Matthias Brändle (IAM Cycling) last night became the second cyclist this year to break the Hour Record.

The 24-year-old Austrian national time trial champion covered 51.8 kilometres during his 60 minutes on the track in Aigle, Switzerland, beating the distance of previous holder Jens Voigt by 700 metres.

Despite suffering a difficult period towards the end of his ride, Brändle, who won consecutive stages at the Tour of Britain last month, held on to write his name into the history books.

"I feel really great, but during the race it was so hard," Brändle said after the race.

"It was good there were so many people here supporting me, because I had a difficult period in the middle of the race where I suffered.

"I had to go a few laps a little easier, but I could find my rhythm again, and bring it to the end.

"The closer the hour comes, the easier it is, because you know it is coming to an end and you can handle the pain.

"First I was sure with 30 minutes that I could do it, but then I had a difficult period. I hoped I could recover, and in the end it was enough. I'm really happy about it."

Brändle's attempt is expected to be challenged next year, with current time trial champion Bradley Wiggins and his predecessor Tony Martin both planning to take on the Hour Record.

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About the author
Jamie Hall
Cycling editor and football writer. Currently studying sports journalism at university.