Filippo Ganna considering Hour Record attempt after astonishing results from 30-minute test
Ganna highlighted his desire to beat the most prestigious track record
Filippo Ganna told La Gazzette dello Sport at the Trento Festival of Sport that he is contemplating attempting the Hour Record, after he finished a 30-minute test on the track with 115 laps - which is an average speed of 57.5km/h.
Currently, the Hour Record is held by Victor Campenaerts, after he cycled 55.089km in 2019 at the Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome in Mexico. Four riders have officially attempted the challenge since the Belgian set the record, but they all failed to ride further.
While Ganna's 30-minute test came in an unofficial setting, the stats highlight that he would've broken the Hour Record if he had continued at the same pace for double the time. Consequently, the Italian is now considering if he will set his sights on the goal, giving an idea as to when he'll attempt the challenge at the Trento Festival of Sport.
"I'll think about it in January," Ganna said. "Maybe next summer.
“I tried in Montichiari after a period of altitude after the Giro, but it only lasted 30 minutes, and it was really tiring. I understand that everything must be planned well, it is something that requires an incredible effort. We will see in the future, we will talk about it later. Let's hope one day to uncork a good bottle of rosé to celebrate…"
Ganna, who won the team pursuit gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, completed the 115 laps in 30 minutes after winning two stages at the Giro this summer. The 25-year-old won the first stage, a time trial, after achieving an average speed of 58.8 km/h, and is a clear candidate to break the Hour Record set by Campenaerts.
Ganna also spoke of the inspiration that fellow countryman Elia Viviani provided him after the latter won gold at the Rio Olympics.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"He paved the way for us, he helped people rediscover the pleasure of watching from this specialty on TV, thrilling us with the Rio gold that has changed many things. He showed us that we could grow and do something important .
"The track has something special. When you understand it, you won't give it up."
However, his dedication won't come at a detriment to his enjoyment, as the Ineos Grenadiers rider's perception of cycling has changed since when he was a child.
"This sport, cycling, represents me and gives me joy. And to think that as a child I said: I don't like it, too much effort."
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
Ryan is a staff writer for Cycling Weekly, having joined the team in September 2021. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before making his way to cycling. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer.
-
Rapha's loss, your gain: prices slashed sitewide amid profitability concerns
The British clothing brand unveils an almost unheard-of 25% discount across its entire product range
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
A phone app saved my life after a crash, you shouldn't ride anywhere remote without it
Having taken a life-threatening tumble while out riding on the UK's South Downs, John Powell is coming back from the brink
By Chris Marshall-Bell 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
-
Copenhagen: the Tour de France's ride through history
Get set for this year's Grand Départ in Denmark and immerse yourself in the cycling city
By Tom Thewlis Published