ALEX Dowsett is aiming for a massive achievement in claiming a fourth straight national title.

Having just returned from the Tour de Suisse he is also waiting to hear if he has been included in Movistar’s final line-up for the Tour de France which starts next month.

Dowsett, from Cock Clarks, is aiming to keep the national time time shirt on his back as he defends his title in Monmouthshire today.

The time-trial is the opening day of the two-day championships with the road races for all categories on Sunday.

Dowsett has his eyes on an unprecedented fourth straight elite men’s title having won the jersey in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

The Monmouthshire route is a technical and hilly course, with a climb through the Celtic Manor resort at the finish of the two-lap 42-kilometre course.

Dowsett overcame a crash and mechanical problems to beat Matt Bottrill by 21 seconds in Glasgow last year, with Ben Swift a split-second behind in bronze.

The Movistar rider will face Bottrill again but also Sir Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas on a course that suits climbers.

Dowsett will be the last of 53 riders out tonight with an 8pm start time, with Wiggins going two minutes before him.