Jens Voigt says Eurosport will screen Hour record attempt

Jens Voigt says that Eurosport will be providing live TV coverage of his attempt on the Hour record next week to up to 70 countries and while full dteails aren't yet to hand, given his popularity here we imagine it's likely the UK will be among them.

The German, who retired  from road racing last month following a career that saw him take part in the Tour de France a record-equalling 17 times, taking two stage wins along the way, announced his forthcoming attempt on the record last week.

The news came as a surpise, and Voigt said it was "one last present for my fans" although he promised that he was earnest about beating the current record of 49.7km held by Ondrej Sosenka’s 49.7 adding that it wouldn't be a "circus act."

The record attempt takes part in the Velodrome Suisse in Grenchen, Switzerland next Thursday 18 September.

As yet, the attempt - which takes place the day after Voigt's 43rd birthday - doesn't appear on the British Eurosport schedule, but a crew from the pan-European broadcaster was at the track today to film Voigt's preparations as part of a preview.

Voigt said on Twitter: "I gotta be insane , no?! Doing this to myself a day after my birthday??!! But hey- i never said i am normal,right?!"

Meanwhile, Trek Bicycle UK tweeted a picture of Voigt warming up on the rollers.

This Madone is so afraid of @thejensie, it's shrinking in fear: MT @TrekFactory @stephanngicquel: #HourRecord pic.twitter.com/avUHoJPwFi

— Trek Bicycle UK (@TrekBikesUK) September 9, 2014