Eddy Merckx is convinced that the new World Hour Record, set by Bradley Wiggins, is out of sight for some time. “I think Wiggins has become the world record holder for some time.” Merckx told Het Nieuwsblad. “You must be more than gifted to ride further. Few of the current peloton can go faster.”
Merckx said that he had been unable to watch the attempt as he was en route to the airport. In 1972, Merckx set the record himself, covering a distance of 49.431 kilometres. He said: “This remains for me the most painful time out of my entire career.”
Wiggins covered a distance of 54.562 kilometres at the Lee Valley VeloPark velodrome in London on Sunday, surpassing the mark set by Alex Dowsett of 52.937 kilometres last month.
The Belgian feels that there are only two current riders who would be capable of breaking Wiggins’ record. “I only see Fabian Cancellara and Tony Martin being in a position to do so. But for example, Martin will have to improve his position on the bike. I think Wiggins will be the World Hour Record holder for a while.”
