Leon Camier couldn’t hide his delight after again laughing in the face of adversity to claim his debut podium finish of the 2011 World Superbike season at round two.

Heading into the opening round of the season in Australia last month, Camier was diagnosed with glandular fever and it was uncertain whether he would race.

However, the Ashford ace defied medical opinion with a sixth-place finish in race two at Phillip Island and was up to his old tricks on home soil at Donington Park on Sunday.

After a disappointing eighth-place finish in race one Camier, pictured, bounced back to claim third in the second race – his fourth podium appearance since making the step up from the British Superbike class.

Marco Melandri won the opening race, with Carlos Checa taking the flag in race two.

And after mixing it with the world’s best, despite being unable to train until just days before the trip to Donington, Camier was left over the moon with his second-round heroics.

“I can’t believe it’s happened to be honest,” said Camier.

“At the start of the year to have the troubles with illness and go to the first race struggling was really frustrating.

“So to come back from that and come to my home round and get on the podium is awesome. In the first race I had a few problems, but we changed a few things in between the two races and it worked well which was great.”

Camier’s 24-point haul moved him up to seventh in the standings with 37.

“I had a good battle with Marco Melandri in the second race and I was hoping I could take it to him at the end, but it didn't quite work out,” added Camier.

“But I felt comfortable on the bike and to get a podium is awesome and hopefully we can really move on from here and keep getting on the podium.”

World Superbike races will be shown on British Eurosport, with all European rounds in HD. British Eurosport is on Sky channel 410 and Virgin Media 521. Eurosport HD is on Sky 412 and Virgin Media 522. Watch races live online at www.eurosportplayer.co.uk