Bradley Wiggins’ record ride cleared by UCI

Cycling’s world governing body has no concerns over the equipment used by Sir Bradley Wiggins in his successful UCI Hour Record attempt on Sunday.
Rohan Dennis celebrates taking the leader's yellow jersey at the Criterium du Dauphine. Picture: AFP/GettyRohan Dennis celebrates taking the leader's yellow jersey at the Criterium du Dauphine. Picture: AFP/Getty
Rohan Dennis celebrates taking the leader's yellow jersey at the Criterium du Dauphine. Picture: AFP/Getty

Steve Collins, a coach who helped Alex Dowsett set the record on 2 May, claimed Wiggins’ bike was not commercially available and therefore against regulations.

The UCI said in a statement: “Bradley Wiggins’ bike and equipment were thoroughly assessed by UCI officials before and after the UCI Hour Record attempt and were judged to be fully compliant with UCI regulations.”

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Wiggins on Sunday recorded a distance of 54.526 kilometres, surpassing Dowsett’s mark of 52.937km, at the Lee Valley VeloPark. The 35-year-old Wiggins has said he will not be making a further attempt, with his efforts now focused on the 4km team pursuit at the Rio Olympics.

But the 26-year-old Dowsett is considering a further attempt in future and has time on his side.

Dowsett, who is currently riding the Criterium du Dauphine, said: “I would like to go back and see what I am capable of, whether that be next year or in eight years’ time.”

Meanwhile, Peter Kennaugh conceded the overall lead at the Criterium du Dauphine yesterday as BMC Racing won the team time-trial to send Rohan Dennis into the yellow jersey.

Manxman Kennaugh (Team Sky) held a two-second advantage after the opening two stages, with Dennis 12 seconds adrift, entering the 24.5-kilometres team test against the clock from Roanne to Montagny.

BMC Racing, the world team time-trial champions, won the stage in 29 minutes 58 seconds. They were the only squad to dip beneath 30 minutes as Astana finished four seconds behind in second place.

Team Sky, who were the final team to take to the course due to Kennaugh leading overall, finished in 30mins 33secs, 35secs behind in sixth.

“It’s special, just before the Tour de France. It’s a big race,” said Dennis, who also wore the race leader’s jersey two years ago after an individual time trial. “I have been targeting time trials a bit more, and I’ve raised my general classification ambitions compared to two years ago.”

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American Tejay van Garderen is second, level on time with Dennis, while Kennaugh is now 23 seconds behind in 19th place. He remains the highest-placed Briton, with Yates twins Simon and Adam, who ride for Orica-GreenEdge close behind him.

Today’s fourth stage is the 228km route from Anneyron Porte de DromArdeche to Sisteron, which features three categorised climbs.