17 YEAR UK RECORD - IAN'S UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
IAN TO IS THE MAN CHALLENGING THE 17 YEAR OLD UK DISTANCE RECORD
The Challenge:
For most; a new year gives people hope of better than previous, to get fit - to read those books you never quite managed, to be more or less social the list of new year resolutions go on... And quite often cycling is something that people get quite keen on, rides from London to Paris / trying a few stages of the Tour de France are annually tried by hundreds/thousands of people.
The idea of riding from the Southern most point to the Northern most point of the UK is something that interests a lot of people - For most; the challenge would take around 10 - 14 days. An average person with some cycling understanding and reasonable level of fitness would ride between 70 - 100 miles a day.
For our friend and team rider, Ian To, it's a year with some serious challenge attempts, the first of many taking him through 21 counties from south to north of the UK. You might have guessed - Ian is taking on the Land's End to John O'Groats ride.
He's Chasing the 17 year record - where by he will have to keep to a minimum of 19.2 mph average speed. His Venn Wheels will have to rotate 647,106 times & will climb a total of 36,500ft on his journey.
The Current Record:
The current record set on a conventional bicycle (Road Bike) was set in 2001 by Gethin Butler, a keen racer who represented Preston Wheelers whilst racing, started out as a cyclist from the young age of 11 for the enjoyment, but it wasn't until he turned 14 he began racing.
Speaking to 'Lancashire Post' in 2004, in reflection of his 3 year old record "I think it is the biggest thing I have done in cycling, it certainly took the most planning because I was gearing up for that one for months".
The record has now stood firm for 17 years, despite attempts at breaking it no one has successfully broke that time. Ian, will be taking on the record with his back up team in May 2018.
Ian's History in Ultra Cycling
Ian is a very successful Ultra Cyclist, after performing so well in the last few years, taking 4 wins in his last 6 Ultra Cycle Races and setting 3 course records all abroad - Ian is keen to clinch some home records! He is also aspiring to compete and win the solo mens category in whats probably the most well known Ultra Cycle Race, the Race Across America (RAAM) within a few years!
The Bike
Designed by science, not by guesswork and a marketing brief. The Velocite Syn is the fastest road bike in the world today. Over two years of research, development and testing delivers the ultimate combination of aerodynamics, stiffness and comfort.
Crew:
Ian has a good team around him: 2 mechanics, 1 driver, 1 photographer, 1 Marketing member & a Crew Chief.
Sponsors/Supporters
| SPONSOR: | COMPANY GOODS/SERVICE: | WEBSITE: |
| MITCHELL CYCLES | BIKE SHOP, BASED IN SWINDON (US) | YOUR ON IT! |
| TMC | TEAM SPONSORSHIP | YOUR ON IT! |
| VENN WHEELS | CARBON WHEELS & PRODUCTS | http://www.venn-cycling.com |
| VELOCITE BIKES | CARBON FRAME AND FORK SPECIALISTS | http://www.velocite-bikes.com |
| MAGICSHINE | BICYCLE LIGHTS | http://www.magicshineuk.co.uk |
| THE FULL CYCLE PHOTOGRAPHY | PHOTOGRAPHER | https://www.facebook.com/r3dfive/ |
| ABSOLUTE BLACK | PERFORMANCE OVAL CHAINRINGS | https://absoluteblack.cc |
| Recon Cassettes | Performance Cassette | http://www.recon-harry.com.tw |
| Panaracer | Tyres | https://www.panaracer.com |
(click the image of Ian for his TMC Rider Profile)
To keep up to date with Ian's season, training and racing - check out his social media pages!
References:
Quotes from Gethin Butler, interview with Lancashire Post:
https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/i-ll-gethin-in-the-saddle-for-record-1-143850
Record Information:
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-journey-from-lands-end-to-john-o-groats-by-bicycle-(male)
Written and published by Mitchell Cycles: Steven Mitchell