Magnus Bäckstedt has failed in his attempt to break the derny-paced Hour Record at the Newport...
Magnus Backstedt (Image credit: Nick Rosenthal)
Magnus Bäckstedt has failed in his attempt to break the derny-paced Hour Record at the Newport Velodrome in Wales on Saturday evening, riding 58.25 km - well short of Matthe Pronk's 66.114 km that he set in Amsterdam in 2004. Cyclingnews' Nick Rosenthal reports that the big Swede was down on Pronk's figures from the start, and by 30 minutes it looked impossible for him. But he courageously carried on until the end, completing 233 laps of the 250m velodrome and giving the moderately sized crowd value for money.
It was a disappointment for Magnus, as according to his derny riders, he had been on the pace during several 40 minute practice sessions last week. But a choice to increase his gearing to a gigantic 60x12 may have cost him, as he never seemed to be on top of the gear from the start. His promoter Martin McCrossan told us at halfway that Bäckstedt was suffering from heat from the track, even though the conditions were fairly mild: it had been around 15 degrees during the day with some rain in the afternoon.
At the end of the attempt, Bäckstedt was interviewed by David Duffield, and said that he would definitely go for it again. "I want this record for myself," he said. Bäckstedt extensively thanked the crowd and everyone who had been involved in his preparation, and was sorry he hadn't achieved the mark set by Pronk. He did, however, have the strength to pick up his daughter after the finish.
Times/distances
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Dario Cioni makes a rare appearance on the track, riding in the roadman's pursuit.
Patrick Calcagni sneaks a look across the track to see if he is beating Cioni.
Mario Scirea shows that riding a bike can be fun. The former pro is now a directeur sportif with Liquigas, but got back on his bike to support Backstedt.
The strain shows on the faces of both the cyclist and the derny driver.
Magnus focuses on keeping close to the derny's back mudguard.
Cranking it over - travelling at around 65 km/h produces a lot of G-force. 260 laps, with four bends (or transitions, if we want to get technical) per lap equals 1040 transitions - or 1040 changes in pressure on the, um, saddle region.
Professional - within a couple of minutes of sitting down, Backstedt was giving an interview to Swedish TV.
Eurosport commentator David Duffield interviewed Magnus a few minutes after the record attempt, and the big Swede thanked the enthusiastic Newport crowd for their support.
