An Aussie hour of power?

In just over one month’s time, the UCI’s revamped ‘Hour Record’ will have a distinctly Australian flavour.

Jack Bobridge and Rohan Dennis have both locked in dates for their attempts and both have a better than reasonable chance of claiming the record as their own.

At least for the time being.

Since the UCI relaxed the technical rules regarding attacks on the Hour Record earlier this year, there has been a flurry of interest in this ultimate test against the clock.

Jens Voigt jumped in early and set a new time to beat of 51.110 kilometres.

Then Austrian time trial champion Matthias Brandle raised the bar to 51.852 kilometres.

But these are hardly benchmark distances and both of the Australian boys should be able to better Brandle’s mark.

Bobridge will be first away and should claim the record with his attempt at Melbourne’s DISC velodrome on January 31.

Then on February 8, barely a week after Bobridge’s attempt, Dennis will roll out onto the Grenchen velodrome in Switzerland and try to guzump his countryman.

It is a battle made all the more interesting for its closeness. As soon as Bobridge dismounts at DISC – having more than likely claimed the record – conversation will immediately turn to what Dennis can do a week later.

That the antipodeans will give a good account of themselves is almost beyond doubt. Their track pedigree runs deep with both being multiple medal winners at elite competition level, often as members of the same pursuit teams.

Bobridge is a pursuiter extraordinaire. His tally across both the individual and team pursuit disciplines runs at three World Championship gold medals, four Commonwealth gold medals and an Olympic silver medal.

He is also a former under-23 world time trial champion on the road, so he knows how to hurt against the clock.

Dennis also has a collection of track medals. As a regular member of Australia’s successful team pursuit squads, he has two gold and two silver medals from World Championships and an Olympic silver medal.

He is also a proficient time triallist on the road, having grabbed silver in that discipline at the Glasgow Commonwealth games.

Both Aussies should break Brandle’s record and by a considerable amount. Which of them will be faster, I do not know, although I am leaning towards Bobridge at this stage, based on nothing more than a gut feel.

What I do know though is that when Bradley Wiggins finally takes control of things in the middle of next year, all previous records will be eclipsed.

While Bobridge and Dennis should set a mark somewhere north of 52 kilometres, some have said Wiggins could go as far as 56 kilometres. That would rocket him to the stratospheric heights achieved by Chris Boardman courtesy of the ‘superman’ position and innovative bike design!

Former Hour Record holder Francesco Moser believes Wiggins has it in him to set a benchmark that could stand for a long time.

“I think Wiggins has the power, endurance and the track skills for the Hour Record,” said Moser on the cyclingnews website.

“If he prepares right I’m sure that he will smash it. I’ve got respect for the riders who have broken the record so far but Wiggins is on a different level. I think he can do something like 56 kilometres.”

If anyone can take the Hour Record back into the stratosphere then it will be Wiggins. He has his critics, but the fact remains that he is one of the most versatile riders ever to have graced our roads (and velodromes).

His palmares tells the story.

Four Olympic gold medals, six world championship track gold medals, a world champion road gold medal and a Tour de France victory are among his most prestigious conquests. His trophy cabinet is nothing short of a treasure trove!

When Sir Wiggo puts his mind to something, he usually achieves it.

Paris-Roubaix appeals to him as does the Hour Record. While he could achieve both goals, the Hour Record is the surer bet. In fact, I’d (almost) bet my house on it.

So while the Hour Record is currently within the reach of riders such as Bobridge and Dennis (and Britain’s Alex Dowsett who will also mount a challenge), they will only be temporary custodians of the honour.

Its true owners, the really big hitters of the sport, have yet to flex their muscle.