Chris Hopkinson to attempt LEJOGLE record next week

Army Cycling Union rider Chris 'Hoppo' Hopkinson is setting off tomorrow for an attempt on the Land's End - John O'Groats - Land's End non-stop record. The current mark is 5 days, 21 hours and 8 minutes, set by Ben Rockett on 27 August 2010.

Hopkinson is no stranger to long-distance riding, although his story is quite unusual in that he only took up cycling at the age of 31. Now in his mid-40s, Hopkinson is attempting the record as part of his training for the 3000-mile Race Across America, the Blue Riband event of ultra-distance cycling. Hopkinson was the first official British solo finisher of the RAAM, completing the race in just under 12 days in 2005. The excellent documentary of the race, Bicycle Dreams, features Hopkinson on that ride.

Hopkinson's season is already off to a flyer, with a win in the Sebring 24hr event in Florida, managing 432.6 miles. The conditions for next week's attempt will be significantly different but the settled – if cold – weather that we're forecast for the next week should be okay for a long-distance attempt, although the prevailing wind will be a hindrance rather than a help on the outward leg, in a change from the norm.

We've got a man on the inside for this one, more by luck than judgement. Forum regular Gkam84 has signed up to be part of the support team, so we'll be pestering him for updates along the road. And we're wishing Chris all the best with his record attempt.

For updates head over to www.teamhoppo.co.uk