INEOS Grenadier Filippo Ganna has today set a new UCI Hour Record timed by Tissot at the Tissot Velodrome in Grenchen, Switzerland – covering a distance of 56.792 kilometres.
The 26-year-old Italian smashed the record and covered over a kilometre more than fellow INEOS Grenadier, Dan Bigham, who set a new record of 55.548 kilometres less than two months ago.
The double world time trial champion who signed a four-year extension with the team earlier this year, has been building to the record attempt for over a year while also riding competitively for the team and Italy.
Ganna said: “To arrive at this amazing goal is fantastic for me, and all the INEOS Grenadiers staff who worked for a long time to arrive at this result.
“This morning I was thinking about just trying to break the record by one metre, but in the end I said why not try to do a new [unified record]. This result is amazing. 56.792 kilometres is not bad!
“Next time maybe I’ll try in another part of the season with fresher legs and we can go higher again. This result is amazing. Now I’m thinking about recovery and trying to celebrate together with everyone here.”
The previous Hour Record holder, Brit Dan Bigham, joined the INEOS Grenadiers as a Performance Engineer ahead of the 2022 season and has been working with the team and its partners to prepare for his own attempt earlier this year as well as Ganna’s.
Dan Bigham said: “A massive kudos to Filippo for that historic ride. I know the commitment, determination and work that’s needed to put in a performance like that. It’s fantastic that this ambitious project came together on the night. Having my record beaten by Filippo was always part of the plan and it’s great to have such a deserving teammate as the new record holder.”
Rod Ellingworth, Deputy Team Principal said: “This is a much deserved honour for Filippo. It is a huge undertaking but he put in a massive effort and smashed it. And to have beaten Chris Boardman’s benchmark time is something very special to us as well, it was something we all secretly hoped to achieve and which reaffirms just how great an athlete Filippo is. To have two INEOS Grenadiers break the record this year is incredible and is down to the dedication of Filippo, Dan, the wider team and our partners.
“As INEOS Grenadiers, we are always looking to push forward, go faster, ride further and be better. Tonight’s achievement is the epitome of that attitude and approach. The UCI Hour Record timed by Tissot is a prestigious event that not only tests the rider but also the technology, equipment and innovation from the team and our partners including Pinarello, Bioracer and Kask. This is a huge achievement for everyone involved and we are incredibly proud.”