Chris Boardman knows a thing or two about design, innovation and technology after his legendary battles with Graeme Obree for the hour record in the 1990s.

But when the UCI reclassified their efforts – set using tri-bar extensions and the radical ‘superman’ position – as ‘best human efforts’, Boardman reverted to a standard bike to break Eddie Merckx’s 28-year mark shortly before his retirement in 2000 and claim the ‘athletes record’.

And with reports suggesting Fabian Cancellara may tackle the same record next year, the British legend hopes the Swiss ace will resist the lure of technology to set a record to last the ages.

He talked us through the thinking behind his attempt in 2000, and his thoughts on Spartacus’ chances, should he choose to enter the arena next year.