Cross Roads’ Mat Cowen has vowed to improve after his disappointment at finishing last in the first Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series event in La Rochelle, France.

The opening contest on the circuit, which features eight stops across the globe, saw competitors take on one of the most nerve-wrecking venues which involved jumping from the 120-step, 27.5-metre Saint Nicolas Tower.

Rookie Cowen was a surprise qualifier at the start of the year but he believes he should have done better on the big stage, which attracted tens of thousands of spectators.

“Just to be part of such a massive event was amazing for me and what I always dreamed of,” said the 24-year-old.

“To be at a Red Bull Cliff diving event is where everyone in my sport aims to be, it’s the pinnacle of our profession.

“On the first day it was really difficult bec-ause we had a 50kph wind at the top of the cliff in training, which was dangerous, but that cleared up on the second day.

“Being the rookie at the event competing against such high-class divers in front of a big crowd was extremely daunting and I think it got to me.

“I produced three poor dives and there was no excuse for that. I should have performed better than I did.”

After finishing last on day one, Cowen was paired with round one winner Gary Hunt in the head to head and Hunt proved too good.

The Englishman went on to finish second overall behind Russian winner Artem Silchenko, while Blake Aldridge – former diving partner to Tom Daley – came third.

Cowen said: “Me, Gary and Blake are all good friends and we’ve come through the ranks together, so it was nice to compete with them on the big stage.

“Going up against Gary in the head-to-head took the pressure off a bit, but it was also a bit of a mood killer if I’m honest because I’ve already competed against him so many times.

“But I was so proud to just even qualify for the event, even if I underperformed.

“I think this experience will do me good in the long run and, hopefully, I’ll grow as an athlete as a result of it and continue to get to these top events with them.”

The series now moves on to Copenhagen on June 22 before heading to Portugal, Italy and America.