The Hour by Michael Hutchinson

Coming across Graeme Obree’s blog and being reminded about Yvonne McGregor’s hour record in 1995, got me thinking about the World hour Record. The World Hour has always been something that has captured my imagination, perhaps being a time triallist it is the ultimate challenge.

The hour by Michael Hutchinson is a great read and fascinating story about an honourable ‘failure’ in his attempt to set a new hour record.
I admire anyone who has the guts to go for the ultimate cycling record, especially a non professional outsider. The problem with going for the hour is that you either prove yourself to be the fastest cyclist ever – or you fail. There is nothing in between; it is all or nothing with a very slim chance of achieving the goal.

Michael is well known on the UK time trial scene, but relatively unknown elsewhere. I have raced against him quite a few time. I usually judge my progress by how much I am behind him. Typically 5-6 mins for a 25 mile time trial.

Michael writes with a self depreciating humour, which is the best way to deal with a long catalogue of difficulties – from over officious UCI officials to struggling to get a promised bike in time.

Michael writes about his admiration of Graeme Obree. There are certain similarities between the two. Both are time triallist specialists who come from outside the ‘cycling establishment’ both come face to face with UCI bureaucracy and attempt to do what many great cyclists have never tried – break the world hour record.

This is a great cycling book, I think even non cyclists would find it a good read. It is a useful insight into the determination and sacrifice you need in order to get to the top of cycling.