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Hour record
Hour record
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The hour record is the record for the longest distance cycled in one hour on a bicycle from a stationary start. Cyclists attempt this record alone on the track without other competitors present. It is considered one of the most prestigious records in cycling. Since it was first set, cyclists ranging from relatively unknown amateurs to well-known professionals have held the record. There is now one unified record for upright bicycles meeting the requirements of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Hour-record attempts for UCI bikes are made in a velodrome.

Early hour records (until 1972)

[edit]
James Moore who set the first recorded hour record of 23.3 km in 1873

The first universally accepted record was in 1876 when the American Frank Dodds rode 26.508 km (16.471 mi) on a penny-farthing.[1] The first recorded distance[2] was set in 1873 by James Moore in Wolverhampton, riding an Ariel 49" high wheel (1.2 m) bicycle; however, the distance was recorded at exactly 14.5 miles (23.3 km), leading to the theory that the distance was just approximated and not accurately measured.[3]

The first officially recognised record was set by Henri Desgrange at the Buffalo Velodrome, Paris in 1893 following the formation of the International Cycling Association, the forerunner of the modern-day UCI. Throughout the run up to the First World War, the record was broken on five occasions by Swiss rider Oscar Egg and Frenchman Marcel Berthet, and due to the attempts being highly popular and guaranteeing rich attendances, it is said that each ensured he did not beat the record by too much of a margin, enabling further lucrative attempts by the other.[nb 1]

The hour was attempted sporadically over the following 70 years, with most early attempts taking place at the Buffalo Velodrome in Paris, before the Velodromo Vigorelli in Milan became popular in 1930s and 1940s sparking attempts from leading Italian riders and former Giro d'Italia winners such as Fausto Coppi and Ercole Baldini. Coppi's record set in 1942, during the Second World War, despite Milan being bombed nightly by Allied forces, was eventually broken in 1956 by Jacques Anquetil on his third attempt. In 1967, 11 years later, Anquetil again broke the hour record, with 47.493 km (29.511 mi), but the record was disallowed because he refused to take the newly introduced post-race doping test.[4] He had objected to what he saw as the indignity of having to urinate in a tent in front of a crowded velodrome and said he would take the test later at his hotel. The international judge ruled against the idea, and a scuffle ensued that involved Anquetil's manager, Raphaël Géminiani. In 1968, Ole Ritter broke the record in Mexico City, the first attempt at altitude since Willie Hamilton in 1898.[citation needed]

The women's hour record was first established in 1893 by Mlle de Saint-Sauveur at the Vélodrome Buffalo in Paris, setting a total distance of 26.012 km (16.163 mi). The record was improved several times over the next years, until Louise Roger reached 34.684 km (21.552 mi) in 1897 also at Vélodrome Buffalo.[5] In 1911 the longest standing men's or women's record (37 years) was set by the 157 cm (5 ft 2 in) tall Alfonsina Strada: 37.192 km (23.110 mi) riding a 20 kg (44 lbs) machine.[6][7] From 1947 to 1952, Élyane Bonneau and Jeannine Lemaire set several new hour records, the last of which was 39.735 km (24.690 mi) by Lemaire in 1952.[8][9] The first women's hour record approved by the UCI was by Tamara Novikova in 1955. However Lemaire's 1952 non-UCI record was not bettered until Elsy Jacobs broke the 40 kmh barrier in 1958, the year Jacobs had won the inaugural women's road world championship. Jacobs' 1958 41.347 km UCI record would not be bettered until 1972.

Historical hour records

[edit]

UCI hour record (1972–2014)

[edit]

1972–1984: Merckx, Moser and new technology

[edit]
Eddy Merckx's 1972 hour record steel-framed bike

In 1972, Eddy Merckx set a new hour record at 49.431 km (30.715 mi) in Mexico City at an altitude of 2,300 m (7,500 ft) where he proclaimed it to have been "the hardest ride I have ever done".[12]

The record stood until January 1984, when Francesco Moser set a new record at 51.151 km (31.784 mi). This was the first noted use of disc wheels, which, along with Moser's skin suit, provided aerodynamic gains. Moser's record would eventually be moved in 1997 to "best human effort".[12]

1990s: non-traditional riding positions

[edit]

In 1993 and 1994, Graeme Obree, who built his own bikes, posted two records with his hands tucked under his chest. In 1994, Moser set the veteran's record in Mexico City, riding 51.840 km (32.212 mi)[13] with bullhorn handlebars, steel airfoil tubing, disk wheels and skinsuit. Moser's distance beat his 1984 record and Obree's 1993 ride.

In May 1994, the UCI outlawed the "praying mantis" style. Spaniard Miguel Induráin and Swiss Tony Rominger subsequently broke the record with a more traditional tri-bar setup; Rominger rode 55.291 km.

Lotus Type 108 bicycle
The Lotus 108 bicycle, a forerunner to the Lotus 110 Chris Boardman used to set a new hour record of 56.375 km (35.030 mi) in 1996.

Chris Boardman took up the challenge using a modified version of the Lotus 110 bicycle, a successor to the earlier Lotus 108 bicycle he'd ridden to victory at the 1992 Olympic Games. South African company Aerodyne Technology built the frame. Boardman set the UCI Absolute record of 56.375 km (35.030 mi) in 1996, using another position pioneered by Obree, his arms out in front in a "Superman" position. This too was considered controversial by the UCI, and while the record was allowed to stand, the position was banned. This enabled Boardman's 1996 record to stand for about 26 years. In October 2022, Filippo Ganna unified the records, beating Boardman's best human effort record and Daniel Bigham's official UCI Hour record on a traditionally shaped, though uniquely manufactured, bicycle.[12]

1997 UCI rule change

[edit]

With the increasing gap between modern bicycles and what was available at the time of Merckx's record, the UCI established two records in 1997:

  • UCI Hour Record: which restricted competitors to roughly the same equipment as Merckx, banning time trial helmets, disc or tri-spoke wheels, aerodynamic bars, and monocoque frames.
  • Best Human Effort: also known as the UCI "Absolute" Record[12] in which modern equipment was permitted.

As a result of the 1997 rule change, all records since 1972, including Boardman's 56.375 km (35.030 mi) in 1996, were moved to Best Human Effort and the distance of Eddy Merckx set in 1972 once more became the official UCI benchmark. In 2000, Boardman attempted the UCI record on a traditional bike, and rode 49.441 km (30.721 mi), topping Merckx by 10 metres (32.8 ft), an improvement of 0.02%.

In 2005, Ondřej Sosenka improved Boardman's performance at 49.700 km (30.882 mi) using a 54×13 gear. However, Sosenka failed a doping control in 2001 and then again in 2008, the latter resulting in a career-ending suspension which puts in doubt the validity of his record. All women's records from 1986 to 1996 were recategorized to Best Human Effort.

Hour record holders (men's)

[edit]

Hour record holders (women's)

[edit]

UCI unified hour record (2014–present)

[edit]

Unified rule change (2014)

[edit]
The bike used by Jens Voigt in the first attempt under the unified regulations in 2014
Current hour record holder Filippo Ganna, pictured here at the 2020 UCI Track Cycling World Championships

In 2014, the UCI unified the two classifications into a single classification in line with regulations for current track pursuit bikes. Records previously removed for Chris Boardman and Graeme Obree were returned, however the benchmark record would remain at 49.7 km (30.9 mi) set in 2005 by Ondrej Sosenka, even though that was not the farthest distance.[26][27] Under the new regulations riders may use any bike allowed by the UCI standards for endurance track events in place at the time of the attempt.[28]

Riders are required to be part of the athlete biological passport program.[29] However, of the men to attempt the record since the rule change, only five were on a UCI World Tour team at the time: Jens Voigt of Trek Factory Racing,[30] Rohan Dennis of the BMC Racing Team, Alex Dowsett of the Movistar Team, Victor Campenaerts of Lotto Soudal, Filippo Ganna of Ineos Grenadiers. Matthias Brändle was with IAM Cycling, then a UCI Professional Continental team. Jack Bobridge was on Team Budget Forklifts, an Australian UCI Continental team. Thomas Dekker had been released from World Tour team Garmin–Sharp several months before. Gustav Larsson was riding for the Professional Continental team Cult Energy Pro Cycling, whilst Bradley Wiggins had left the World Tour's Team Sky shortly before his attempt, which was made in the colours of his own UCI Continental team WIGGINS.

As of October 2022, 26 attempts have been made for the men's record, eight successfully, while nine attempts have been made on the women's record, six of them successfully.

Unified hour record attempts (men's)

[edit]

Following the change in the rules, German Jens Voigt became the first rider to attempt the hour, on 18 September 2014 at the Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland.[31][32] He set a new record of 51.110 km (31.758 mi), beating the previous record set by Sosenka by 1.41 km (0.88 mi).[12] On 30 October 2014, Matthias Brändle set a new record of 51.852 km (32.219 mi) at the World Cycling Center in Aigle, Switzerland.

Further attempts by Australians Jack Bobridge and Rohan Dennis, and the Dutchman Thomas Dekker came within a few weeks, between 31 January and 25 February 2015. Dennis was the only one of the three to set a new record, and in doing so was the first rider to cover more than 52 kilometres (32.3 mi). Dekker's attempt at the Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome was the first attempt to take place at appreciable altitude. Aguascalientes is at 1,890 m (6,200 ft) above sea level, while Melbourne is at only 31 m (102 ft), and, although in Switzerland, Grenchen and Aigle are at 451 m (1,480 ft) and 415 m (1,362 ft) respectively, and not in the mountains. High altitude is thought to result in faster times, providing the rider takes the time to acclimatise to the conditions.[33] This is because the air density decreases with an increase in altitude, which reduces the aerodynamic drag.[34]

Having postponed an earlier scheduled attempt due to a broken collarbone incurred in a crash while training, British cyclist Alex Dowsett exceeded Dennis's mark, with a new record of 52.937 km (32.894 mi), at Manchester Velodrome on 2 May 2015.[35]

On 7 June 2015, Sir Bradley Wiggins broke Dowsett's record, by completing a distance of 54.526 km (33.881 mi) at the Lee Valley VeloPark in London.[36]

On 16 April 2019, Victor Campenaerts was the first to exceed 55 km/h by completing a distance of 55.089 km (34.231 mi) at the Velodromo Bicentenario in Aguascalientes.[37]

The UCI rules require an athlete to participate in its anti-doping system, including having a biological passport. When Daniel Bigham rode 54.723 km (34.003 mi) to break Wiggins's British national record on 1 October 2021[38] he was ineligible to attempt the UCI record as he was not part of the anti-doping system, estimating it would cost him £8,000.[39]

