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[Kraftwerk]

Fellow cyclists and lovers of watching athlethes push themselves to the limit;

Jens Voigt is retiring, so he has decided to attempt the Hour Record as his farewell gift to everyone.

Little info for the uninitiated;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jens_Voigt

Jens Voigt (born 17 September 1971) is a former German professional road bicycle racer for UCI ProTeam Trek Factory Racing.[1] Voigt is known for his propensity to attack, and for his positive racing attitude. He is capable of repeated attacking, holding a high tempo, and breaking away from the peloton. He has worn the yellow jersey of the Tour de France twice, though he has never challenged for the overall title due to his lack of ability in the mountains. His career feat include winning the Critérium International a record-tying 5 times and a number of one-week stage races. In cycling folklore, he is considered as one of the best rouleur riders to this day.

The Hour Record;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hour_record

The hour record for bicycles is the record for the longest distance cycled in one hour on a bicycle. There are several records. The most famous is for upright bicycles meeting the requirements of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It is one of the most prestigious in cycling. Hour-record attempts are made in a velodrome.

The first recorded record was in 1876 when the American Frank Dodds rode 26.508 km (16.471 mi) on a penny-farthing.[1] In 1972, Eddy Merckx set a record of 49.431 km (30.715 mi) that stood for 12 years. The current UCI record is by Ondřej Sosenka, 49.700 km (30.882 mi), the current WHPVA/IHPVA record by Francesco Russo stands at 91.56 km (56.89 mi).

You can watch the livestream on youtube;

LINK

 

[Jobiensis]

Really love Jens, one of the most respected cyclists this generation.

 

[Kraftwerk]

Looking good. Hope he hits 200 laps.

 

[Jobiensis]

If he can keep it up, he's got it.

Also, Merckx did it without aero helmets, without aero bars, and without aero wheels.

 

[Kraftwerk]

If he can keep it up, he's got it.

Also, Merckx did it without aero helmets, without aero bars, and without aero wheels.

True. Merckx is also a legend. He is one of the greatest athletes. The amount of wins that man has is ridiculous. Won't have anyone like him for a long time.

 

[Keylime]

Looks just about over, and he's got it.

Edit: Mexican waves...

 

[Jobiensis]

Now he is speeding up. Gotta love him getting out of the saddle on a TT bike.

 

[Chris R]

Insane!

 

[rezuth]

Can't watch it in Sweden.

 

[Jobiensis]

And he did it, couldn't happen to a better guy. What a way to retire.

 

[Kabouter]

Amazing, that's a great way to finish a great career.

 

[battousai11]

Great job, he did it! I'm glad he ended his career on a high note!

 

[Kraftwerk]

Happy for him, great guy.

I really hope Cancelarra attempts it one day, with the rules being changed.

 

[stufte]

Read Jon Voight, was confused.

 

[phazedplasma]

Great effort by him.

 

[kottila]

Happy for him, great guy.

I really hope Cancelarra attempts it one day, with the rules being changed.

They already said that this was a sort of test run for an attempt by Cancellara.

 

[Kraftwerk]

They already said that this was a sort of test run for an attempt by Cancellara.

Ahh, kk. Missed that.


Love Cancellara. I truly believe that he will decimate the record.

 

[SillyEskimo]

Aren't all the bicycle riders hopped up on goofballs or some shit or did they get that mess sorted out?

 

[Madouu]

Probably one of my favorite athletes, sad to see him retire. It also makes me feel quite old since I remember watching him on the TV when I was still a kid.

Great to see him do this though, made my day!

 

[Jobiensis]

Aren't all the bicycle riders hopped up on goofballs or some shot or did they get that mess sorted out?

Yes, goofballs are handed out when you buy a road bike. They give you extra before a race.

 

[muteki]

Today I learned what a penny-farthing is.

 

[Prisoner]

Read Jon Voight, was confused.

You're not alone.