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2004 Paris Roubaix winner Magnus Backstedt, who is known in the bunch as the terminator, will be looking to better Mathe Pronks record of 66.114km at the Newport Velodrome in Wales on Saturday 29th October 2005. Pronk set the current record in 2004 at Amsterdam and was paced by the famous Joop Ziljaard.
The derny record has a history dating back to Jean Bobet in 1953 who set the first record with a distance of 54.884km. Other big names such as Stan Ockers and Peter Post have also been the holders of this prestigious record.
The Liquigas team leader for the Vuelta will aim to get back into shape after his bout of sickness that forced him out of the Tour de France. Following the three week Spanish race the Swede will then move to the World Championships road race in Madrid before getting back on the boards to finish his preparation for the record attempt.
“I spend a lot of time over the winter on the track and this is a record that really appeals to me. I feel that with the Newport track being so close to home as well, it is the perfect venue and I hope that people will come out and
enjoy an evening of entertainment”
Asked if he has ever considered tackling the athletes hour record Backstedt replied
” I was with Credit Agricole with
Chris Boardman and saw him after he finished his last hour, let’s get this one out of the way and see what happens”.
A full programme of racing will boast some top names and tickets for the event will go on sale very soon. We’ll keep you posted.