Men's UCI hour record attempts and record holders (since the rule revision in 2014)[14][15]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
18 September 2014 Germany Jens Voigt 43 Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland (altitude 450m) 51.110
(New record)
United States Trek Bicycle Corporation[40] Triathlon handlebar, Trek carbon fibre tubing frame, disc wheels,[41] chain on a 55/14 gear ratio.[42] First attempt under the new rule-set and oldest record holder at 43 years old and one day.
Set new German national record.
30 October 2014 Austria Matthias Brändle 24 World Cycling Centre Aigle, Switzerland (altitude 380m) 51.852
(New record)
Switzerland IAM Cycling[43] Triathlon handlebar, SCOTT carbon fibre tubing frame, disc wheels, chain on a 55/13 gear ratio.[42] Set new Austrian national record.
31 January 2015 Australia Jack Bobridge 24 Darebin International Sports Centre, Melbourne, Australia 51.300
(Failure)
Australia Cycling Australia[44] Triathlon handlebar, Cervelo carbon fibre tubing frame, disc wheels. Failed to set new hour record.
Beat Brad McGee's previous Australian national record of 50.300 km set in 2000.[45]
8 February 2015 Australia Rohan Dennis 24 Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland (altitude 450m) 52.491
(New record)
United States BMC Racing Team Triathlon handlebar, BMC carbon fibre tubing frame, disc wheels, chain on a 56/14 gear ratio.[46] Beat Jack Bobridge's previous Australian national record of 51.300 km set in January 2015.
25 February 2015 Netherlands Thomas Dekker 30 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 52.221
(Failure)
Netherlands Koga[47] Koga TeeTeeTrack with Mavic Comete Track wheels, Koga components, Rotor cranks with a KMC (3/32") chain on a 58/14 gear ratio.[48] First attempt at altitude (2000 m). Failed to set new hour record.
Set new Dutch national record.
14 March 2015 Sweden Gustav Larsson 34 Manchester Velodrome, Manchester, United Kingdom 50.016
(Failure)
United Kingdom Revolution Series
Denmark Cult Energy Pro Cycling[49]
Ridley carbon track bike with front and rear disc wheels, triathlon handlebars. Failed to set new hour record.
Set new Swedish national record, beating previous record of 45.335 km.[50]
2 May 2015 United Kingdom Alex Dowsett 26 Manchester Velodrome, Manchester, United Kingdom[51] 52.937
(New record)
Spain Movistar Team Canyon Speedmax WHR carbon track bike, with Campagnolo Pista disc wheels, Pista crankset with 54 or 55 or 56t chainring.[52][53] Set new British national record, beating Chris Boardman's record of 49.441 km set in 2000.
7 June 2015 United Kingdom Bradley Wiggins 35 Lee Valley VeloPark, London, United Kingdom[54] 54.526
(New record)
United Kingdom Team Wiggins Pinarello Bolide HR, SRAM Crankset,[55] modified front fork, custom printed handlebars,[56] 58/14 gear ratio.[57] Set new British national record, beating Alex Dowsett's record.

Set CURRENT sea-level world best.

21 March 2016 Switzerland Micah Gross Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland 48.255
(Failure)
Switzerland RSC Aaretal Münsingen Set a new Swiss national record, beating the previous record of 48.199 km.[58]
16 September 2016 United States Tom Zirbel 37 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 53.037
(Failure)
United States Rally Cycling Modified Diamondback Serios time trial bike, fitted with special HED disc wheels[59] and a gearing of 53/13[60] Failed to set new hour record.
Set new American national record, beating Norman Alvis' record of 51.505 km set in 1997.[61]
28 January 2017 Denmark Martin Toft Madsen 31 Ballerup Super Arena, Ballerup, Denmark[62] 52.114
(Failure)
Denmark BHS–Almeborg Bornholm Argon 18 Electron Pro, Mavic Comete discs, SRM + Fibre-Lyte chain ring, and a gearing of 54/13 Failed to set new hour record. Attempt voided for doping, after Madsen's consumption of a contaminated food supplement.
25 February 2017 Switzerland Marc Dubois Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland 48.337
(Failure)
Switzerland Team Humard Vélo-Passion RB1213 track bike with double DT Swiss disc wheels Set a new Swiss national record, beating the previous record of 48.255 km held by Micah Gross.[63]
2 July 2017 Poland Wojciech Ziolkowski 32 Arena Pruszków, Pruszków, Poland 49.470
(Failure)
Poland Team JF Duet Prinzwear BMC Trackmachine TR01, Mavic Comete disc wheels, Custom Prinzwear TT Suit Set a new Polish national record, beating the previous record of 47.618 km held by Andrzej Bartkiewicz.[64]
7 October 2017 Denmark Mikkel Bjerg 18 Odense Cykelbane, Odense, Denmark[65] 52.311
(Failure)
Denmark Team Giant–Castelli Giant trinity track bike, Mavic disc wheels Failed to set new hour record.
Set new Danish national record, beating Ole Ritter's record of 48.879 km set in 1974.
11 January 2018 Denmark Martin Toft Madsen 32 Ballerup Super Arena, Ballerup, Denmark[66] 52.324
(Failure)
Denmark BHS–Almeborg Bornholm Argon 18 Electron Pro, Mavic Comete discs, SRM + Fibre-Lyte chain ring, and a gearing of 54/13 Failed to set new hour record.
Set new Danish national record, beating Mikkel Bjerg's record of 52.311 km set in 2017.
26 July 2018 Denmark Martin Toft Madsen 33 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico[67] 53.630
(Failure)
Denmark BHS–Almeborg Bornholm Argon 18 Electron Pro, Mavic Comete discs, SRM + Fibre-Lyte chain ring, and a gearing of 54/13 Failed to set new hour record.
Set new Danish national record, beating his own previous record of 52.324 km set in January 2018.[68]
22 August 2018 Netherlands Dion Beukeboom 29 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico[69] 52.757
(Failure)
Netherlands Vlasman Cycling Team Customized Giant Trinity road frame, with a gearing of 58/14 Failed to set new hour record.
Set new Dutch national record.
4 October 2018 Denmark Mikkel Bjerg 19 Odense Cykelbane, Odense, Denmark[70] 53.730
(Failure)
United States Hagens Berman Axeon Giant trinity track bike, Mavic disc wheels Failed to set new hour record.
Set new Danish national record, beating Martin Toft Madsen's record of 53.630 km set in July 2018.
16 April 2019 Belgium Victor Campenaerts 27 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico (altitude 1887m)[71] 55.089
(New record)
Belgium Lotto Soudal Ridley Arena Hour Record bike, 330mm custom handlebars, custom handlebar extensions specifically moulded for Campenaerts's forearms, F-Surface Plus aero paint, Campagnolo drivetrain, full carbon disc Campagnolo Ghibli wheels, C-Bear bottom bracket bearings.[72] Set new hour record
Set new Belgian national record[37]
13 August 2019 Denmark Martin Toft Madsen 34 Odense Cykelbane, Odense, Denmark[73] 53.975
(Failure)
Denmark BHS–Almeborg Bornholm Failed to set new hour record.
Set new Danish national record, beating Mikkel Bjerg's record of 53.730 km set in October 2018.
6 October 2019 Denmark Mathias Norsgaard 22 Odense Cykelbane, Odense, Denmark[74] 52.061
(Failure)
Denmark Riwal-Readynez Failed to set new hour record.
18 September 2020 Switzerland Claudio Imhof 30 Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland (altitude 450m) 52.116
(Failure)
Set new Swiss national record.
23 October 2020 Canada Lionel Sanders 32 Milton, Canada[75] 51.304
(Failure)
Germany Canyon Bicycles Set new Canadian national record, beating Ed Veal's record of 48.587 km set in September 2017
3 November 2021 United Kingdom Alex Dowsett 33 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico (altitude 1887m)[76] 54.555
(Failure)
United Kingdom Factor Bikes Factor Hanzo time trial bike (track version), Aerocoach Aten chainring with 61/13 gearing, Aerocoach Ascalon extensions, custom Vorteq skinsuit, HED Volo disc wheels, Izumi Super Toughness KAI chain[77] Failed to set new hour record. Set new British national record.
19 August 2022 United Kingdom Daniel Bigham 30 Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland (altitude 450m) 55.548
(New record)
United Kingdom Ineos Grenadiers Prototype Pinarello Bolide F HR 3D[78] Set new hour record
8 October 2022 Italy Filippo Ganna 26 Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland (altitude 450m) 56.792
(New record)
United Kingdom Ineos Grenadiers Pinarello Bolide F HR 3D, 64t chain ring, 14t rear sprocket, Princeton Carbonworks wheelset, custom Bioracer Katana suit[78] Set new hour record
Beat Boardman's Best Human Effort
14 August 2025 United Kingdom Charlie Tanfield 28 Konya Velodrome, Konya, Turkey (altitude 1200m) 53.976
(Failure)
United Kingdom British Cycling Hope-Lotus HB.T[79] Failed to set new hour record.


Unified hour record attempts (women's)

[edit]
Former record holder, Evelyn Stevens (pictured in 2009)

The last women's hour record before the unified rule change was set on 1 October 2003 by Leontien van Moorsel, with a distance of 46.065 km (28.623 mi).

In December 2014, it was announced that British Paralympian Sarah Storey would be the first woman to attempt the record following the unified rule change. She attempted the record on 28 February 2015 at Lee Valley Velo Park in London, setting new British, Para-Cycling and Masters Age 35–39 records but missing out on the Elite record with a distance of 45.502 km (28.274 mi).[80]

American Molly Shaffer Van Houweling broke the women's UCI Hour Record, riding a distance of 46.273 km (28.753 mi) on 12 September 2015 in Aguascalientes, Mexico.[81] Van Houweling had set three new US Hour Records in the year prior. The first was set on 15 December 2014, in Carson, California, with a distance of 44.173 km (27.448 mi). The second was set on 25 February 2015, in Aguascalientes with a distance of 45.637 km (28.358 mi). The third was set on 3 July 2015, also in Aguascalientes, with a distance of 46.088 km (28.638 mi). This last mark was also the Pan-American and World Masters Age 40–44 record at the time, and exceeded the distance of the UCI hour record of van Moorsel. However, it did not qualify as the UCI Hour Record because Van Houweling had only been enrolled in the athlete biological passport program for three and a half months prior to setting this record. The UCI requires that riders be enrolled in this program for 5–10 months before they are eligible to set this mark.[82][83] From 24 August 2015, Van Houweling was eligible to attempt the UCI Hour Record.[84]

In October 2015, Australian rider Bridie O'Donnell announced her intention to aim for the hour record in January 2016. She broke the women's hour at the Adelaide Super-Drome on 22 January 2016, riding 46.882 km (29.131 mi). She was aged 41 years. Her record was broken by American rider Evelyn Stevens in the next month - the new record was 47.980 km (29.813 mi), more than a kilometre nearer to the 50 km (31 mi) barrier.

