Luca Guercilena confirms that Cancellara will have a go at the hour record

The Trek Factory Racing manager told Tuttobici that Cancellara is still planning on breaking the unique record, and that he may make the attempt after next year’s spring classics.

“But it’s also true that next year is the first year of a new project and we have a lot of things to sort out. The winter will help us understand more and to take better decisions,” Guercilena added.

A unique record

The current hour record stands at 49.7km, and the feat was achieved by Ondrej Sosenka in Moscow, 2005. Nonetheless, as Sosenka’s career ended three years after, due to a positive during the Czech ITT championships (not his first), the current record is not always viewed as valid.

A number of the world’s most famous cyclists have had a go at the record. Most famously perhaps Merckx in 1972, Mexico City, who stated that it was “the hardest ride I have ever done.” Superstars Indurain, Moser and Rominger have also attempted the ride; however they were expunged from the record books due to later UCI restriction (which forced competitors to use roughly the same equipment as Merckx, disallowing time trial helmets, disc or tri-spoke wheels, aerodynamic bars and monocoque frames).

Cancellara and Wiggins. Martin?

Cancellara stated already in 2009 that he planned an attack on the record, but admitted that he would need some time to prepare specifically for the attempt. With Guercilena recent statement, and his July comments to Swiss television RSI, confirming that Cancellara would tackle the record on the new velodrome at Gretchen, the record attempt might just become for real.

Recently, Wiggins has also stated that he might have a go at the record. “The idea appeals to me,” he confirmed to Bicisport, and emphasized that the move could bring his career towards a successful conclusion, and would constitute “a new glorious page for British cycling.”

If only Tony “Der Panzerwagen” Martin would also give it a try.

Who wouldn’t want to see an epic ITT clash between the three!