Alex Dowsett (Movistar) lived up to his status as the overwhelming favourite at the British TT Championships. The Movistar rider defended his title by going 1.16 faster than James Gullen (Pedal Heaven) while Ryan Perry was 2.14 off the pace in third.

There was no Bradley Wiggins and no Sky riders at the British TT Championships and that made Alex Dowsett, the only WorldTour rider in attendance, the overwhelming favourite on the 46.4km course in Stockton-on-Tees.

Dowsett dominated against his rivals, winning by over a minute in a time of 55:38.523, even affording himself time to celebrate as he crossed the line.

The defending champion was last to set off, but his victory never looked in doubt from the moment his first lap time was recorded – a blistering 13.42. The win was his fourth in five years, with his third place behind Wiggins and Geraint Thomas in 2014 being his only defeat since he started his streak in 2012.

Second place went to Pedal Heaven’s James Gullen in 56:54832 with Ryan Perry of Langdale Lightweights Racing Team in third.

The attention now turns to the road race where a new champion has to be crowned as two-time winner Peter Kennaugh is out with a broken collarbone.