Italian rider Vittoria Bussi, after two unsuccessful attempts on 7 October 2017[85] and on 12 September 2018, broke Stevens' world record by 27 metres riding 48.007 km (29.830 mi) on 13 September 2018.[86]

British cyclist Joss Lowden set a new world record on 30 September 2021 with a distance of 48.405 km (30.077 mi), beating the previous record by just under 400 metres,[87] and also surpassing Jeannie Longo's Best Human Effort distance. Lowden completed a total of 193 laps of the Tissot Velodrome in Grenchen, Switzerland.[88]

On October 13, 2023, Vittoria Bussi set the world record again, at the Velodromo Bicentenario in Mexico, with a 50.267km distance.[89]

Women's UCI hour record attempts and record holders (since the rule revision in 2014)
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
28 February 2015 United Kingdom Sarah Storey 37 Lee Valley VeloPark, London, United Kingdom 45.502
(Failure)
United Kingdom Revolution Series Ridley Arena Carbon track bike with triathlon bars, Pro rear disc wheel, front disk wheel, Shimano Dura-Ace groupset.[90]
Beat Yvonne McGregor's previous British national record of 43.689 set in April 2002. New C5 Para-record, New Masters Age 35–39 record.[91]
12 September 2015 United States Molly Shaffer Van Houweling 42 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico (altitude 1887m) 46.273
(New record)
Metromint Cycling Cervelo T4 track bike with double Mavic Comete discwheels, running 56/14 gear ratio.[81][92]
Beat her own national record of 46.088 km set on 3 July 2015, also in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

[81][92]

22 January 2016 Australia Bridie O'Donnell 41 Super-Drome, Adelaide, Australia 46.882
(New record)
Cervelo T4 track bike.[93]
Set a new World Record, new sea-level World Best and National Record, besting Anna Wilson's former Australian national record of 43.501 km (set on October 18, 2000).[94]
27 February 2016 United States Evelyn Stevens 32 OTC Velodrome, Colorado, United States of America (altitude 1840m) 47.980
(New record)
Netherlands Team SD Worx–Protime
United States USA Cycling
Specialized Shiv modified for the track, SRAM groupset with 53t or 54t chainrings, Zipp 900 front wheel, Zipp Super 9 rear disc, Bioracer skinsuit.
Beat American national record.
Outdoor 333.3 meter banked cement track.[95][96][97]
21 July 2017 New Zealand Jaime Nielsen 32 Avantidrome, Cambridge, New Zealand 47.791
(Failure)

Failed to beat the absolute hour record. Set CURRENT sea-level world's best. New Zealand national record.[98]
7 October 2017 Italy Vittoria Bussi 30 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 47.576
(Failure)
Giant Trinity track bike with Walker Brothers double-disc wheels
Failed to beat the hour record.
Beat Italian national record[85][99]
13 September 2018 Italy Vittoria Bussi 31 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico (altitude 1887m) 48.007
(New record)
Endura skin suit, HVMN Ketone, and Liv Bike [100]
Failed to beat the hour record one day before, abandoning after 40 minutes.
Beat the hour record by 27 metres the next day.[86]
30 September 2021 United Kingdom Joscelin Lowden 33 Velodrome Suisse in Grenchen, Switzerland (altitude 450m) 48.405
(New record)
United Kingdom Drops–Le Col LeCol x McLaren Skinsuit, Poc Tempor Helmet Argon18 Electron Pro track frame, WattShop Cratus chainrings (64x15 gear ratio) and WattShop Pentaxia Olympic/Anemoi handlebars/extensions, FFWD Disc-T SL wheels (front and rear w/ 23c Vittoria Pista tyres). Lowden may have used an 8.5mm pitch chain supplied by New Motion Labs.[88]

Beat Vittoria Bussi's record by 398 metres, and Jeannie Longo's best human effort by 246 metres.

23 May 2022 Netherlands Ellen van Dijk 35 Velodrome Suisse in Grenchen, Switzerland (altitude 450m) 49.254
(New record)
Trek Speed Concept, Bontrager Race Space handlebar, Zipp Sub 9 Track wheels, Bontrager Hilo XXX saddle, 58x14 gear ratio[101]

Beat Joscelin Lowden's record by 849 metres.[102]

13 October 2023 Italy Vittoria Bussi 36 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico (altitude 1887m) 50.267
(New record)[89]

Beat Ellen van Dijk's record by 1013 metres.[103]

10 May 2025 Italy Vittoria Bussi 37 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico (altitude 1887m) 50.455
(New record)

Beat her own record by 188 metres.

Statistics

[edit]

Para-cycling records

[edit]

The new regulations for the making of accepted hour record attempts were extended to para-cycling in 2016.[104] Although the first attempt on the hour record for women after the amendments to the regulations was made by Paralympian Sarah Storey, it was not a ratified attempt on the women's C5 hour record under the new conditions, which at that point still did not extend to paracycling – albeit that Storey's effort is recognized as a best C5 performance under the new rules, in addition to a British and masters world hour record in able-bodied cycling.

The first attempt on a para-cycling hour record after the new regulations were extended to para-cycling was by Irishman Colin Lynch in the C2 category, bettering the accepted best performance previously set by Laurent Thirionet in 1999 by 2 kilometres, and setting the first 'ratified' para-cycling world hour record. The mark of 43.133 km was achieved on 1 October at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, Great Britain.[104]

Men's UCI para-cycling hour record

[edit]
Unified regulations (since 2016)
C1 Men's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
1 December 2018 Germany Michael Teuber 50 Berlin, Germany 42.583 [106]
C2 Men's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
1 October 2016 Republic of Ireland Colin Lynch 45 Manchester Velodrome, Manchester, England 43.133
16 July 2022[107] Belgium Ewoud Vromant 39 Tissot Velodrome, Grenchen, Switzerland 46.521
C5 Men's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
14 August 2025[108] United Kingdom William Bjergfelt 46 Konya Velodrome, Konya, Turkey 51.471 First Para-cyclist in history go beyond 50km

Women's UCI para-cycling hour record

[edit]
Unified regulations (since 2016)
C5 Women's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
28 February 2015 United Kingdom Sarah Storey 37 Manchester Velodrome Manchester, England 45.502
(New record)

Historical para-cycling hour record

[edit]
Men's UCI para-cycling hour record – Best Hour Performance & Absolute Hour Record (1991–2016)
C5 Men's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
11 September 1991 France Francisco Trujillo Bordeaux, France 44.661 Best Hour Performance
13 December 2014 Italy Andrea Tarlao Montichiari Velodrome, Montichiari, Italy 47.569 Absolute Hour Record
C3 & CP3 Men's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
25 September 1995 United Kingdom Thomas Evans Manchester Velodrome Manchester, England 40.070 Best Hour Performance
8 January 2005 United Kingdom Darren Kenny Manchester Velodrome Manchester, England 41.817 Best Hour Performance
14 February 2009 United Kingdom Darren Kenny Copenhagen, Denmark 40.516 Absolute Hour Record
C2 Men's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
6 November 1999 France Laurent Thirionet Bordeaux, France 41.031 Best Hour Performance
C1 Men's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
8 May 2005 Germany Michael Teuber 37 Augsburg, Germany 39.326 Best Hour Performance
Tandem Men's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
11 November 1994 Netherlands Jan Mulder
Netherlands Richard Belmer
Moscow, Russia 48.696 Best Hour Performance
29 November 1997 France Herve Dechamp
France Guy Rouchouzo
Bordeaux, France 49.625 Best Hour Performance
Women's UCI para-cycling hour record – Best Hour Performance & Absolute Hour Record (1991–2016)
C5 Women's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
28 February 2015 United Kingdom Sarah Storey Lee Valley VeloPark, England 45.502
Tandem Women's UCI para-cycling hour record holders[105]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
19 September 2005 Australia Lindy Hou
Toireasa Gallagher
Dunc Gray Velodrome, Sydney, Australia 42.930 Absolute Hour Record

Masters records

[edit]

Current records by age-group

[edit]
Age group Male record [109] Distance (KM) Female record [110] Distance (KM)
30–34  Spencer Seggebruch (USA) 50.686  Roxana Islas Garcia (MEX) 41.564
35–39  Gert Fouche (RSA) 51.599  Jane Emans (CAN) 42.425
40–44  James Ogilvie (AUS) 51.228  Molly Shaffer Van Houweling (USA) 47.061
45–49  Rob Scarlett (NZ) 51.623  Molly Shaffer Van Houweling (USA) 47.080
50–54  Patrick Warner (USA) 51.013  Anna Davis (AUS) 44.427
55–59  Patrick Warner (USA) 51.061[111]  Anna Davis (AUS) 45.213
60–64  Peter Megdal (USA) 47.430  Elizabeth Heller (USA) 42.194
65–69  Peter Megdal (USA) 47.220  Jan Palchikoff (USA) 40.416
70–74  Scott Hennessy (USA) 43.216  Jan Palchikoff (USA) 38.191
75–79  Atty Duijn (NED) 38.903  Elizabeth Randall (AUS) 36.352
80–84  Derek Steel (CAN) 39.836  Patricia Baker (USA) 27.447
85–89  Walter Fowler (GBR) 34.602 No record set
90–94  Carl Grove (USA) 34.498 No record set
95–99  Reg Rye (NZL) 20.151 No record set
100–104  Robert Marchand (FRA) 26.925 No record set
105+  Robert Marchand (FRA) 22.546 No record set

