Thomas Dekker will try to beat the Hour Record at the end of February. The 30-year-old Dutchman will make his attempt in the Mexican city of Aguascalientes. "We aim for the or 26th of February.”

The Dekker camp has submitted an application to the National Federation and it is now up to the UCI to announce the final date. "We still have to get the permission. But the plans are in place," his coach Jim van den Berg tells NOS.

Dekker will travel to Mexico on February 10 where he hopes the altitude will give him an advantage over more experienced time triallists like Jack Bobridge and Rohan Dennis. The two Australians will make an attempt to beat Matthias Brändle’s record (51,850km) before Dekker gives it a try.

"How much benefit he will get, also depends on how well he acclimates. Every person adapts differently. The gain may be one or two percent, but it could also be ten or fifteen," Van den Berg said.

Dekker does not expect Bobridge or Dennis to set a record which is insurmountable for him. "It's exciting to see what they are going to do. If Dennis does 52.5 kilometers, there are certainly opportunities for me in Mexico," said Dekker who tested the equipment yesterday in Amsterdam.

With a new frame and a custom-made skinsuitm he tested his speed and position on the bike.  

              
Because the track in Aguascalientes is at 1890m above sea level, it is one of the fastest in the world. In October 2003, Leontien van Moorsel set her Hour Record in Mexico City, just south of Aguascalientes. The then 33-year-old Dutchwomen did 46.065km, a record that still has not been beaten.

"I have chosen to do it in late February on the best track in the world," said Dekker. 

It is still uncertain what Dekker will do after his record attempt. It may his final metres as a bike rider. “I have one goal and that is to beat the record. We will see what happens afterwards.”

In November, Dekker was told that there was no place for him at Garmin. “But it didn’t not feel right to just retire. I consider this as a good opportunity. A last chance? So you can definitely see it that way.”

Dekker does not rule out to ride at a lower level. "Whether I want to ride for a pro continental team? Yes, absolutely. That’s a possibility."