Finchley Racing Team’s Andrew Hastings was crowned the eastern region road race champion after clinching first place at the rolling circuit at East Hanningfield.

Hastings, who had been in Majorca training with Giro d’Italia stage winner Alex Dowsett, won the race with a lone attack six miles from the finish. He moved clear of his three other breakaway companions and came home in first place.

He said: “I’ve timed my form very well, at least my coach Dave Le Grys has. I really wanted this one so he has geared everything towards it and it’s worked a treat”

Dowsett who is currently racing in Italy tweeted “He (Hastings) has now won the coveted title of King of Essex after I put him through his paces in Majorca,”

Hastings recent run of good form has not gone unnoticed and he has been given the chance to guest ride for a British Professional team in the upcoming Milk Race.

Elsewhere, Trevor Burke continued his fine season by winning the George Addy Trophy in the Jack Pearson Memorial Time Trial.

The event was held over 25 miles from Handy Cross to Marlow/Bucks. Burke stopped the clock in 52.10 to seal top spot.