The hour record has lived a rich history – with all-time greats, Eddy Merckx, Fausto Coppi and Miguel Indurain among the former holders.

Francesco Moser’s attempt, with disc wheels, in 1984, paved the way for technological innovation to take over the record.

Chris Boardman and Graeme Obree’s attempts, which popularised the ‘Superman’ riding position, then put technological innovation first, and eventually saw Boardman set a mark of 56.375km in 1996.

The UCI, however, ruled that all attempts not performed on a standard bike setup would be discounted and so reinstated Merckx’s record.

Boardman returned with the new regulations to set a new mark on a classic steel track bike before retiring in 2000, before Ondrej Sosenka’s 49.700km record was established in 2005.

Now, however, the scope for innovation – within the constraints of track bike rules – is back, with the UCI hoping to revive interest and attract big-name attempts on the record.