"Animalistic Determination: Exploring British cyclist Charlie Tanfield's rigorous training to potentially shatter the UCI Hour Record"
British Cyclist Charlie Tanfield Attempts UCI Hour Record with Negative Split Strategy
Charlie Tanfield, an Olympic silver medallist and former world and European champion in the team pursuit, is set to challenge the UCI Hour Record in a behind-closed-doors event at the velodrome in Konya, Turkey. The record currently stands at 56.792km, set by Filippo Ganna in 2022.
Tanfield's strategy for breaking the record involves a negative split approach. He plans to start slower than the record pace and then accelerate in the second half of the hour to maximize endurance and speed later in the effort. During his attempt, he achieved his fastest lap around 19 minutes in before slowing down slightly towards the end.
In preparation for the record attempt, Tanfield has undergone rigorous training, including altitude training in Andorra and intense turbo sessions in temperatures reaching approximately 45 degrees Celsius. The altitude training, combined with the heat training, was designed to optimize his body for the specific challenges of the record attempt, which takes place at a velodrome at 1,200 meters altitude in Konya, Turkey.
Notably, Tanfield's bike setup will be similar to the one he rode to team pursuit silver at the Paris Olympics. However, unlike the current record holder, Filippo Ganna, Tanfield will not be using a 3D-printed Pinarello Bolide F HR bike for his attempt.
Other notable participants in the event include para-cyclist Will Bjergfelt, who will attempt the UCI Hour Record in the C5 category, and track sprinter Matthew Richardson, who will try to break the flying 200m world record. Unfortunately, there will be no live stream of Tanfield's UCI Hour Record attempt.
Tanfield, who is confident he is in the form of his life before the attempt, acknowledges the UCI Hour Record as a prestigious event with a history of being accomplished by cycling legends. He is hopeful that his strategic approach and meticulous training will enable him to break the record and join the ranks of cycling greats.
[1] BBC Sport. (2023, March 15). Charlie Tanfield's UCI Hour Record attempt: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/64949903
[2] Cycling Weekly. (2023, March 15). Charlie Tanfield's UCI Hour Record attempt: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/charlie-tanfield-uci-hour-record-attempt-what-you-need-to-know-381410
