelight was on Tai. He was rated over me but I have started the season so well. To go undefeated in the under-21s is a great feeling to have and shows I am on the right track. I concentrated 110% and I made it happen.”

His granddad, Tony Thompson, reckoned Bridger had tears in his eyes after the meeting but the cool teenager was not so sure.

He said: “I wasn’t aware of that but Tai said the same and it obviously meant a lot to me.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that I can go to every meeting now and be announced as the British under-21 champion.

“It is also great for the club and it is nice to add my silverware to what we won last season.

“I would like to thank the club because without Eastbourne speedway I wouldn’t be where I am now because they gave me the break in the first place.

“I also have to thank Neville Tatum, my engine tuner, who has done some awesome equipment for me this season.”