Arthur, from Bearsden, led the team of four who tackled the 38-mile course, but because of the ferocious pace, only three crossed the line together in a time of 1 hour 22 minutes.

The team also included Gary Robson, David Gibson, and Graham McGarrity, and they lived up to their billing as favourites by finishing a huge 70 seconds ahead of the runners-up. They also clocked an average speed of more than 28mph in testing conditions.

Arthur (35) said: "Even though it was one we expected to win, it was still a tough race.

"When you race in a team, tactics are much more important than individual time trials.

"Four of us set out together and, according to the rules, three have to cross the line together.

"We all took it in turns to take the lead, and I found it difficult matching my pace to the other riders."

The kidney specialist doctor, who cycles to work at Gartnavel Hospital every day as part of his training, added: "There was quite a competitive field and we set off at three minute intervals.

"It was unfortunate that we lost Graham early on, but we still managed to maintain the pace with everyone taking it in turns at the front.

"We were helped a great deal having the experience of David Gibson to draw on."

A total of 31 teams of four riders from throughout Scotland took part in the race.

The previous Saturday, Arthur won the individual Stirling 25 mile Time Trials in a time of 57mins 22secs, beating second placed Gary Robson by a 50 seconds.

And the Wednesday before that, he won the 10 mile Time Trials, also in Stirling, after finishing the course in 20mins 5secs.

According to Arthur, his average riding speed was around 30mph.
At the European Masters Track Championship 3k Pursuit at the end of last month in Manchester, Arthur beat an Austrian cyclist by six seconds, recording a superb time of 3mins 28secs.

Cyclists from France and Germany also took part in the event.