Alex Dowsett’s Season Closer sees him third in Time Trial Classic (France)
Gordon Wiseman writes … Team Sky’s Alex Dowsett brought his debut professional racing season to a close on Sunday with a superb third place overall in the classic Chrono des Nations time trial in the Vendee region of France.
The Essex rider lined up for the 48.5km time trial against some the best “testers†in the world including the recently crowned World Time Trial champion, German Tony Martin, and Britain’s David Millar who has won time trial stages in Grand Tours.
Apart from the World Championships, the Chrono is probably the biggest single time trial event in cycling, Alex won the Under 23 competition in 2010, and he knew he was facing the toughest senior opposition on the day. “I’m aiming for the podium†he told Essex Chronicle just hours before he started his effort. “There’s a lot of top quality riders here but I think that the podium is a realistic targetâ€.
And that is exactly what the 23 year old achieved, scorching around the course just 2 minutes 50 seconds behind the time set by Tony Martin to capture another third place finish in what has been a top drawer first season in cycling’s premier division. Speaking after setting his time Alex said “I didn’t feel as fantastic as I wanted but it’s reassuring that even on a bad day I can still set a time as quick as this. It’s good to beat (David) Millar. This time last year at the Commonwealth’s I was a minute behind him so that’s really progressive. But Tony Martin’s time proves that there’s still plenty to work onâ€.
Wearing the National champion’s jersey, he won the blue riband event of British time trialling in September, Dowsett has put in a string of top rides against the clock since then netting a stage win in the Tour of Britain and another third place finish in the recent Tour of Beijing, his first ride in a World Tour event. A podium place in the Chrono was further icing on the cake.
“Yes, I’m very happy overall with my year, I’ve achieved far beyond what I expected of myself. Goals for next year? Getting into the road squad for the Olympics and helping Cav. That’ll hopefully give me the form to go on to ride in the time trial as wellâ€.
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