Alex Dowsett (Movistar) smashed the British 25-mile time trial competition record by over a minute on Sunday, becoming the first rider to go under 45 minutes for the distance.

His time of 44-29 minutes broke Matt Bottrill’s previous record of 45-43 and easily took the win in the ECCA Championships in Cambridgeshire on the E2/E5 course.

The 27-year-old Movistar professional averaged 33.7mph (54.2kmph) on the A14 Newmarket Bypass in overcast and breezy conditions, with a north westerly wind and twelve degree temperature.

Colin Ward (Essex Roads CC) was second, clocking 47-45, with Justin Layne (CC Ashwell) third with 48-49.

Julia Freeman (Easterly RC) was fastest woman with 55-57.

“I got everything out, and couldn’t have done more,” Dowsett said of his record-breaking ride.

He was last man off at 8:10am, and said the return leg wasn’t as bad as feared, with some shelter from the headwind offered by the hedgerows along the route.

He was riding the event after returning home from training in the Pyrenees to celebrate his mum’s 60th birthday.

“I knew I was coming home, so had a look around for events and saw there was one on the E2, which is nice and local,” said Dowsett.

“It’s a part of the sport I really like. It’s where I got into the sport, so I try and do them when I can.

“I don’t do it to try and beat everyone else, but to really test myself.

“Although, I don’t like the 4am wake up calls!”

Organiser Keith Dorling followed Alex round for most of his ride and said it was clear he’d put his heart and soul into it;

“Alex was flying. God knows what he’d do on a good day with warm weather!”

Second-placed rider Colin Ward, usually to be seen on SPOCO courses, had a great ride to take second (or first non-World Tour rider) in his first outing on a dual carriageway course.

It shows Dowsett’s record breaking time may still be a way off what he could achieve, given perfect conditions. 

“It’s fantastic for the sport, that you can directly compare yourself to one of the best in the world,” said Dorling of Dowsett’s appearance in his event.

“It’s like Wayne Rooney turning up at a Sunday kickabout!”

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.

Results:

Men:

1. Alex Dowsett (Movistar)                44.29

2. Colin Ward (Essex Roads CC)       47.45

3. Justin Layne (CC Ashwell)             48.49

4. David Langlands (Fenland Clarion)           49.18

5. Mick Hodson (St Ives CC)             50.06

6. Carl Whitwell (St Ives CC)            50.12

7. Dave McGaw (Cambridgeshire CC)          50.29

Women:

1. Julia Freeman (Easterley RC)         55.57