Alex Dowsett on his Hour Record attempt (video)
Having broken his collarbone earlier this year, Alex Dowsett's hour record attempt is back on. The Movistar rider will make his attempt on the Manchester velodrome in early May
Alex Dowsett will be the next rider to walk up on to the boards, clip himself in to his bike and set off for an hour in purgatory. The Movistar rider will make his Hour Record attempt at Manchester velodrome on Saturday May 2.
It's a track he knows well, as he explains in our exclusie video, and he has ridden thousands of laps of this track during his time with British Cycling's Olympic Academy. On May 2 however he will be alone on the track, with a target of 52.491kmh.
Rohan Dennis sets new Hour Record of 52.491km
In this video Dowsett explains why he is attempting the hour and what he is expecting from the gruelling event. Although he doesn't disclose a distance, or target, he is obviously planning to beat Rohan Dennis's record, and says he woujld like to set a distance that will stretch Sir Bradley Wiggins when he makes his attempt in London on June 6.
Dowsett had been planning an attempt earlier in the year but a crash in training resulted in a broken collarbone and a rescheduling. He has since started his road season, riding Milan-San Remo and more recently Ghent-Wevelgem, although he admitted to not being a fan of the northern classics.
Dowsett will be the fifth rider to attempt the hour this year after Jack Bobridge, Rohan Dennis, Thomas Dekker, and, most recently, Gustav Larsson. Of those, only Dennis was successful.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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
Jack Elton-Walters hails from the Isle of Wight, and would be quick to tell anyone that it's his favourite place to ride. He has covered a varied range of topics for Cycling Weekly, producing articles focusing on tech, professional racing and cycling culture. He moved on to work for Cyclist Magazine in 2017 where he stayed for four years until going freelance. He now returns to Cycling Weekly from time-to-time to cover racing, review cycling gear and write longer features for print and online.
-
Shimano Ultegra C60 wheelset review: fast rolling and great value, if a little heavy
The Ultegra C60 wheels share many similarities with the more expensive Dura-Ace model except for price and weight
By Andy Turner Published
-
The 16-year-old bike that's just won the Men's British National Hill Climb championships
Rim brakes, no paint, tiny seat stays and a decade-old groupset are still plenty fast enough to help champion Harry Macfarlane see off some serious competition
By Joe Baker 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
-
Cycling Time Trials' 20mph speed limit rule will help 'protect our sport long term', says Alex Dowsett
New ruling for UK TTing says that riders must ‘adhere to posted speed limits’, in order to prevent 'public outrage'
By Tom Thewlis 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