Stockport’s British Superbike rider Christian Iddon took third place at the 24 Heures Motos at the famous Le Mans circuit in France.

The TYCO BMW rider joined regular BSB team-mate Michael Laverty and Daniel Webb in the Wepol Racing by penz13.com team for his second attempt at endurance racing and the first of a trio of outings planned for 2018.

Despite having very little running at the Le Mans circuit, Iddon having never ridden the Le Mans track before his visit for the 24-hour race, the team lined up ninth on the grid.

The Wepol Racing trio suffered a few mishaps – Laverty rejoining the race after running off and Iddon’s handlebar snapping – before Laverty brought them home in third after riding through the night.

“I’d ridden roughly 30 laps of the circuit,” said Iddon. “Obviously in a 24-hour race, wherever you qualify isn’t the end of the world but gives you a good indication of how you’re faring.

“It’s probably one of the biggest achievements in my career.

“To stand on the Le Mans podium is hard to describe, it’s crazy to think that I only met the team for the first time on Tuesday – to get that trophy at the end is something spectacular.”