In June this year Sir Bradley Wiggins rewrote the history books by breaking cycling's prestigious World Hour Record when he cycled 54.526 km in London's Olympic velodrome. In this talk, writer and cycling journalist Edward Pickering examines the rich history of cyclng’s most iconic record including a very British rivalry that would redefine the sport and set in motion a new era of British cycling, the legacy of which we enjoy to this day.

The Hour. It's the only cycling record that matters. One man and his bike against the clock in a quest for pure speed. No teammates, no rivals, no tactics, no gears, no brakes. Just one simple question - in sixty minutes, how far can you go?

In 1993, an unknown Scot called Graeme Obree on a bike made out of bits of old washing machine, seemingly out of nowhere broke the World Hour record. Six days later Chris Boardman, a Liverpudlian – better known for winning the Olympic pursuit on a space-age carbon-fibre bike, stole it from him. Boardman was the establishment figure: reserved, scientific, middle-class. Obree was the rebel: the Flying Scotsman, working-class, riding a home-made bike. Between them they encapsulated the fascination at the heart of The Hour - a struggle between art and science, tradition and innovation, commercialism and individuality.

Join Ed for a look back on this pivotal moment in British cycling and other iconic moments that make up the fascinating history of cycling's World Hour record, the great riders who have attempted it and its recent resurgence into the sporting consciousness.

Edward Pickering is a writer and journalist who is editor of Procycling magazine. He is a regular contributor to Cycling Weekly, Rouleur and The Cycling Anthology. His book The Race Against Time, about the rivalry between Chris Boardman and Graeme Obree was shortlisted for Best New Writer at the British Sports Book Awards. His latest book The Yellow Jersey Club which examines what it takes to become a Tour de France champion, was released this year to critical acclaim.

Please Note:Due to unforeseen circumstances, Michael Hutchinson who was orignally booked to give this talk is now unable to attend.

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