Men's UCI Masters best performances

[edit]
Best Performances
Age 30–34
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
20 November 2004 United States Curtis Gunn VELO Sports Center, Carson, United States of America 47.764
(New record)
[112]
29 July 2017 United Kingdom Ryan Davies Newport Velodrome, Newport, Wales 48.234
(New record)
[113]
24 September 2017 Canada David Hainish Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Milton, Canada 45.325
(Failed)
Failed to beat the previous hour record. Set a new national record.[114]
21 July 2019 Poland Piotr Klin Arena Pruszków, Pruszków, Poland 49.649(New record)
18 August 2021 Poland Piotr Klin Aguascalientes, Mexico 50.094
(New record)
[109]
15 September 2023 United States Spencer Seggebruch Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland (altitude 450m) 50.686
(New record)
Age 35–39
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
26 April 2009 United States Jayson Austin Dunc Gray Velodrome, Sydney, Australia 48.315
(New record)
[115]
6 October 2015 Belgium Filip Speybrouck 39 Manchester Velodrome Manchester, England 48.743
(New record)
[113]
21 December 2017 New Zealand Rob Scarlett 38 Cambridge, New Zealand 48.922
(New record)
[116]
22 August 2019 South Africa Gert Fouche 39 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 51.599
(New record)
Age 40–44
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
9 February 2013 Australia Jayson Austin 43 Dunc Gray Velodrome, Sydney, Australia 48.411
(New record)
[113]
24 September 2017 Canada Ed Veal Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Milton, Canada 48.587
(New record)
[114]
27 January 2020 Australia James Ogilvie 40 Melbourne Arena Melbourne, Victoria 51.228
(New record)
[109]
Age 45–49
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
25 September 1999 United States Kent Bostick Manchester Velodrome Manchester, England 49.361
(New record)
[113]
22 November 2016 Republic of Ireland Greg Swinand OTC Velodrome, Colorado, United States of America 46.895
(Failed)
Planet X track bike Set a new Irish national hour record, beating the previous record of 46.166 of Tommy Evans – set in 1999 – by 729 metres[117]
20 July 2017 United States Dan Bryant 47 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 47.458
(Failed)
Peet's Coffee Cycling Team [118]
22 September 2018 United States Colby Pearce 47 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 50.245
(New record)
7 October 2020  Igor Kopse (SLO) 46 Velodrom Novo Mesto, Novo Mesto, Slovenia 50.590

(New record)

[109]
Age 50–54
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
44.890
(New record)
[119]
10 December 2009 United States Keith Ketterer 53 Home Depot Center velodrome, Carson, United States of America 45.386
(New record)
[120]
9 October 2012 United Kingdom Charles McCulloch Manchester Velodrome Manchester, England 47.960
(New record)
[121]
4 October 2015 Republic of Ireland John Madden 50 Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, France 45.799
(Failed)
[121]
6 November 2016 France Pascal Montier 53 Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, France 48.892
(New record)
[113]
24 September 2017 Canada Michael Nash Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Milton, Canada 46.434
(Failed)
Failed to beat the previous records. Set a new Canadian national record.
6 October 2017 United States Norman Alvis 54 OTC Velodrome, Colorado, United States of America 49.392
(New record)
Argon 18 Electron Pro, Mavic Comet front and rear disc wheels, 53/13 gearing[122] Set a new US Masters national hour record, beating the previous distance of 48.112 km (also held by Alvis).
17 November 2017 Republic of Ireland Greg Swinand Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 48.469
(Failed)
Planet X track bike Set a new Irish national hour record, beating his own previous record of 46.860 km – set a year earlier in Colorado[123]
29 September 2019 United States Norman Alvis 56 OTC Velodrome, Colorado, United States of America 49.383
(New record)
22 June 2022  Patrick Warner (USA) Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 51.013
(New record)
[109]
Age 55–59
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
29 January 2012 United States Keith Ketterer 57 Home Depot Center velodrome, Carson, United States of America 45.019
(New record)
[120]
19 March 2016 New Zealand Jim McMurray 55 Cambridge, New Zealand 47.733
(New record)
[113]
20 July 2017 United States Kevin Metcalfe 55 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 49.121
(New record)
Peet's Coffee Cycling Team [118]
18 August 2021 United States Norman Alvis Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 49.387(New record) [109]
Age 60–64
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
United States Kenny Fuller 61 44.228
(New record)
[124]
30 September 2015 United Kingdom Robert Gilmour 64 Newport Velodrome, Newport, Wales 44.349
(New record)
Hounslow & District Wheelers 49x14 gearing with a trispoke front and a rear disc, fitted with track tubulars[113][124]
31 January 2020 Slovenia Andrej Žavbi 60 Arena Pruszków, Pruszków, Poland 45.732
(New record)
Alenka Žavbi Kunaver S WORKS SHIV TT bike, VISION METRON track disk, BERK DILA seddle Chainring 56, Track Cog 14
29 April 2021 Slovenia Andrej Žavbi 61 Velodrom Novo Mesto, Novo Mesto, Slovenia 46.255
(New record)
Alenka Žavbi Kunaver S WORKS SHIV TT bike, VISION METRON track disk, BERK DILA seddle Chainring 57, Track Cog 14
8 May 2021 New Zealand Jim McMurray 60 Cambridge, New Zealand 47.360
(New record)
[109]
Age 65–69
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
11 October 2012 Netherlands Jim Brander 65 Manchester Velodrome Manchester, England 43.742
(New record)
[112]
26 October 2016 United Kingdom Robert Gilmour 65 Newport Velodrome, Newport, Wales 44.271
(New record)
Hounslow & District Wheelers [113]
23 February 2020 Australia Roger Cull 66 Dunc Gray Velodrome, Sydney, Australia 44.62
(New record)
[125]
24 August 2024 Canada Ralph Schatzmair 65 Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Milton, Canada 44.662

(New Record)

[139]
8 February 2025 Slovenia Andrej Žavbi 65 Novo mesto Velodrome, Novo mesto, Slovenia 46.142
(New record)
Kolesarska zveza Slovenije [126]
Age 70–74
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
14 September 2014 United Kingdom Mike Cotgreave 70 Newport Velodrome, Newport, Wales 41.227
(New record)
[113]
15 July 2017 United States Scott Hennessy 70 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 43.216
(New record)
[116]
Age 75–79
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
33.000
(New record)
[127]
October 2012 Italy Giuseppe Marinoni 75 Montichiari Velodrome, Montichiari, Italy 35.728
(New record)
[127]
29 July 2014 United States Jim Turner 75 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 38.494
(New record)
[113]
28 March 2022  Atty Duijn (NED) Amsterdam, Netherlands 38.903
(New record)
[109]
Age 80–84
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
2014 United Kingdom Sidney Schuman 84 Lee Valley VeloPark, London, United Kingdom 28.388
(New record)
London Cycling Campaign Condor track bike [128]
October 2015 New Zealand Peter Grandiek SIT Velodrome, Southland, New Zealand 29.187
(New record)
[127][129][130]
29 October 2015 United Kingdom Walter Fowler 81 Newport Velodrome, Newport, Wales 35.772
(New record)
Stourbridge Cycling Club [127][129][131]
25 June 2016 France Paul Martinez 82 Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines,

Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, France

38.657
(New record)
[113]
20 August 2017 Italy Giuseppe Marinoni Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Milton, Canada 38.334
(Failed)
Marinoni bike, 53/14 gearing [132]
24 September 2017 Italy Giuseppe Marinoni Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Milton, Canada 39.004
(New record)
Marinoni bike, 53/14 gearing [114]
Age 85–89
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
8 October 2016 France Gilbert Douillard 87 Vélodrome du Lac, Bordeaux, France 34.095
(New record)
[116]
22 September 2019 United Kingdom Walter Fowler 85 Newport Velodrome, Newport, Wales 34.602
(New record)
Stourbridge Cycling Club [133]
Age 90–94
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
23 October 2017 France René Gaillard 90 Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines,

Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, France

29.278
(New record)
Cyclosport Club de Vesoul [134]
6 August 2019 United States Carl Grove 91 OTC Velodrome, Colorado, United States of America 34.498
(New record)
[135]
Age 95–99
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
27 April 2019 New Zealand Reg Rye 96 Cambridge, New Zealand 20.886
(New record)
Avantidrome Velodrome [136]
Age 100–104
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
1 February 2012 France Robert Marchand 101 World Cycling Centre Aigle, Switzerland 24.250
(New record)
[137]
31 October 2014 France Robert Marchand 103 Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines,

Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, France

26.925
(New record)
[113]
Age 105+
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
4 January 2017 France Robert Marchand 105 Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines,

Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, France

22.546
(New record)
[113]

Women's UCI Masters best performances

[edit]
Best Performances [110]
Age 30–34
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
6 April 2012 Mexico Roxana Islas Garcia 30 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 41.564
(New record)
[138]
Age 35–39
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
2000 United States Jacqui Lockwood Manchester Velodrome Manchester, England 40.7556
(New record)
[139][140]
14 March 2015 South Africa Adelia Reynek 38 Dunc Gray Velodrome, Sydney, Australia 41.386
(New record)
Midland Cycle Club [139]
14 May 2016 United Kingdom Clarice Chung 35 Newport Velodrome, Newport, Wales 42.116
(New record)
SSLL Racing Team Cervelo T4 track bike, Zipp disc wheels[141] [138]
24 September 2017 Canada Jane Emans Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Milton, Canada 42.425
(New record)
[142]
Age 40–44
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
3 July 2015 United States Molly Shaffer Van Houweling 42 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 46.088
(New record)
Metromint Cycling Cervelo T4 track bike with double Mavic Comete discwheels, running 56/14 gear ratio. [81][92]
14 July 2017 United States Molly Shaffer Van Houweling 44 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 47.061
(New record)
[138]
Age 45–49
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
10 September 2006 United States Lilian Pfluke Manchester Velodrome Manchester, England 41.2397
(New record)
[142][143]
24 September 2017 Canada Jody Levine Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Milton, Canada 38.156
(Failure)
24 September 2018 United States Molly Shaffer Van Houweling 46 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 46.897
(New record)
[110]
19 August 2019 United States Molly Shaffer Van Houweling 47 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 47.080
(New record)
[110]
Age 50–54
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
19 March 2011 Italy Patrizia Spadaccini 51 Montichiari Velodrome, Montichiari, Italy 39.402
(New record)
[138]
26 March 2017 Australia Anna Davis 52 Melbourne Arena Melbourne, Victoria 43.206
(New record)
[142]
24 September 2017 Canada Bryn Currie Mattamy National Cycling Centre, Milton, Canada 40.366
(Failed)
Failed to beat the previous record. Set a new national record.[114]
9 March 2018 Australia Anna Davis 53 Melbourne Arena Melbourne, Victoria 44.427
(New record)
[110]
Age 55–59
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
31 October 2014 United States Clemence Ruth 55 VELO Sports Center, Carson, United States of America 40.946
(New record)
[138]
27 January 2020 Australia Anna Davis 55 Melbourne Arena Melbourne, Victoria 43.963
(New record)
4 February 2022 Australia Anna Davis 57 Melbourne Arena Melbourne, Victoria 45.213
(New record)
[110]
Age 60–64
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
31 October 2014 United States Jan Palchikoff 63 VELO Sports Center, Carson, United States of America 41.116
(New record)
[138]
7 April 2019 United States Elizabeth Heller 62 Aguascalientes Bicentenary Velodrome, Aguascalientes, Mexico 42.194
(New record)
[110]
Age 65–69
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
1 March 2010 Australia Elizabeth Randall 65 Melbourne Arena Melbourne, Victoria 37.214
(New record)
[138]
28 September 2017 United States Jan Palchikoff 66 VELO Sports Center, Carson, United States of America 38.191
(New record)
[142]
Age 70–74
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
20 October 2018  Roi Speed (NZL) 72 Cambridge, New Zealand 36.581
(New record)
[110]
12 December 2021 United States Jan Palchikoff 71 Los Angeles, United States of America 40.416
(New record)
[110]
Age 75–79
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
31 October 2014 United States Patricia Baker 75 VELO Sports Center, Carson, United States of America 27.894
(New record)
[138]
10 February 2019 Australia Elizabeth Randall 75 Melbourne Arena Melbourne, Victoria 36.352
(New record)
[110]
Age 80–84
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
1 September 2019 United States Patricia Baker 80 VELO Sports Center, Carson, United States of America 27.447
(New record)
[144]

Junior records

[edit]

Although the UCI does not recognise hour record attempts at the Junior age-group, there have been multiple record attempts made.

