The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games time trial champion becomes the fourth rider to break the record in the last eight months, bettering the mark of 52.491km set by Australia’s Rohan Dennis in February, making them the first Briton to hold the record since Chris Boardman's reign from 2000 to 2005. 

Dowsett was eight seconds down on Dennis’ record at the 30km mark but having drawn level with nine minutes remaining, he proceeded to open a gap.

“The coaches gave me a plan, which I didn’t like that much,” said Dowsett.

“Deep down I knew it was the right plan.

“We knew we would ride at an even pace that would actually put me behind Rohan until 45 minutes.

“I wasn’t too keen on that, so it was about the halfway point that I went up because I knew I had a lot left in the tank.”

The 26-year-old was originally due to make his attempt in February, but it was put back after he broke his collarbone.

Compatriot Sir Bradley Wiggins, Britain's first Tour de France winner, will aim to break Dowsett’s record at the Lee Valley VeloPark on June 7.

And if he manages to do so, Dowsett hinted he may make a second attempt later this year.

Asked if it was a possibility, he said: “Yeah, I hope so.

“Maybe after June 7.”

Prior to Dennis, Austria's Matthias Brändle held the record mark of 51.852km, set in October last year.

Brändle's effort displaced the record of 51.110km registered by Germany's Jens Voigt the previous month. 

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