Recently crowned British Superbike champion Leon Camier was unable to transfer that form onto the world stage after mechanical problems ruined his weekend at Magny-Cours.

The 23-year-old (pictured) from Ashford was racing on the French circuit for the first time after joining the Aprilia Racing team for the final two stages of the World Superbike championship.

Camier, who had already amassed 13 world championship points following his wildcard ride at Donington Park earlier in the year, looked to be heading towards two more good finishes before his bike let him down.

In front of an 81,000 crowd Camier was riding in 11th before he was forced to retire from race one just three laps from the chequered flag.

An even better performance in the second race saw Camier climb to ninth before mechanical problems materialised once more.

“I was really gutted not to have been able to get any results for the Aprilia team,” he said.

Sittingbourne's Shane Byrne claimed eighth and seventh place finishes at the French circuit.

Byrne said: "I gave it my all in both races. I had a lot of fun and I would like to congratulate the team who have done a great job."

Camier takes part in the last round of the British series this weekend. The World Superbike Championship ends in Portugal on October 25.