English becomes first Sarnian to break the 50min. barrier

The talented youngster took more than a minute off the old mark when competing at the National 25 Mile Time Trial Championships in Norwich on the A11 dual carriageway.

The course was relatively flat, with only 150m of ascent. Against the best riders from around the country, including the current champion Ryan Perry, who earlier in this year stood on the podium next to Alex Dowsett, the Guernsey rider produced an outstanding time of 49min. 45sec.

'It is an absolutely brilliant performance from Jack and it it fantastic to see a youngster like that mix it up with the senior riders and in many cases now, beating them,' said Guernsey Velo Club president Gary Wallbridge.

'To be the first Guernseyman ever to average more than 30mph over 25 miles is a superb achievement and the times he is producing now – both in time trials and road races – are exceptional.'

There was also good news for Guernsey in the women's national event held the day before in Peterborough as Karina Bowie, 45, won her age-group title in a time of 1-01-57.

• More in Thursday’s Guernsey Press.