Alex Dowsett announced recently to hit the world hour record in Manchester on December 12. Victor Campenaerts, the current world hour record holder, does not think it is impossible for Britain to take his record. “I give him a fifty percent chance,” says the Belgian Newspaper.
Campenaerts set the current record of 55.039 kilometers in Aguascalientes, Mexico in 2019. The NTT pro cyclist was not surprised by Dowsett’s announcement. “We already talked about it at the Giro. I get on very well with Alex. It’s a bit double: I like him, but I can’t give too many hints. This is a competitor who could take away my biggest achievement as a driver.”
If Dowsett were to break Campeneerts’ record, the latter would already have his answer ready. “I already say: if he takes my record, I will plan a new attack myself in a short time.” So the Belgian thinks Dovesett has a chance, but only if the wind pressure is favourable, and that remains to be seen. Air pressure makes or breaks an effort. I’m not a climatologist, but the air pressure in Mexico is almost constant every day. In Belgium or the United Kingdom it fluctuates from day to day. It is feared that on December 12th, if he becomes paralyzed and the air pressure is too high, the attempt will be impossible.’
Campaigners: ‘I’m better in terms of physicality and aerodynamics’
Also, Campenaerts considers itself superior to Dowsett in terms of physical efficiency and aerodynamics. However, the Briton has a considerable advantage due to his experience on the track. ‘Of all the attempts so far, Alex drove the most beautiful lines. The better you master, the faster you can go. For example, I had to seriously drop that perfect line in the second half of my record attempt,’ said Campenaerts, who was not afraid of having his record pulverized. ‘I don’t believe in it. Alex has a tough job ahead of him and I’d be sad if he didn’t,’ he concludes. (Photo: Siroti)