Men's UCI hour record attempts and record holders (since the rule revision in 2014)[14][15]
Date Rider Age Velodrome Distance (km) Supported by Equipment Notes
21 November 2016 United States Luke Mullis 17-18 Colorado Springs, USA 47.595
(New record)

Set new national record.[145][146]
29 September 2021 Australia Aston Freeth 17 Adelaide Super-Drôme, Adelaide, Australia 48.480
(New record)
Port Adelaide Cycling Club / South Australian Sports Institute
Set new national record.[147]
14 March 2022 Wales Fred Meredith 17 Geraint Thomas National Velodrome, Newport, Wales 49.184
(New record)
Holohan Coaching Race Team
Set new national record.[148]
17 October 2022 United States Jonas Walton 18 Aguascalientes Velodrome, Mexico 50.792
(New record)

Set new national record.[145]

Other bicycle hour records

[edit]

There are alternative bicycle hour records that do not fit the UCI-sanctioned categories due to a strict definition of a "bicycle" in UCI.[149][citation needed]

Other Hour records
Distance km Rider Gender Hour record type Comments Year
92.439 Switzerland Francesco Russo Men's HPV Vehicle: Metastretto - designed by rider,[150] streamlined 2-wheeled recumbent, backwards ridden, mirror navigated. 2016
84.02 France Barbara Buatois Women's HPV 4th fastest person at the time. Vehicle: Varna Tempest - low-racer, 2-wheeled FWD, SWB, canopy bubble 2009
83.013 Switzerland Rubin Koch, Dominik Dusek Men's HPV multi-rider, HPV tandem,

HPV tricycle.

Vehicle: Cieo Tandem tricycle – Independent drivetrain, captain supine elevated above stoker – laying on back headfirst 2013
81.63 AustraliaKyle Lierich Men's HPV tricycle (single rider) Vehicle: Phantom Mini-T – designed & built by Tim Corbett[151] 2019
66.042 France Barbara Buatois Women's HPV tricycle Vehicle: Varna 24 - Delta trike (two wheels in back), head bubble, FWD
60.61 United States Ron Elder Men's HPV upright position 1989
57.637 Germany Matthias König Men's Recumbent bike – Unfaired Vehicle: Modified M5 highracer recumbent, SRM crankset. Estimated 325 watts power output. 2016
51.31 United States Ron Skarin Men's Streamlined Enclosed Upright Bicycle Titanium road racing bike with stretched fabric fairing by Chet Kyle. First "modern" HPV record. 1979
51.194 England Zac Carr & Glenn Taylor Men's Tandem UK National Tandem. Unconfirmed as World Tandem Record. 2003
50.492 Wales James Coxon Men's Recumbent Tricycle – unfaired Vehicle: Phantom Mini-T – Designed & built by Tim Corbett[152] 2022
46.946 United States Andy Baker & Matti Herz Men's Madison Hour Record Outdoor track, Vehicles: Fixed gear with aerobars 2023
46.7 England Daniel Bigham Men's Road Time Trial (TT) Bike Outdoor track, recorded on Strava. Vehicle: Trek Speed Concept 2015
44.749 Netherlands Jetze Plat Men's Arm Powered Vehicle: Recumbent trike 2019
42.93 Australia Lindy Hou & Toireasa Gallagher Women's Tandem open, Tandem paralympic Visually-impaired stoker (Lindy Hou) 2005
38.154 Slovenia Bor Ceh Men's Cargo Utility Bike Vehicle: Omnium – aerobars, rear 700c disk, front 20 inch, unloaded, wood platform removed due to windy conditions 2018
37.417 United States Erik Skramstad Men's No hands riding.

Mountain bike at altitude.

Vehicle: Aluminium mountain bike 2009
35.258 Czech Republic Eva Navratilova Women's Ice tricycle (unfaired, recumbent) Vehicle: Rear wheel powered, front skate steering, rear outrigger skate 2015
35.245 United States Mike Mowett Men's Mountain bike (low altitude) Outdoor, on hilly loop road. Vehicle: Mountain bike with knobby tires and aerobar, shirtless 2006
34.547 England Chris Opie Men's Penny farthing Unpaced. Also holds paced penny farthing record 35.743 km. (Penny farthing record rules allow pacing.) 2019
33.365 France Simon Jan Men's Unicycle Vehicle: geared 36" unicycle[153] 2021
30.95 Switzerland Manuel Scheidegger Men's Wheelie (riding a bike on one wheel) Outdoor[154] 2020
23.412 Canada Lizanne Wilmot Women's Penny Farthing Unpaced on the Jerry Baker Velodrome in Redmond, Washington USA 2023
20.294 Italy Alberto Bona Men's Penny Farthing, riding using one leg only The left pedal was removed entirely from the penny farthing, ensuring that it could not be used. [155] 2024
19.76 Germany Jochen Glasbrenner Men's Riding using one leg only Outdoor on road time trial bike 2020
19.3 Belgium Jonas De Brauwer Men's Wooden bike Vehicle: Wooden bike built by himself and students, wood chain, 8 spokes, aerobar 2016
17.7 Australia Nigel Barker Men's PediCab/Ricksaw No passenger 2019
0.918 Italy Maria Vittoria Sperotto Women's Slowest hour record Requires gears, no fixed gear, no brakes, always moving forward. Tied with Davide Formolo in Pursuit-style race.[156] 2021
0.918 Italy Davide Formolo Men's Slowest hour record Requires gears, no fixed gear, no brakes, always moving forward. Tied with Maria Sperotto in Pursuit-style race.[156] 2021

Timing of the record

[edit]

At the conclusion of the hour, the rider is inevitably part-way round a lap. They complete that lap (meaning they actually cycle for more than an hour). The distance completed in the hour is determined by adding the fraction of that final lap, calculated from the ratio of the time remaining at the start of that lap to the time taken for that lap, to the preceding completed laps.

Times are required to be measured to a thousandth of a second. Distances are rounded down to a complete metre and records can be beaten only by at least one metre.[157]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Hour record is an individual event in which a rider, starting from a stationary position, attempts to cover the greatest possible distance on a in one hour using a standard upright without brakes or gears. The men's Hour record originated in the late , with the first official mark set by of at 35.325 km in on May 11, 1893. Early progression was slow, influenced by basic technology like penny-farthings, but accelerated in the through innovations such as altitude-assisted attempts in locations like and , where thinner air reduced drag. Key milestones include Fausto Coppi's 45.848 km in 1942, Jacques Anquetil's 46.159 km in 1956, and Eddy Merckx's iconic 49.432 km in 1972, which stood as the benchmark after the (UCI) separated the standard Hour record from the "Best Human Effort" category in 2000 to curb technological excesses. The 2014 UCI rule unification, permitting aerodynamic pursuit bikes with clip-on bars and disc wheels while requiring compliance with the UCI's biological passport for anti-doping, revitalized the discipline, sparking a series of records: (51.115 km, 2014), (52.491 km, 2015), (54.526 km, 2015), (55.089 km, 2019), Dan Bigham (55.548 km, 2022), and Filippo Ganna's current mark of 56.792 km set on October 8, 2022, at the Velodrome in , (as of November 2025). The women's Hour record follows a similar trajectory, commencing with Mademoiselle de Saint-Sauveur's 26.012 km in in July 1893. Pioneers like Hélène Dutrieu (28.780 km, 1893) and Alfonsina Strada (37.192 km, 1911) marked early gains, while post-World War II advancements saw Elsy Jacobs achieve 41.347 km in 1958 and Keetie van Oosten reach 43.082 km in 1978. The , boosted by the 2014 UCI rules, featured Leontien van Moorsel's 46.065 km in 2003, Molly Shaffer Van Houweling's 46.273 km in 2015, Ellen van Dijk's 49.254 km in 2022, and Vittoria Bussi's progression to 50.267 km in 2023 before her current record of 50.455 km on May 10, 2025, at the Velodromo Bicentenario in , (as of November 2025). Regarded as cycling's ultimate test of sustained power output, aerobic capacity, and mental fortitude, the Hour record demands meticulous preparation, including high-cadence pedaling (often exceeding 100 rpm), optimized via custom skinsuits and 3D-printed frames, and conditions at or high altitude. All attempts must adhere to UCI regulations, including solo efforts on approved track bikes and verification through official timing and video evidence, ensuring the event's prestige among elite athletes like and , who innovated radical aerodynamic positions such as the and proner in the before rule restrictions.

Definition and Regulations

Overview of the Hour Record

The Hour Record is the greatest distance cycled in one hour from a on a . Governed by the (UCI), the event requires riders to complete exactly of continuous effort on a without a flying start, emphasizing raw endurance and power output. Regarded as the "" of , the Hour Record holds immense prestige due to its solitary nature and extreme physical demands, testing a rider's aerobic capacity, threshold power, and mental resilience in isolation. Unlike team-based or tactical events, it strips away external variables, focusing solely on individual performance . Basic equipment for the Hour Record consists of track bicycles compliant with UCI regulations for track endurance events, permitting aerodynamic features such as pursuit-style frames, clip-on handlebar extensions, disc wheels, and optimized components while ensuring and fairness. The event is open to professional and riders licensed under UCI , excluding bicycles or those designed for non-track use, with attempts requiring prior approval from national federations and UCI technical verification. Riders must also be enrolled in the UCI Registered Testing Pool and comply with anti-doping protocols, including the biological passport. In distinction from other endurance events like road races, the Hour Record is a pure conducted entirely on an indoor or outdoor , where riders maintain a consistent pace without drafting or competition from others. This format highlights the event's purity as a benchmark of human potential under controlled conditions.

