Sylvain Chavanel "seduced by idea" of attempting to break Sir Bradley Wiggins' UCI Hour Record

Sylvain Chavanel says he is “seduced by the idea” of trying to beat Sir Bradley Wiggins’ UCI Hour Record and would have liked to attempt it next month – but his IAM Cycling team wouldn’t let him.

The six-time French time trial champion is returning to the track in Bordeaux next month for the national championships, where he will ride the individual pursuit.

He had planned to attempt to break Wiggins’ Hour Record of 54.526 kilometres, set in London in June, in Switzerland between 10 and 15 June.

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However, IAM Cycling – which the 36-year-old will leave at the end of the season to join Direct Energie, the current Europcar team which is changing sponsor – is holding team meetings between those dates, which Chavanel is required to attend.

"They would have wanted me to bring forward my attempt,” he told L’Equipe.  “But this kind of project requires special preparation and I do not want to take the record lightly.

“I do not really know what I am capable of but I really am seduced by this idea."

As things stand, any attempt now looks likely to take place in next year.

“If this idea has crossed my mind, it’s because it’s a serious one and I don’t want to do just anything,” he continued. “It’s necessary to find the opportune time.”

For now, he’s looking forward to a longer than usual post-season break on Guadeloupe.

“There, it will be a nice winter break, longer than the short breaks I’ve taken these last few years,” he added.