UCI Hour Record: Dekker ready to take on the challenge

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is delighted to see that the UCI Hour Record, set at 51.852 km by Matthias Brändle on October 30, is pushing back its geographical boundaries with Thomas Dekker’s attempt on February 25 in Aguascalientes, Mexico. After Jack Bobridge’s courageous try to set a new mark at the end of January in Melbourne, Australia, and Rohan Dennis’ attempt on the record this coming Sunday in Switzerland, Dekker’s try will give the Mexican public a chance to witness the excitement of this iconic event. The Dutch rider will perform at the Bicentenary Velodrome of Aguascalientes, located at 1800 m above sea level, which has hosted several major UCI track cycling and para-cycling events. Since the UCI revised the UCI Hour Record regulations in May 2014, the event is seeing a renewed interest with many riders such as Jens Voigt, Matthias Brändle, Jack Bobridge and Rohan Dennis trying to improve the mark. Sarah Storey will go for the women’s record. UCI President Brian Cookson said: “The start of the year is busy with several UCI Hour Record attempts, showing that this legendary event has regained its appeal since we’ve changed the rules last year. I am pleased to see that riders are taking on the mark beyond Europe, in territories such as Oceania and the Americas where our sport enjoys a growing popularity. Jack Bobridge’s attempt demonstrated that the UCI Hour Record is not an easy one to achieve. Let’s see what the riders are capable of.” Thomas Dekker added: “It feels like an honour to take part in a historical event like the UCI Hour Record. I also know it’s a brutal event and that you need to face it with respect. Great riders tried to break it in the past and some succeed and some not. Matthias Brändle set a fantastic record and he is the man to beat on this moment. But my teammate from last year Rohan Dennis is in his best form ever and a great rider. I’m curious to see what he can achieve on Sunday.”