Changes to the hour record regulations have been approved by the UCI management committee, aiming to modernise and simplify the existing rules.
After heavily modified bikes were used by the likes of Chris Boardman and Graeme Obree as they battled for the record in the mid-1990s, cycling’s governing body moved to regulate the type of bike used for the record attempts.
Boardman promptly re-claimed the record shortly before retirement in 2000, and has told RCUK in the past of his desire for the rules to remain the same.
However, with Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) expected to tackle the hour record later this year, the UCI have confirmed any record attempt performed on a bicycle complying with the rules for track endurance competitions will be valid.
Furthermore, the parallel between the ‘hour record’ and ‘best hour performance’ – the latter being the category into which the likes of Boardman and Obree’s efforts were classified – has also been abolished.
Nevertheless, the UCI has confirmed Ondrej Sosenka (49.700km) and Leontien Zijlaard-Van Moorsel (46.065km) remain are the current male and female record holders respectively.
UCI president Brian Cookson commented: “This new rule is part of the modernisation of the UCI equipment regulation.
“Today there is a general consensus that equipment used in competition must be allowed to benefit from technological evolution where pertinent.
“This kind of evolution is positive for cycling generally and for the hour record in particular. This record will regain its attraction for both the athletes and cycling fans.”
All record attempts, in order to be validated, must be organised with the agreement of the UCI, who will appoint a commissaire and other officials to be present at the chosen velodrome.