Evolution of UCI Rules

Before the formalization of rules by the (UCI) in 1972, hour record attempts were tracked informally by various cycling organizations and , with minimal oversight and no standardized equipment restrictions, permitting a wide range of bike positions and technologies that evolved alongside early innovations. In 1972, the UCI introduced standardized regulations for the hour record, emphasizing traditional upright riding positions and limiting technological advancements to preserve the event's focus on human endurance, explicitly banning or extreme aerodynamic setups to align with conventional norms. The 1990s saw significant controversies as riders experimented with non-traditional positions, such as Graeme Obree's "" tucked posture and later "" prone extension, alongside Chris Boardman's use of aero bars and streamlined frames, sparking debates over fairness and tradition that pressured the UCI to intervene. In 1997, the UCI responded by establishing two distinct categories—the official UCI Hour Record, which reverted to the 1972 Merckx-era specifications prohibiting extensions, aero bars, helmets, and composite wheels to maintain historical integrity, and the Best Human Effort (or Athlete's Hour), which allowed more advanced equipment—effectively reclassifying post-1972 records into the latter to retroactively apply the stricter standards. This bifurcation persisted until , when the UCI unified the categories into a single modern framework, reversing prior restrictions to permit contemporary aerodynamic track pursuit bikes, positions, and components compliant with existing UCI track endurance event rules, with the goal of revitalizing interest and encouraging more attempts while eliminating the dual-class system. Since 2014, the UCI has made only minor adjustments to the hour record regulations, primarily addressing safety protocols such as enhanced medical supervision and precise via approved timing systems, with no substantive alterations to or positional allowances in force as of November 2025, though updates including minimum handlebar widths and rim depth limits are scheduled for 2026-2027.

Historical Records

Pre-UCI Era (Before 1972)

The hour record in traces its origins to the late , when enthusiasts in began formalizing attempts to cover the greatest distance possible in one hour on a track. The first officially recognized effort occurred on May 11, 1893, when French cyclist rode 35.325 kilometers at the Buffalo Velodrome in , using a standard of the era without advanced or gearing. This milestone, set by the future founder of the , marked the beginning of a pursuit that blended individual endurance with emerging track technology, initially governed loosely by national bodies rather than a unified international authority. In the early 20th century, the record saw significant advancements driven by competitive rivalries and incremental improvements in bicycle design. Swiss rider Oscar Egg dominated this period, setting multiple marks between 1912 and 1914, including a standout 44.247 kilometers on June 18, 1914, at the Vélodrome d'Hiver in Paris aboard a single-speed bike on a cement track. French cyclist Marcel Berthet also contributed notably, breaking Egg's record temporarily in 1913 with 43.775 kilometers before Egg reclaimed it. These efforts highlighted the era's simplicity, with riders relying on wooden or cement velodromes and basic steel frames, often without derailleurs, and distances boosted occasionally by high-altitude venues like Denver in 1898, where American William Hamilton achieved 40.781 kilometers. The interwar and post-World War II periods brought further progress, particularly in the through the , as multi-speed derailleurs became more common, allowing riders to maintain optimal over the hour. Italian Olmo set 45.090 kilometers in 1935 at , followed by compatriot Fausto Coppi's benchmark of 45.848 kilometers on November 7, 1942, also in , using a geared bike on a wooden track that emphasized raw power and pacing strategy. French stars and Roger Rivière advanced the mark in the 1950s, with Anquetil's 46.159 kilometers on June 29, 1956, in and Rivière's 47.346 kilometers on September 23, 1958, reflecting refined training methods and slightly more aerodynamic positions, though still far from modern standards. By the late , Belgian Ferdinand Bracke reached 48.093 kilometers in on October 30, 1967, showcasing the growing influence of professional preparation. These pre-UCI attempts were cultural spectacles, drawing thousands to velodromes across as displays of national prowess and human limits, often tied to grand prix events that celebrated cycling's golden age before formal international regulation in .

UCI Hour Record Period (1972-2014)

The UCI Hour Record period from to 2014 represented a formalized in , where the International Cycling Union (UCI) established strict regulations to govern attempts, beginning with Eddy Merckx's benchmark performance of 49.431 km on a conventional steel-framed at high altitude in . This distance, achieved without advanced aerodynamics, served as the official starting point after the UCI's , contrasting the informal pre-UCI and emphasizing rider over equipment. The record remained intact for over a decade, highlighting the physical demands of the event until technological innovations began to push boundaries in the . In the early phase from 1972 to 1984, progress was gradual, with Merckx's mark underscoring the era's reliance on traditional upright positions and round wheels. The breakthrough came in 1984 when shattered the record twice in , first reaching 50.808 km and then 51.151 km, introducing disc wheels and skin suits that reduced drag significantly. These advancements marked the onset of an in , sparking debates over fairness as costs escalated and accessibility diminished for non-elite riders. The 1990s accelerated innovation, particularly with the introduction of carbon fiber frames and unconventional aerodynamics. Graeme Obree set a new mark of 51.596 km on July 17, 1993, in Hamar, Norway, employing his self-designed "superman" position—arms extended forward and chest low—to minimize wind resistance on a homemade frame. Shortly after, on July 23, 1993, Chris Boardman claimed 52.270 km in Bordeaux, France, using a lightweight carbon bike that exemplified the material's advantages in stiffness and weight reduction. Obree reclaimed the record on April 27, 1994, at 52.713 km in Bordeaux, further refining his tuck technique despite UCI scrutiny over its ergonomics. These efforts culminated in Miguel Indurain's 53.040 km on September 27, 1994, and Tony Rominger's successive improvements to 53.832 km on October 22, 1994, and then 55.291 km on November 5, 1994, the latter standing as the era's pinnacle of aero-optimized performance before regulatory intervention. The 1997 UCI rule change profoundly impacted the discipline by banning time-trial helmets, disc or tri-spoke wheels, and non-traditional riding positions to preserve the event's purity, effectively reverting the official UCI Hour Record to Merckx's 1972 distance while reclassifying post-1972 marks as "best human efforts." This decision, aimed at curbing technological dominance and doping suspicions amid the EPO era, stifled further official progress until but preserved a legacy of innovation from to carbon composites. Controversies arose over the bans' retroactive nature, as riders like Obree and Boardman saw their achievements demoted, fueling perceptions of the UCI prioritizing tradition over evolution.

Men's Holders (1972-1994)

DateRider (Nationality)Distance (km)LocationNotes
25 Oct 1972 (BEL)49.431, MexicoBenchmark on steel bike at altitude; stood for 12 years.
19 Jan 1984 (ITA)50.808, MexicoFirst use of disc wheels and skin suit.
23 Jan 1984 (ITA)51.151, MexicoRefined aero setup; initiated tech era.
7 Sep 1993 (GBR)52.270, Carbon fiber bike debut.
27 Apr 1994 (GBR)52.583Bordeaux, FranceHomemade bike with tuck position.
27 Sep 1994Miguel Indurain (ESP)53.040Bordeaux, FranceProfessional aero optimization.
27 Oct 1994 (SUI)53.832Bordeaux, FranceHigh cadence on advanced frame.
5 Nov 1994 (SUI)55.291Bordeaux, FranceFinal pre-ban aero record.

Women's Holders (1972-1996)

Women's attempts were notably fewer during this period, reflecting limited resources and focus compared to men's events, with Jeannie Longo dominating advancements.
DateRider (Nationality)Distance (km)LocationNotes
25 Nov 1972Maria Cressari (ITA)41.471Mexico City, MexicoUCI record at altitude.
16 Sep 1978Keetie van Oosten (NED)43.082Munich, GermanyUCI record; improved multiple distance records.
20 Sep 1986Jeannie Longo (FRA)44.767Colorado Springs, USABest human effort; early aero suit use.
23 Sep 1987Jeannie Longo (FRA)44.933Colorado Springs, USABest human effort; incremental improvement.
1 Oct 1989Jeannie Longo (FRA)46.352Mexico City, MexicoBest human effort at altitude.
29 Apr 1995Catherine Marsal (FRA)47.112Bordeaux, FranceBest human effort.
17 Jun 1995Yvonne McGregor (GBR)47.411Manchester, UKBest human effort; indoor velodrome push.
26 Oct 1996Jeannie Longo (FRA)48.159Mexico City, MexicoBest human effort; superman position; era's peak before rules capped tech.
Technological milestones defined this era's progression, transitioning from Merckx's steel bike to Moser's disc wheels, which acted as flywheels for , and Boardman's carbon frames that slashed weight while enhancing rigidity. Obree's DIY innovations, including extended-arm positions, saved seconds per lap but prompted UCI bans on non-upright stances by 1995. The 1997 restrictions halted this shift, mandating drop handlebars, round wheels, and no extensions, ensuring records emphasized human limits over engineering until the 2014 unification.

Unified Modern Records

2014 Rule Unification

In the years following the UCI's restrictive rule changes in 2000, which mandated the use of traditional upright bicycles similar to those employed by in 1972, interest in the Hour Record waned dramatically, with no successful attempts recorded after Ondřej Sosenka's 2005 mark of 49.700 km. This decline stemmed from the prohibition of aerodynamic innovations, time-trial equipment, and alternative rider positions that had previously driven progress in the event. In May 2014, the UCI announced a major reversal, unifying the previously separate "UCI Hour Record" and "Best Human Effort" categories into a single framework to revitalize the discipline. The motivations for this unification were rooted in a desire to align Hour Record regulations with contemporary track pursuit standards, thereby encouraging greater participation from elite athletes and fostering technological development within UCI-approved boundaries. The changes responded directly to advocacy from prominent figures such as , a two-time record holder, and , who publicly called for modernization to make the event more relevant and accessible in the . By permitting equipment used in events—such as carbon fiber frames, disc wheels, and aerodynamic handlebars—the UCI aimed to boost sponsorship interest and spectator engagement, reversing the stagnation that had persisted for over a decade. Key regulatory updates included requiring bicycles to conform strictly to UCI specifications for track endurance events, allowing low aerodynamic riding positions (with the rider's nearly parallel to the ground and handlebars below height) but explicitly banning recumbent or fully designs. These rules took effect immediately upon announcement in May 2014, enabling rapid resurgence in the event. Initial reactions to the unification were divided: traditionalists and purists expressed concern that incorporating advanced diluted the event's emphasis on raw human , while innovators and riders hailed it as a progressive step that honored the sport's innovative heritage. This shift nonetheless catalyzed a notable uptick in attempts, beginning with Jens Voigt's successful ride in September . The framework has proven enduring, remaining unchanged through 2025 with no significant alterations, solidifying its role in contemporary .

