Britain's Lizzie Deignan finished 31st in the elite women's road race at the World Championships on Saturday. But despite her disappointment at not achieving a better result, the 2015 world champion told reporters after the race that the experience in front of her home crowd in Yorkshire would be one she would "never forget".

"I gave it my all," he said. 'It's frustrating, but I think I let myself down practically. Physically I was pretty good, but I missed the most important move of the day"

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Despite this, Dignan said he never gave up during the 149.5 km race.

"I didn't readjust and go for the silver medal, I always went for the race," she admitted.

"The group I was with was obviously readjusting and thinking about going for silver and bronze. When Chloe [Diggart-Owen, 4th] went, I stayed too long in front of her and got out of that move. It was a tactical mistake. But I think I was able to come here today because of how I raced and how fit I was. I didn't lose because of tactics. Anne-Mike was head and shoulders above the rest."

"I knew it was impossible for her to hang on there [where she attacked]. 'I closed the door a couple of times because I knew she was going to try to go. I delayed her attack as long as I could, but I knew it was inevitable."

Did she think Van Vleuten's attack was too far away and too ambitious?

"On paper, yes, but she proved otherwise," Dignan said.

"It was an old, long battle. Anne-Mike deserved the title. She beat everybody. But I want to give a big round of applause to the British Cycling team because they put in a great performance. In particular, Anna Henderson (22nd, the highest British finisher) rode phenomenally.

Deignan told Cycling News last month that she plans to retire after the Tokyo Olympic road race next July.

"I said beforehand that I would remember this day for the rest of my career. I didn't win, but it was a phenomenal day," she said.

"I'm so proud of what I was able to accomplish this year. 'No one knows the amount of work that went into this except me and my husband. Physically, I'm proud of myself for getting myself in shape to come here, and I'm more motivated than ever and enjoying it more than ever.

"It was incredible," she said of the noise and cheering from the roadside. It was reminiscent of the London Olympics, and I am so grateful to everyone who cheered me on."

"I can honestly say I am more motivated than ever and enjoying it more than ever.

"Honestly, that will be a race I will never forget. I feel very honored to be a part of the team."