James Cracknell to attempt Raleigh Chopper Hour Record

Olympic rowing legend James Cracknell will face a new challenge this evening (Friday, March 18) when he attempts to set a new Raleigh Chopper Hour Record at the Lee Valley Velodrome, London.

"It’s going to require a lot of pedal power, but I’m excited to push myself to the limit and set a new Sport Relief record on my trusty Chopper," said keen cyclist Cracknell.

"I feel hugely proud to support such an amazing charity and hopefully inspire people to take on their own challenges in the Sport Relief Games. Get fit, have fun and raise much-needed cash to transform lives here in the UK and around the world"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysv1-6qrF0g

Cracknell is using a modified 1970s Chopper during the attempt, and has received advice from Matt Richardson, who currently holds the Chopper Hour record of 31.87km set in May last year.

Although retaining many of the original, rather un-aerodynamic traits of the Chopper, Cracknell's bike features several modifications carried out by Rikki Pankhurst of Pankhurst Cycles including racing handlebars, a fixed gear, thinner and larger wheels and clipless pedals.

>>> Raleigh Chopper: bicycle classic

The bike retains the all-important Chopper saddle, but this has been raised so that Cracknell isn't hitting his chin with his knees on every pedal stroke.

Cracknell's feat is in aid of the Sport Relief charity, and his efforts will be filmed by the BBC. However, the result won't be revealed until the attempt is broadcast on Sunday, March 20, during the Sport Relief Games Show at 1.15pm on BBC One.

At the same time as Crackenell's attempt is taking place at the Lee Valley Velodrome, a team of riders will be circling around him as they attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for one hour ridden by a relay team. The team includes Sally Gunnell, Alastair Campbell, Mike Bushell and Richardson, and each rider will spin around the track for a kilometre.