Men's Unified Hour Records

The unified men's hour record, established under the UCI's 2014 rule changes allowing modern track pursuit bikes with aerodynamic enhancements, saw a resurgence beginning with Jens Voigt's pioneering attempt. On September 18, 2014, the 43-year-old German rider covered 51.110 km at the Velodrome Suisse in , , marking the first successful effort under the new regulations and reigniting interest in the discipline. This distance was quickly surpassed by Matthias Brändle, who rode 51.852 km on October 30, 2014, in , . The following year, extended the mark to 52.491 km on February 8, 2015, also in . The progression accelerated in 2015 with British riders dominating. set 52.937 km on May 2, 2015, at the National Cycling Centre in . Just over a month later, shattered the record with 54.526 km on June 7, 2015, at the Lee Valley VeloPark in , utilizing an optimized aerodynamic setup including a custom bike and skinsuit. This sea-level performance highlighted the role of advanced bike technology, such as disc wheels and low-profile frames, in pushing boundaries without relying on altitude. The record stood until 2019, when achieved 55.089 km on April 16, 2019, at the 1,880-meter-high Bicentenario in , , benefiting from reduced air density that lowers drag by approximately 5-7% compared to sea level. The record evolved further in 2022 amid a wave of attempts. Dan Bigham covered 55.548 km on August 19, 2022, in , employing data-driven optimizations from his role as an aerospace engineer, including wind tunnel-tested positioning. Less than two months later, established the current benchmark of 56.792 km on October 8, 2022, also in , on a Bolide F time trial bike equipped with advanced carbon fiber components and integrated power metering for precise pacing. Ganna's effort required an estimated sustained power output of around 480 watts, underscoring the physiological demands of maintaining near-maximal effort for 60 minutes. No successful challenges have occurred since Ganna's ride. In 2025, Charlie Tanfield attempted the record on August 14 in , , but covered only 53.967 km, falling short due to pacing inconsistencies despite strong early laps. Key technological and environmental factors influencing these attempts include altitude for reduced , as seen in Campenaerts' ride, and innovations in bike design such as optimized tubing and wheel . Positions emphasizing low drag, akin to pursuit setups, remain central, though UCI regulations prohibit overly unstable postures to ensure safety.

List of Holders

RiderDateLocationDistance (km)
(GER)18 Sep 2014, 51.110
Matthias Brändle (AUT)30 Oct 2014Aigle, 51.852
(AUS)8 Feb 2015, 52.491
(GBR)2 May 2015, UK52.937
(GBR)7 Jun 2015, UK54.526
(BEL)16 Apr 2019Aguascalientes, Mexico55.089
Dan Bigham (GBR)19 Aug 2022, 55.548
(ITA)8 Oct 2022, 56.792

Women's Unified Hour Records

The women's unified hour record, introduced after the UCI's 2014 rule unification that allowed time trial equipment, marked a new era for female cyclists seeking to maximize distance in one hour. The initial benchmark under these rules was surpassed quickly, with American cyclist Molly Shaffer Van Houweling covering 46.273 km on 12 September 2015 at the high-altitude Velodromo Bicentenario in , , eclipsing the prior best human effort of 46.065 km set in 2003. This paved the way for a progression driven by specialized training, aerodynamic optimizations, and strategic venue choices, though attempts remain less frequent than in the men's category due to structural barriers in women's cycling infrastructure. Subsequent records built on this foundation, showcasing advancements in power output and equipment tailored to female physiology, such as scaled-down frames with optimized similar to those used by men but adjusted for smaller statures. Key holders include Australian , who improved to 46.882 km on January 22, 2016, at the Super-Drome, and American Evelyn Stevens, who pushed it to 47.980 km on February 27, 2016, at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center . Italian Vittoria Bussi entered the fray in 2018 with 48.007 km on September 13 at , a mark later extended by British rider Joscelin Lowden to 48.405 km on September 30, 2021, at the Suisse in , . The record continued to evolve with Dutch cyclist Ellen van Dijk's 49.254 km on May 23, 2022, also at Grenchen's , highlighting the benefits of sustained high-cadence efforts in controlled conditions. Bussi reclaimed and extended the mark multiple times, reaching 50.267 km on October 13, 2023, at —becoming the first woman to break 50 km—and further to 50.455 km on May 10, 2025, at the same venue after a brief . This latest achievement underscores Bussi's dominance, achieved through meticulous preparation including altitude acclimatization, though no further improvements have been recorded as of November 2025.
DateRiderDistance (km)Location
12 September 2015Molly Shaffer Van Houweling (USA)46.273Velodromo Bicentenario, ,
22 January 2016 (AUS)46.882Adelaide Super-Drome, Australia
27 February 2016Evelyn Stevens (USA)47.980Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center Velodrome, USA
13 September 2018Vittoria Bussi (ITA)48.007Velodromo Bicentenario, ,
30 September 2021Joscelin Lowden (GBR)48.405Velodrome Suisse, Grenchen, Switzerland
23 May 2022 (NED)49.254Tissot Velodrome, Grenchen, Switzerland
13 October 2023Vittoria Bussi (ITA)50.267Velodromo Bicentenario, ,
10 May 2025Vittoria Bussi (ITA)50.455Velodromo Bicentenario, ,
Women face distinct hurdles in pursuing the hour record, including fewer dedicated velodrome sessions for female athletes and physiological factors like lower absolute power outputs compared to men, necessitating greater emphasis on efficiency and weight management. High-altitude sites like , which reduce air resistance, have been pivotal, but access remains limited, contributing to the slower pace of progression relative to men's records. Technological adaptations, such as women's-specific carbon frames and disc wheels, mirror male innovations but are constrained by smaller budgets and sponsorship in women's professional .

Specialized Categories

Para-Cycling Hour Records

Para-cycling hour records are governed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and categorized according to specific classifications that account for the type and severity of impairments. The C classifications (C1 to C5) apply to cyclists with upper-body or lower-limb impairments, such as limb deficiencies or restricted muscle power, where C1 represents the most severe impairment and C5 the least. Handcycle classes (H1 to H5) are for athletes using hand-propelled cycles due to lower-limb disabilities, with H1 indicating the highest level of impairment (e.g., tetraplegia) and H5 the lowest. Tricycle classes (T1 and T2) accommodate riders with balance or neurological issues who cannot use standard bicycles. Records are maintained separately for men and women within these classes, with unified UCI rules applied since 2014, including adaptations for equipment and track conditions. Prior to 2014, hour attempts were largely informal and not officially ratified by the UCI, often conducted under national or event-specific guidelines without standardized equipment rules. The UCI began formalizing disciplines in the early , integrating them into world championships, but dedicated hour records emerged later; the first official UCI-sanctioned para hour record was set in 2016 by Irish cyclist Colin Lynch in the men's C1 class, covering 41.310 km at the . This marked a shift toward regulated attempts, with increased focus post-2016 as gained prominence in events like the Paralympics. Women's attempts remained sparse during this period, reflecting broader challenges in access to high-altitude velodromes and specialized training. Adaptations for para-cycling hour records include modified track bicycles tailored to impairments, such as adjustable cranks or pedal systems for C-class riders with leg restrictions, low-profile handcycles for H-class athletes featuring ergonomic seating and propulsion levers, and stabilized tricycles for T-class competitors with enhanced steering mechanisms. These modifications must comply with UCI regulations, which emphasize safety and fairness while allowing for performance optimization, such as aerodynamic fairings limited to specific classes. The 2025 season highlighted these adaptations' impact, as British rider Will Bjergfelt utilized a customized Trek track bike in the men's C5 class to achieve 51.471 km at the Konya Velodrome in Turkey on August 14—the first para-cycling hour mark exceeding 50 km and surpassing the prior C5 record of 47.569 km set by Italy's Andrea Tarlao in 2014 at Montichiari. Men's para hour records have seen steady progression across C classes, driven by technological refinements and athlete training at altitude venues like Aguascalientes, Mexico. For instance, in the C4 class, American John Terrell established 47.904 km on October 31, 2023, improving on the previous mark by over 5 km using a high-altitude track to leverage thinner air for reduced resistance. Similarly, Belgian Ewoud Vromant set the men's C2 record at 46.521 km on July 16, 2022, at the UCI's Aigle velodrome, employing a negative split strategy to build speed in the final laps. Handcycle (H) and tricycle (T) classes have fewer documented attempts, often prioritizing road events, though examples like tandem pursuits inform pacing techniques applicable to solo hour efforts. Women's para hour records are less frequent, with efforts regaining momentum after the 2014 rule unification provided clearer pathways for ratification. British athlete holds the women's C5 mark at 45.502 km, achieved on February 28, 2015, at the Lee Valley VeloPark in during an attempt that also challenged able-bodied benchmarks. In the C4 class, records remain from earlier eras, such as those set in the , reflecting limited high-profile attempts amid focus on multi-event Paralympic preparation; equivalents in C3 and below emphasize endurance over raw distance due to impairment levels. Overall, women's para hour pursuits highlight growing parity, though totals lag behind men's due to fewer resources and opportunities. The following table summarizes select current UCI para-cycling hour record holders by class, focusing on verified marks in C categories where attempts are most documented:
ClassGenderHolderDistance (km)DateLocationSource
C5MenWill Bjergfelt (GBR)51.47114 Aug 2025, UCI Press Release
C5Women (GBR)45.50228 Feb 2015, GBRCycling Weekly
C4MenJohn Terrell (USA)47.90431 Oct 2023Aguascalientes, MexicoUS Para Cycling
C2MenEwoud Vromant (BEL)46.52116 Jul 2022, UCI Press Release
C1MenColin Lynch (IRL)41.3101 Oct 2016, GBRParalympics.org

Masters Hour Records

The Masters Hour Record recognizes the best performances by cyclists aged 35 and older, categorized in five-year age groups from 35-39 to 80+ according to UCI regulations for masters competitors. These attempts follow the same UCI protocols as hour records, including requirements for approved , doping controls, and electronic timing, though performances are segmented by age to account for physiological differences; high-altitude venues like the Velódromo Bicentenario in , , are commonly used to optimize distances due to reduced air resistance. In men's categories, Patrick Warner holds the 50-54 age group record with 51.013 km, set on June 22, 2022, at Aguascalientes. Recent updates include notable efforts in older groups, such as Peter Megdal's 47.220 km in the 65-69 category on September 22, 2025, also at Aguascalientes, surpassing the prior mark and highlighting sustained competitiveness into later decades. Women's masters hour records are set less frequently, reflecting lower overall participation, with distances typically ranging from 40-45 km in mid-age groups like 50-54; for instance, in the 55-59 category, Anna Davis achieved 45.213 km in 2022 at the Adelaide Super-Drome, Australia. In older categories, Barb Morris established a national benchmark of 38.838 km in the 65-69 group during an August 2024 attempt at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, Ontario. Beyond official records, strong non-record performances underscore growing interest, such as ' 2025 attempt in the men's 50-54 category at , where he maintained an average speed of 51.2 km/h over the first 45 minutes before stopping. Participation in masters hour attempts has increased since the 2014 UCI rule unification, which standardized equipment and venues across categories, leading to more ratified best performances—particularly in 2025 among riders in their 60s and 70s—and fostering a broader culture of age-group excellence in .

