September 18, 2014 (Grenchen, Switzerland) – The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is pleased to announce that the German rider Jens Voigt has beaten the Hour Record at the velodrome in Grenchen, Switzerland, covering a distance of 51.115 km in an hour.

In a magnificent performance, the Trek Factory Racing rider beat the previous record of 49.700 km set by the Czech rider Andrej Sosenka over 60 minutes in 2005.

Jen Voigt’s successful attempt is a consequence of the UCI’s desire to modernise and simplify the rules governing equipment used in competition. This has had an effect on the Hour Record in particular – the UCI announced in May that the record could be beaten on a bike that complies with the current rules for machines used in endurance track events. The new rules are less restrictive than the regulations introduced on 1 October 2000 to govern the technical specifications of bikes allowed for Hour Record attempts.

Jens Voigt has added his name to the prestigious list of holders of this great record alongside many of cycling’s  legends, from the first mark established in 1893 by Henri Desgrange to Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx and Francesco Moser.

Jens Voigt was still recovering his breath when he said: “I went off a little too fast at the start and I had a bad spell after the halfway mark, but the support of the crowd and knowing that this was my last race meant that I could finish strongly. I gave everything in the last 20 minutes. I’m really happy with the distance: 51 km is more than I imagined. It’s an intense event: there is no downhill, no hiding behind a teammate; it’s like a breakaway when you don’t want to be caught by the peloton.

“I am extremely proud to be joining all the iconic riders that have beaten this record before me. The crowd was amazing, supporting me all the way.This is also their record!

“I saw Chris Boardman beating the record in 2000 and I said to myself: ‘what a great way that would be to finish my career’. 33 years of cycling behind me. This was my last attempt. I’m in so much pain… But what a way to retire!”

UCI President Brian Cookson offered his congratulations: “Jens Voigt’s performance was sensational. I’m very happy for him. The Hour Record requires a huge physical and mental effort and Jens’ performance today sets down a new marker for the challenge. I’m confident that his achievement will have a domino effect: other great riders will resolve to attack one of the greatest challenges in our sport.”

“This is good news for cycling and is exactly what the UCI hoped would happen when we simplified and modernised the rules for the Hour Record earlier this year. This has made the challenge more comprehensible for the fans and a more attractive proposition. I think we’re now entering a new era in which interest in the Hour Record will grow. This is all very beneficial for cycling.”