Nicole Cooke claimed her eighth national title

Wales' Cooke finished the 70-mile race in 3 hrs 44 mins, a minute ahead of Rachel Heal in second.

Sunday's win has also boosted her chances of claiming the season-long World Cup for a third time with two rounds to go.

"It took a lot of hard work, and it's satisfying to take the win," she said.

I'm aiming to be at my peak for the worlds, so to win now is very encouraging Nicole Cooke

Cooke was among a seven-woman escape which formed halfway through Sunday's rain-soaked event.

But she broke free herself in the last of the five 13-mile laps to finish ahead of the pack.

"I contributed a lot when the race split on the third lap, then put in the effort to get away on the last lap," she added.

"I thought I was more likely to end up in a small group than on my own, so when I saw I had a gap at the end I kept going, because winning alone was my preferred option."

The race was held in Essex because the original June date had to be scrapped due to flooding in Humberside, which was supposed to stage the race.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Cooke's run of eight wins started back in 1999 when she became the youngest ever cyclist to succeed at just 16-years-old.

She is hoping to add to her glory in September by winning a world championship gold medal, which has so far eluded her.

"I'm aiming to be at a peak for the worlds, so to win now when I'm still in the build-up is very encouraging," said the 24-year-old.

Cooke's remaining World Cup races are in France (1 September) and Germany (16 September).