Champ Kevin saddles-up for 291 miles

Dawson, from Blaxton, covered more than 11 miles more than his nearest rival according to the provisional results, and although he was disappointed with a blustery wind which restricted distances a little, 291 miles should still be enough to form the backbone of his 2007 Best All-Rounder campaign.

With 10 BBAR titles under his belt already, Dawson is aiming to take a record-breaking 11th title this year.

"I was reasonably happy with my ride," he said after Sunday's marathon effort. "But it wasn't as good a day as the forecast had said it would be.

"There was a blustery wind for much of the day and a headwind on the long road north. Although it died down a bit for the final couple of hours it was already too late. I didn't have any particular mileage in mind, I just wanted to get round in good shape."

The Best All-Rounder competition is based on a rider's average speed over 50 and 100 miles as well as 12 hours, and with Dawson having already clocked an impressive 3hr 32min 18sec in a 100-mile event, he just needs a good 50-mile time to cement his 2007 bid for the title.

"There's a 50-mile event down in Hampshire soon where the course is supposed to be fast, so I think I'll go for that one," he added. "But if I can't make it there are plenty of other options."

This Sunday Dawson is due to ride the National Road Race Championships in South Wales where he will line up against the best British riders, including David Millar and Geraint Thomas, who have just completed the Tour de France.