Junior Hour Records

The (UCI) classifies junior track cyclists as those aged 17 or 18 on January 1 of the competition year, with under-17 riders often categorized separately as youth in national programs, aligning with events such as the UCI Junior Track World Championships that feature disciplines like sprints and pursuits but exclude the hour record. Unlike hour records, the UCI does not ratify official junior hour records, leaving such achievements to national federations that apply equipment rules mirroring standards, including upright handlebar positions, non-supersonic wheels, and standard track bicycles without aerodynamic enhancements beyond those permitted in track events. Men's junior hour records, tracked nationally, typically range from 48 to 50 km, reflecting developing aerobic capacity in young riders and serving as benchmarks in talent identification. For instance, in 2022, American Jonas Walton, aged 18, set the junior men's record at 50.792 km during an attempt at the high-altitude Velódromo Bicentenario in , , surpassing the prior mark of 47.595 km held by Luke Mullis. Similarly, British rider Fred Meredith established a national junior record of 49.184 km that same year at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome in , ratified by as part of youth development efforts. Women's junior hour records, also managed at the national level, generally fall near 40-45 km, with examples emerging from federation-sanctioned attempts that emphasize safe progression for adolescent . These marks highlight emerging endurance potential but are less frequently pursued than in men's categories, often integrated into broader talent ID initiatives by organizations like or . Junior hour attempts have gained more structure since the early 2000s alongside expanded youth track programs, yet they remain infrequent due to physiological constraints—such as incomplete cardiovascular maturation in riders under 19—and a curricular focus on team pursuits and shorter solos to foster balanced development without risking burnout or injury.

Other Variants

The International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA) oversees hour records for human-powered vehicles (HPVs), including recumbent bicycles that differ from UCI-sanctioned upright designs by allowing a riding position for reduced drag. These non-UCI variants emphasize experimental and efficiency, often exceeding standard distances due to streamlined fairings. The men's single-rider HPV hour record stands at 92.432 km, set by Francesco Russo on the Metastretto recumbent in 2016 at the DEKRA Test Oval in Klettwitz, . The women's record is 84.02 km, achieved by Barbara Buatois on a similar recumbent HPV during the 2009 World Human Powered Speed Challenge. Earlier attempts, such as Sam Whittingham's 90.60 km in 2009 at , highlight ongoing innovation outside formal UCI oversight. Tandem hour records involve two riders on a shared , focusing on synchronized pedaling and teamwork rather than individual endurance. These efforts typically yield distances around 41 km, as demonstrated by the elite and masters hour record of 40.952 km set on October 25, 2025, by Steve Vela (age 61) and Beitel (age 68) at the Colorado Springs , submitted for ratification. Earlier 2010s pairs achieved over 55 km in extended attempts, but one-hour specifics remain unofficial and geared toward recreational or awareness-raising challenges without a central . Indoor and virtual hour variants have gained popularity through platforms like , where cyclists use smart trainers to simulate distances in non-physical environments, often for or . These are not officially sanctioned but attract participants seeking personal benchmarks, with elite riders covering over 50 km in an hour under controlled virtual conditions. Proposed Zwift World Records include categories like non-drafting hour efforts, underscoring the appeal for tech testing and fun without track access. National and club-level hour records extend beyond UCI categories, allowing variations in equipment or venues for local enthusiasts. For instance, ratifies non-UCI attempts, such as age-group extensions for masters on non-standard tracks, fostering inclusivity in club settings. In the early , multi-rider and paced hour records were common oddities, involving drafting behind tandems or motorcycles to push distances beyond solo limits—such as Edouard Taylor's paced 60 km in 1900 or Tom Linton's 70 km shortly after—but these practices became obsolete with UCI's emphasis on unassisted solo efforts. Unlike UCI regulations, these variants lack a unified regulatory body, prioritizing experimentation, enjoyment, or technological validation over competitive standardization.

Statistics and Technical Details

Comparative Statistics

The Hour Record has seen significant evolution in distances achieved, reflecting advancements in training, equipment, and track conditions. Key milestones in the men's record illustrate this progression, starting from Henri Desgrange's inaugural 35.325 km in 1893 on a basic steel at the Vélodrome Buffalo in . The record remained below 50 km for much of the until pushed it to 49.431 km in 1972 at high altitude in . Post-2014 rule unification accelerated gains, with Filippo Ganna's current men's mark of 56.792 km set in 2022 at the Tissot Velodrome in , . For women's records, early attempts like Mademoiselle de Saint-Sauveur's 26.012 km in 1893 marked the start, though formal UCI recognition came later. The modern era saw rapid progress after 2014, with Vittoria Bussi's 2025 update to 50.455 km at the Velodromo Bicentenario in , , surpassing her prior 50.267 km from 2023. The following table highlights representative milestones in the unified UCI Hour Record progression for men and women since 1893, emphasizing the post-2014 surge where distances increased by over 7 km in less than a decade compared to prior eras.
YearRider (Gender)Distance (km)Average Speed (km/h)LocationNotes
1893 (M)35.32535.325Paris, First official record on steel bike.
1893Mademoiselle de Saint-Sauveur (F)26.01226.012Paris, Early women's benchmark.
1972 (M)49.43149.431, Stood for 12 years; altitude-assisted.
2014 (M)51.11551.115, Revived interest post-UCI unification.
2015Molly Shaffer Van Houweling (F)46.27446.274, First women's record post-2014 UCI unification.
2015 (M)54.52654.526, Sea-level record on carbon frame.
2016Evelyn Stevens (F)47.98047.980Colorado Springs, USAImproved the women's post-unification record.
2019 (M)55.08955.089, Altitude boost evident.
2022 (F)49.25449.254, Brief hold before Bussi's advances.
2022 (M)56.79256.792, Current men's peak.
2023Vittoria Bussi (F)50.26750.267, Women's surge at altitude.
2025Vittoria Bussi (F)50.45550.455, Latest women's update.
Gender comparisons reveal consistent ratios, with women's elite distances averaging about 88-90% of men's, as seen in Bussi's 50.455 km versus Ganna's 56.792 km. This gap reflects physiological differences and historical investment disparities, though it has narrowed post-2014 from around 85%. Para-cycling records show larger variances; for instance, Will Bjergfelt's 2025 C5 class mark of 51.471 km in Konya, Turkey, represents about 90.6% of the able-bodied men's distance, highlighting adaptations for classifications like C5 (moderate impairment). In masters categories, distances decline with age; recent 2025 efforts include a 65-69 age group record of 47.220 km, approximately 83% of elite men's, underscoring sustained performance into later years. Era breakdowns demonstrate accelerating trends: pre-1972 records averaged around 40 km, constrained by basic steel frames and limited aerodynamics. From 1972 to 2014, averages rose to about 52 km, aided by figures like Merckx and early carbon experiments. Post-2014, unified rules spurred a surge to averages near 56 km, driven by optimized carbon fiber bikes and high-altitude venues. Average speeds mirror these distances, with Ganna's 56.792 km equating to 56.792 km/h sustained for . Power estimates for elite attempts range from 400-450 , varying by altitude and equipment; for example, simulations of similar efforts indicate around 348 net output. Trends highlight environmental and technological impacts: high-altitude sites like provide roughly a 10% boost through reduced air (from 1.225 kg/m³ at to 0.975 kg/m³), outweighing minor oxygen-related power losses. Material evolution from (pre-1980s, heavier at ~10 kg) to carbon (post-1990s, sub-7 kg with aero shaping) has cut drag and , enabling higher speeds without proportional power increases. Recent 2025 para and masters records, such as Bjergfelt's and age-group efforts around 47 km, integrate these advancements across categories. The table below incorporates 2025 specialized records alongside elite for comparison:
CategoryRiderDistance (km)Year% of Men's EliteLocation
Men's Elite56.7922022100%,
Women's EliteVittoria Bussi50.455202588.8%,
Para C5Will Bjergfelt51.471202590.6%Konya, Turkey
Masters 65-69Peter Megdal47.220202583.2%,

Timing and Measurement Methods

The Hour Record attempt commences with a stationary start from the pursuit line on the velodrome track, where electronic timing begins precisely at the moment of the rider's first movement. The duration is strictly 60 minutes to the thousandth of a second (60:00.000), signaled by a bell on the final lap and concluded by the rider crossing the pursuit line, marked by a pistol shot. This protocol ensures no external assistance or pacing, with the rider solely responsible for maintaining momentum throughout the effort. Attempts must occur on a UCI-homologated measuring at least 250 meters in length, with the track surface and banking certified to meet international standards for consistency and safety. Distance is primarily tracked via counters operated by officials, supplemented by calibrated odometers on the or transponder systems embedded in the track for real-time monitoring. detection may also be employed to verify completions accurately, preventing errors in high-speed scenarios. In the event of any , such as irregular track contact, video recordings from multiple angles are reviewed by commissaires to validate the total distance. Validation procedures mandate the supervision of at least two UCI-appointed commissaires, who oversee the entire attempt, including equipment checks and rider compliance. Post-ride, the distance is confirmed through synchronized lap counter data and electronic timing logs, with all records submitted to the UCI for official ratification within one month. Anti-doping controls, including blood and urine tests, are compulsory, and the rider must be part of the UCI Registered Testing Pool with up-to-date whereabouts information. Any deviations, such as equipment malfunctions, result in disqualification unless proven otherwise via documentation. Historically, measurement methods for the Hour Record have progressed from manual stopwatches and hand-operated lap counters used in attempts before to fully electronic timing systems introduced in subsequent decades. The 2014 UCI rule unification further modernized protocols by permitting contemporary track equipment, which coincided with the adoption of digital tools like GPS for track verification and power meters for performance calibration during preparatory phases, though real-time data feedback remains prohibited during the ride itself. These advancements have improved precision and comparability across eras. In edge cases involving environmental variables, such as minimal wind in outdoor velodromes or variations in track banking slope, UCI commissaires may apply contextual reviews to ensure fairness, though indoor facilities minimize these factors. For instance, Charlie Tanfield's 2025 attempt at the Konya Velodrome, which yielded a verified distance of 53.967 km under high-altitude conditions, underwent standard post-ride confirmation by UCI officials to account for any minor atmospheric influences without altering the raw measurement.

References

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