A haemophiliac cyclist has overcome adversity to become a national sporting champion.

Alex Dowsett, 15, who rides for the Maldon & District Cycling Club, secured a spectacular victory in the National Junior 10 mile Time Trial Championships for riders under 19 in North Nottinghamshire Alex's winning time of 20 minutes, 20 seconds put him exactly a minute ahead of silver medallist, 18 year-old Peter Bissell (Team Welwyn).

This unprecedented margin over such a short distance could be compared to winning a 100 metre sprint five metres ahead of the rest of the field.

But Alex's medical condition means it is doubtful he will ever be able to compete at a higher level, with the price of a high speed road race too high for him to risk.

Alex, from Cock Clarks, had also entered the senior championship race over the same course the next morning.

In slower conditions, he was still able to return an astonishing time of 21.12 which on the previous day would still have won him the junior title.

His superb ride placed him 63rd and totally silenced his doubters

Alex will be safely exploring the 4,000-metre track pursuit, which is possibly the most intense event in the sport, and looking towards the 2012 games and beyond

Published Tuesday June 1, 2004

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