ALEX Dowsett has reclaimed the elite British time-trial title and now is hoping for a ride in the Tour de France.

Competing in the 2015 British Cycling National Road Race Championship time trial event in Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire, yesterday, Maldon-born Dowsett took the iconic striped jersey for a fourth time.

He destroyed the field to take top spot in a time of one hour and 11 seconds for the 28-mile course.

Ed Bradury was in second place with 1h 3m 42s and Ryan Perry third in 1h 4m 2s.

In doing so he equalled Stuart Dangerfield’s all-time record of four elite men’s national time trial titles.

Dowsett said: “It’s lovely to get it back (the jersey). It’s really significant being national champion.

“Now every time I do a time trial I get to wear this."

And now his is hoping for a place on the Movistar team for the Tour de France.

Dowsett said: “I feel I have done everything I can. But I could have really done without breaking my collarbone in January because turning things around after the Hour record hasn’t been easy but I seem to have come good. It’s up to the boss now.”