ALEX Dowsett has smashed the ten-mile National Competition Record.

Riding at an average speed of just under 35mph, Dowsett’s record-breaking ride took place along the Six Mile Bottom stretch of the A11 and he covered the “out and back” course in 17 minutes 20 seconds, beating the previous record, set in 2012, by 25 seconds.

It reaffirms that his form is hitting the required peaks just weeks before the final team selections for the Tour de France are confirmed.

The Movistar rider’s focus is on qualifying for the Tour de France, with the route this year coming through Essex in the opening stages.

Dowset, from Cock Clarks, said: “This year everything has been focused on getting selection for the Tour.

“It’ll be the biggest race of my life.”

Dowsett will next line up to race at the eight-day Tour de Suisse later this month.

Then it’s the National Championships in Glasgow before the Tour de France kicks off in Yorkshire at the start of July.

Dowsett added: “The team have given me some very tough races to compete in so far this year and the Suisse will be no different.

“But I know I’ve ridden well for the team and my time trial results have been really good so I’m really hopeful that come July I’ll be chosen to ride in the biggest race in the world."