Kristian House’s life was transformed by claiming the National Road Race Champion’s jersey last year – and the Canterbury cyclist has vowed to secure another 12 months on the celebrity circuit this weekend.

The 30-year-old has been star attraction on international circuit after earning the right to wear the nation’s champion jersey with a stunning victory in Abergavenny last year.

House has had to combine giving autographs with living up to his new-found status – an act he carried off to a tee by claiming the sixth stage of the Tour of Japan in May.

But with the coveted shirt up for grabs again in Pendle this weekend, House has warned the world class field he won’t go down without a fight.

“Being the national champion for the last year and wearing the jersey has been brilliant,” said House.

“Racing the Tour of Britain last year as the national champion was the most amazing thing ever and something I will never forget.

“I raced the Tour of Japan and it was unbelievable as one day six people came up to me to have a photo taken and they all had the national champion jersey on.

“They had obviously been on the internet and bought the jersey then come to find me to have their photo taken and it was just great.

“It was those experiences that means I won’t give it up easily.”

Twelve months ago Rapha Condor rider House held off the challenge of Daniel Lloyd and Peter Kennaugh to secure top spot on the podium in Wales.

But with Tour de France sprint star Mark Cavendish and Olympians Steve Cummings and Geraint Thomas gunning for him this weekend, House admits he won’t have it his own way in Lancashire.

“It’s a hard course this year and a very demanding one and there is going to be a really strong group there as well,” added House.

“I am not saying last year’s wasn’t tough but I think this year’s will be raced differently but having “said that I won’t be preparing any differently.

“They are not big hills but with you doing 15 laps by the time you get to lap 13 and you have done the climb 13 times already it makes it hard but I’m ready for it.”

• British Cycling is home to the Great Britain Cycling Team and represents Britain's most successful Olympic and Paralympic sport. British Cycling governs all cycling disciplines and together with British Sky Broadcasting, its principal partner, aims to inspire one million more people to cycle regularly by 2013.