This Dutch rider you've never heard of thinks he can break Bradley Wiggins's Hour Record
Dion Beukeboom to dedicate whole 2018 season to attempt and travel to altitude to do it
If you had to name a selection of riders who could be capable of beating Bradley Wiggins's Hour Record of 54.526km, chances are Dion Beukeboom would not be among them.
However the 28-year-old Dutchman, who currently rides for third division team Destil-Jo Piels and finished a distant 10th in the time trial at his national championships in June, thinks that he has a good chance of beating Wiggins's mark.
The reason for this is that while eight-time Olympic medallist and former Tour de France winner Wiggins did his attempt at sea level in London with high air pressure, Beukeboom says he will head to altitude in faster conditions, and will also dedicate his entire 2018 season to the attempt.
>>> Hour Record: The tangled history of an iconic feat
"I do not have the illusion that I am a better cyclist than Wiggins. But I know that Wiggins did his record under conditions that were not ideal," Beukeboom told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.
A track specialist, Beukeboom has twice won bronze medals in the individual pursuit at the European Championships, is the reigning Dutch champion on the discipline, and will be receiving extra resources from his new team, Vlasman Cycling Team, for the attempt.
Beukeboom has enlisted the help of physiologist Jim van den Berg to help with the attempt, who explained the benefits that would be gained from chasing the record at 1,887m above sea level at the Aguascalientes velodrome in Mexico.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Alex Dowsett sets out his 'dream' of breaking Chris Boarman's 'Superman' Hour Record
"At the height, the effect of reduced air pressure is greater than the loss of reduced oxygen uptake," Van den Berg said. "Compared to London, Dion will gain between 25 and 45 watts by attacking the record at Aguascalientes."
Van den Berg also explained how Wiggins's Hour Record attempt had been compromised by commercial interests, and that he had left the door open to attempts by others, such as Beukeboom, by not making his attempt in optimal conditions.
"Wiggins rode in London, on a low velodrome, at high air pressure. It was a commercial event. Tickets were sold, a book about the attempt was published, big shots were invited to come and watch," he continued.
"However, the Hour Record was not as quick as it could have been. There is a window of opportunity and we want to crawl through it."
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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
HUNT 60 Limitless UD Carbon Spoke Aero Disc Wheelset
An impressive all-rounder that's well-suited to wider tyres and a range of riding styles
By Andy Turner Published
-
Zwift introduces Racing Score to make platform 'more competitive, fairer and accessible'
Zwift says new ranking system will reflect both fitness level and racing skill
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
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
By Adam Becket Published
-
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
By Cycling Weekly Published
-
Filippo Ganna to attempt to break Hour Record in October
Italian will attempt to break 55.548km distance set by Dan Bigham
By Adam Becket Published
-
'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
By Adam Becket Last updated
-
Dan Bigham breaks Victor Campenaerts' Hour Record with 55.548km distance
Englishman breaks the 55.089km record in Switzerland
By Adam Becket Last updated
-
Live stream: Dan Bigham's Hour Record attempt
The kit, the start time, the venue, and the magic number he needs to beat - 55.089km
By Adam Becket Published
-
Dan Bigham set to target Victor Campenaerts' Hour Record again
British record holder will aim for 55.090km in Grenchen, Switzerland next Friday
By Adam Becket Published
-
'The biggest failure would have been to have never tried': Alex Dowsett reacts to emotional Hour Record attempt
The Brit's Just Giving page has raised over £30,000 for the charity The Haemophilia Society
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published