SM
Inter Milan vs. Como: 7 hrs 2 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Alex Dowsett pens new two-year deal with Israel Start-Up Nation

:Headline: Alex Dowsett pens new two-year deal with Israel Start-Up Nation: ID:422135: from db_amp
The 32-year-old has agreed a two-year contract extension with Israel Start-Up Nation.

As Israel Start-Up Nation announced a new two-year contract for Alex Dowsett on Friday morning the 32-year-old was out on his bike, deep into preparations for next month's assault on the UCI Hour Record.

While most professional cyclists are trying to enjoy an off-season after the hectic schedule of racing amid the coronavirus pandemic, there is no such rest for Dowsett.

The Essex rider spent the second half of 2020 wondering if his career was coming to an end given cycling's volatile finances, with the uncertainty a contributing factor to his decision to try to regain the Hour Record he held for 36 days back in 2015.

Dowsett admitted it had been a "hugely stressful" time, particularly as he looks forward to the birth of his first child, but following his superb victory on stage eight of the Giro d'Italia last month, Israel Start-Up Nation have rewarded him with a two-year deal.

"It would be nice to have a grandstand full of spectators, but it's not necessary. It's just me, a small support group and a couple of commissaires from the UCI."

Dowsett, believed to be the only haemophiliac athlete competing at an elite level, will ride in support of his Little Bleeders charity and the Haemophilia Society, looking to raise both money and awareness of the condition.

Five years ago, Dowsett covered 52.937km on the boards of the Manchester velodrome to take the record but Wiggins soon took it, and Victor Campenaerts subsequently raised the bar again to 55.039km.

The two kilometre gap looks yawning, but Dowsett insists it is bridgeable.

Dowsett celebrates in Manchester after breaking the Hour Record in 2015 (Lynne Cameron/PA)

"We've crunched all the numbers," he said. "With my power and aerodynamic drag, it's on the limit but it is possible to break Victor's record."

Revered in cycling, the Hour Record is often associated with pain and suffering. The great Eddy Merckx described his successful 1972 attempt as "the longest hour of my career".

Dowsett has a different memory from 2015, but knows things might not be so easy second time around.

"I didn't have that pain and suffering experience that others talk about," he said. "The pace felt quite comfortable. It wasn't all out, and it became quite enjoyable.

"But I'm not expecting this one to be anywhere near as enjoyable as the bar has been set so high now."

amp_article__422135 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-11-13 10:50:57:
html db last update - 2020-11-13 10:50:57 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Alex Dowsett

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .