Alex Dowsett wins third British time trial title despite crash

Alex Dowsett (Movistar) survived an early crash and bike change to win his third-consecutive British time trial title in Stewarton, Scotland. 

Dowsett crashed heavily in the opening kilometres - landing heavily on his left-hand side - yet despite several cuts and scrapes was able to beat reigning National 100 champion Matt Bottrill (www.drag2zero.com) by 21 seconds.

Bottrill was just five seconds in arrears halfway through the two-lap race held on rolling terrain in East Ayrshire. Nonetheless, he beat Ben Swift (Sky) by a tenth of a second to claim the silver medal. This was the first time Sky have failed to win the championships since their formation in 2010.

Doug Dewey impressed en route to fourth, ahead of the second Sky rider Luke Rowe, while James Gullen (Hope Factory Racing) came a strong sixth.

Early estimates suggest the 3,500 people turned out to watch the event, by far the most for the British Time Trial Championships in recent history.

Earlier in the day, Joanna Rowsell won her maiden National Time Trial title, while Sam Harrison (100% ME) successfully defended his Under-23 crown.  

Results

National Time Trial Championships 2013: Men's race

1. Alex Dowsett (Movistar) 49.2km in 1-02-30

2. Matt Bottrill (www.drag2zero.com) at 0-21

3. Ben Swift (Sky) at 0-21

4. Doug Dewey (Hennebont Cyclisme) at 0-32

5. Luke Rowe (Sky) at 0-49

6. James Gullen (Hope Factory Racing) at 1-21

7. James McLaughlin (Sojasun ANC) at 1-50

8. Ben Peacock (Paisley Velo) at 2-16

9. Chris Opie (UK Youth) at 2-25

10. Rob Partridge (UK Youth) at 2-33

Matt Bottrill

Alex Dowsett

Podium celebrations

Related links

Joanna Rowsell takes maiden Time Trial title

National Time Trial Championships 2013: The Big Preview

2012 report: Dowsett and Houvenaghel sweep to time trial titles

2011 report: Dowsett and Houvenaghel take National titles

2010 report: Wiggins defends his title as Sky take 1-2-3

2009 report: Wiggins and Pooley take National titles