Evelyn Stevens breaks UCI Hour record

Americsan cyclist Evelyn Stevens has set a new UCI Hour record of 47.980 km, adding just over a kilometre to the previous record held by Australia's Bridie O'Donnell in Adelaide last month.

Stevens, aged 32, undertook her record-breaking ride at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center Velodrome.

The Boels-Dolmans rider is the fourth rider to hold the record in the past six months, with another American, Molly Shaffer Van Houweling last September taking it from Dutch rider Leontien van Moorsel, who had held it for more than a decade.

Stevens, originally from California, worked for several years as an analyst on Wall Street before taking up cycling full-time in 2009.

"It’s not common that you get the chance to set a new World Record," she said afterwards."Could not have been a more perfect day. I just want to celebrate with everyone now!”

UCI president Brian Cookson said: “I would like to congratulate ‘Evie’ on her achievement. Bridie O’Donnell’s record stood for five weeks and we have already seen two attempts this year despite only being in February.”

Renewed interest in the Hour record - the men's version is held by Sir Bradey Wiggins, who took it from fellow Briton Alex Dowsett last June - was sparked by a 2014 UCI rule change allowing modern track bikes and equipment.

“Two years after the rule change, riders’ interest in the UCI Hour Record has not waned," Cookson added.

"From Europe to North America via Oceania, one after another the athletes are pitting their strength against our sport’s legendary event, in front of fans who can follow live their exploits on our YouTube channel.”