Alex Dowsett has been forced to postpone his Hour Record attempt.
The Israel Start-Up Nation rider had planned an assault on the prestigious record at the Manchester Velodrome on December 12, but the event has been halted after Dowsett contracted coronavirus.
Dowsett said he is "really disappointed" by the news, but said he will focus on his isolation and recovery, with his attempt now postponed until next year.
The 32-year-old pro from Essex said: "I am really disappointed the attempt can’t go ahead as planned but my health is first and foremost the priority.
"I’d like to thank everyone, the event organisers, event sponsors, my team, the UCI and above all the public for their support and very much look forward to attacking the record in 2021 with the same intent.
"We’re looking to announce a 2021 date as soon as possible.”
Dowsett added on Twitter: "Really disappointed to have to postpone the Hour Record attempt. Shortly after we announced the attempt I had some symptoms of Covid and a test result came back positive.
"My focus now is recovery, isolation & my health. Thanks to everyone for their support, we’ll be back stronger."
Dowsett had planned to take back the prestigious title, which he briefly held in 2015 before Sir Bradley Wiggins beat his distance a month later.
The current record is held by Belgium's Victor Campenaerts, who set a staggering 55.089km benchmark in 60 minutes in April 2019.
NTT Pro Cycling rider Campenaerts set his record at 1,800 metres above sea level at the Aguascalientes velodrome in Mexico.
Dowsett had been training hard to prepare for his record attempt, putting up some big distances around his home county Essex in November.
Camenpaerts says Dowsett has a 50 per cent chance of breaking his record and added that he would try to retake the title if Dowsett is successful.
A new date for Dowsett's attempt has not yet been set.
Thank you for reading 10 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
-
-
Specialized reveals new heritage-inspired custom colorway for Unbound Gravel 2023
Ian Boswell, Sofia Villafane and other Specialized athletes will again be racing aboard custom -painted bikes at Unbound Gravel. Here's the story behind this year's paint.
-
Tweets of the week: Trek's new Lidl kit, Alaphilippe's unusual training and the Cavendish/Thomas show
Your favourite social media roundup from the world of professional cycling
-
Changing of the guard: Seven top cyclists who have retired in 2022
Vincenzo Nibali, Alejandro Valverde and Tom Dumoulin have all called time on their careers this year
-
Filippo Ganna in no rush to extend his new Hour Record
Italian says if he has a go at beating his own record, it will be before he retires, like Bradley Wiggins
-
How to watch Filippo Ganna's World Hour Record attempt: Live stream the event
Here's how to catch the Italian's long-awaited Hour Record attempt
-
Filippo Ganna to attempt to break Hour Record in October
Italian will attempt to break 55.548km distance set by Dan Bigham
-
Facing retirement, Alex Dowsett is keeping his options well and truly open
33-year-old Israel-Premier Tech rider says reaction to his retirement has been 'exciting'
-
Alex Dowsett to retire from professional cycling
33-year-old Israel-Premier Tech rider says his future is still going to be on two wheels, just not in WorldTour
-
'It’s a bit mind blowing, pretty epic' - Dan Bigham on his Hour Record breaking ride
British rider goes 55.548km to take record off Victor Campenaerts
-
Dan Bigham breaks Victor Campenaerts' Hour Record with 55.548km distance
Englishman breaks the 55.089km record in Switzerland
