There are a number of high-pedigree riders yet to have been mentioned in relation to the hour record, but many more are capable of setting a mark should they do so.

First among those is Commonwealth Games road race champion Geraint Thomas, whose track background and time trial pedigree make him a well-placed candidate.

Until Dennis announced his attempt, both had appeared to slip under people’s radar, but if Thomas is tempted to follow the lead of Bobridge and Dennis – who were part of the Australian team Thomas’ Great Britain team pursuit quartet pipped to gold in 2012 – he will be a strong contender.

The 28-year-old made his name on the track, with two Olympic gold medals and three world championship victories on the boards.

And since then, he has proved himself as a versatile and tough rider on the road, with a bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games time trial – beaten by Dowsett and Dennis – one of his more recent time trial successes, while the Welshman also registered top ten finishes at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

Having enjoyed his best road season to date in 2014, Thomas is still looking to carve a niche for himself – currently excelling in the Classics, stage races and super-domestique role.

If Thomas can be tempted to return to the track for an attempt on the hour – and fit it into what is likely to be a very heavy road race calendar – then he should be considered a definite contender.

Hour record credentials

Palmares: Two-time Olympic team pursuit gold medallist, won bronze in the Commonwealth Games time trial before soloing to gold in the road race.
Likelihood of attempt: 4/10
Chances of record: 7/10