Lowden hopes to drop flag on Hour record race

Brit targets official attempt after February’s record-breaking training run, writes Vern Pitt

- Vern Pitt

Joscelin Lowden hopes her upcoming attempt on the women’s Hour record will inspire a raft of attempts by big-name riders. The British Drops-Le Col rider announced last week that she will attempt the Hour record in Switzerland this autumn. She hopes to first ride the time trial at the Worlds and then attempt the Hour record before the Women’s Tour starts on 9 October in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Speaking to CW she said: “One of my reasons for wanting to do it is that it’s such a big thing for men to go and do and so many really notable, talented, big names have had to go. And so few women have. I think it should be as big [as the men’s] and I hope that by doing it gets some interest.”

However, Lowden, who unofficially beat the current record of 48km in training in February, was quite clear she’d like to hold it for a bit first. “It doesn’t mean I want people to go and break it [if I set a new mark], I just want them to have a go,” she said with a laugh.