Not impossible to beat Wiggins's Hour Record, says Tony Martin
German time trial specialist says he isn't thinking about the Hour Record as he gets ready for the Tour de France
Tony Martin says that "it is not impossible" to overturn Bradley Wiggins's UCI Hour Record, but says he is not currently focusing on chasing the record.
The three-time world time trial champion is currently racing with his Etixx - Quick-Step team at the Critérium du Dauphiné, where he is preparing for a Tour de France campaign which begins with a Prologue time trial and an opportunity for Martin to take the maillot jaune.
Martin has previously stated his desire to have a go at the prestigious record, but has yet to reveal a formalised plan for making an attempt.
"I'm not really working on that,"the German told Sporza.
"The bar is very high, but it is not impossible. I would like to test myself and see how far I get. But before you have to make time in your programme. I am now working on my preparation for the Tour de France."
Wiggins smashed the previous record held by Britain's Alex Dowsett (Movistar) by over 1.5km last Sunday at the Lee Valley Velodrome, setting a benchmark of 54.526km for any potential contenders to chase.
Both Dowsett and Wiggins have significant track experience, as did previous holder Rohan Dennis (BMC), which seemingly made it easier for them to adapt to the demands of the Hour. Martin, who has never had a focused campaign on the track, may have to spend longer getting used to riding as efficiently as possible on the boards.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I have no experience with that kind of [track] work," he continued. "I am not familiar with the discipline."
Martin told Cycling Weekly in January 2015 that he and his team were still working on plans for the attempt, with an announcement due sometime this year.
“We are still planning and there are a lot of things to do, so I’m not 100 per cent sure what the timeline will be," Martin said. "But we’ll speak about it and I think we will announce in 2015 what the plan is.”
On board at the Critérium du Dauphiné stage two
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
Advantage Mathieu van der Poel and Lotte Kopecky at the Tour of Flanders
All the information you need ahead of the biggest Belgian Classic of the year
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Major bike retailer posts profits despite 'downward trend' in cycling industry
Tredz records £1.4m profit after parent company Halfords issues warning
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Vittoria Bussi makes history with new UCI Hour Record
Italian becomes first woman ever to surpass 50km in her effort
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Want to break a track record? WattShop to give anyone the chance this September
British company to take over Tissot Velodrome in Grenchen, Switzerland to try and smash times for anyone - if you have £7,000
By Adam Becket Published
-
Bradley Wiggins says he suffered ‘borderline rape’ during three years of 'abuse' by coach
Speaking on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, Wiggins says he now “hates cycling” and only ever used the sport as a distraction
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Bradley Wiggins might not be a TV pundit for much longer: 'I just want a normal job really'
Tour de France champion says that he doesn't still want to be on Eurosport in 10 years, and he thought about being a social worker
By Adam Becket Published
-
CW Live: Chris Froome targets return to 'top level'; UCI tightens ITT rules; Strava responds to price hike criticism; Topless protesters arrested at TDU; Tributes paid to Lieuwe Westra; Scott recalls 'cracking' bikes; Toon Aerts the PE teacher
The latest news in the world of cycling
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Bradley Wiggins: Abuse contributed to making me a great cyclist
The Tour de France winner is part of a new NSPCC campaign to help people spot the signs of child abuse
By Adam Becket Published
-
Is Bradley Wiggins Rubbish on ITV's The Masked Singer? We investigate
The wheely bin character was tipped to be the Olympian by one of the judges on the Saturday night TV show
By Adam Becket Published
-
The new UCI rule that could see Filippo Ganna’s world records tumble
A technical change will give taller riders a longer handlebar reach
By Tom Davidson Last updated