UCI confirm Matthias Brandle to attempt the Hour Record on October 30
Austrian rider will try to break Jens Voigt's record at the World Cycling Centre velodrome in Aigle
You wait nine years for an Hour Record attempt and then two come along in the space of a couple months, as Matthias Brandle is set to go out and try and beat Jens Voigt's Hour Record, the UCI confirmed on Thursday.
The 24-year-old IAM Cycling rider will make his attempt on the 200m track of the UCI's World Cycling Centre velodrome in Aigle, Switzerland, exactly six weeks after Voigt set the new record of 51.115km at the Velodrome Suisse.
Brandle's team estimate that he'll be able to ride around 52km after recent tests, and that he will make his attempt at 7pm on Thursday, October 30.
Brandle, who is the current national time trial champion of Austria, took two stages at the Tour of Britain earlier this year, says he is "100% focused on this project."
"After he [Jens Voigt] made his successful assault on the Hour, I thought he had fulfilled his dream," Brandle said, "and within just a few weeks I surprised myself by starting to have the same dream."
"As of today," he continued, "I do not know whether I can beat the mark or not. But as usual it will be a very personal struggle between me and the clock."
UCI president Brian Cookson said he was pleased that Brandle was taking on the challenge, as well as saying that it justifies the rule change made to the Hour Record by the sport's governing body earlier this year.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I am delighted that a young rider [Brandle] is interested in attacking the Hour Record just weeks after Jens Voigt's stunning performance," said Cookson.
"This proves that the Hour Record has again become a dream for athletes," he added.
"This is exactly what we hoped would happen when we decided to authorise the use of track bikes with modern designs and technology."
Time trial specialists like Bradley Wiggins, Tony Martin and Fabian Cancellara have all been tipped to have a tilt at the prestigious record, but as of yet none of them have set a firm date on when they might make an attempt, although Wiggins indicated he may try it in June 2015.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47bmQXlU5fU#t=28
Matthias Brandle wins Tour of Britain stage five from break
Matthias Brandle keeps peloton at bay to take solo win in Exeter on stage five of the 2014 Tour of
Bradley Wiggins to take on Hour record in 2015
Bradley Wiggins says he was inspired by Jens Voigt's new Hour record
Credit: Ulf Schiller
Jens Voigt sets new Hour Record
Jens Voigt closes career with new World Hour Record of 51.115km
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).
-
Chinese X-Lab vies for global domination as it equips XDS Astana with bikes for the WorldTour
A new partnership sees Astana aboard new bikes with increased funding for 2025
By Joe Baker Published
-
Tech of the week: Van Rysel releases an aero bike (quelle surprise!) plus a superlight carbon crankset from FSA, a long top tube bag from Tailfin and tyre liners from Zefal
The RCR-F aero bike will be ridden by the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team in 2025, but will it create headlines like the RCR?
By Luke Friend Published
-
90-year-old cyclist sets sights on four world records
Three-time Masters world champion Walter Fowler is far from ready to slow down yet
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Hour Record holder Vittoria Bussi ends career after final record attempt
Italian falls three seconds short of individual pursuit record and announces retirement
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
-
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
-
Filippo Ganna smashes World Hour Record with distance of 56.792km
The Italian also beat Chris Boardman's 'best human effort'
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Filippo Ganna on Hour Record: 'I need to do the biggest effort of my life'
The Italian also shared more details about his bike set-up
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Ellen van Dijk makes history with new Hour Record
The Dutchwoman covered 49.254km to set the new Hour Record at the Velodrome Suisse
By Ryan Dabbs Published