Three British riders will target three separate world records in a single day at the Konya Velodrome in Türkiye, as Matt Richardson, Charlie Tanfield, and William Bjergfelt each line up for individual record-breaking attempts on Thursday, 14th August 2025.
It promises to be a historic day for British cycling, with Tanfield and Bjergfelt both targeting the UCI Hour Record presented by Tissot, and Richardson going after one of track cycling’s most elusive benchmarks – the sub-nine-second 200m flying start.
Tanfield eyes Ganna’s mark in Hour Record bid
Track pursuit specialist Charlie Tanfield will take on the elite men’s UCI Hour Record currently held by Filippo Ganna, who rode 56.792 km at the Tissot Velodrome in Grenchen in October 2022. Tanfield, 28, has a strong pedigree in the team pursuit, including a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and multiple world and European titles.
“I’ve been keen to attempt the Hour Record for my whole career,” said Tanfield. “There’s been months of training and learning to get to this point. On the day, my goal is to execute the perfect ride for my ability. If I can do that and put it all together, I’ll be happy.”
Tanfield’s attempt comes just weeks after helping Great Britain to the European team pursuit title, and he’ll carry that form into what will be one of the most controlled and demanding solo efforts of his life.
Photo Credit: SWPix.comBjergfelt to chase C5 para-cycling Hour Record
Also on the programme is William Bjergfelt, who will target the C5 category UCI Hour Record. The current mark stands at 47.569 km, set by Italy’s Andrea Tarlao in 2014. Bjergfelt, now 46, has been one of Britain’s most successful para cyclists since switching from elite mountain biking after a serious leg injury in 2015.
He won the C5 road race world title in Glasgow in 2023 and has consistently competed in both road and track events at the highest level.
“The Hour Record is iconic within cycling and something I’ve wanted to target for years,” he said. “This attempt is going to be ultra special for me, with the full support of British Cycling and GKN Aerospace where I’ve worked for the past 25 years.”
Photo Credit: SWPix.comRichardson goes after the fastest time in sprint history
Sprinter Matt Richardson, who switched nationality from Australia to Great Britain in 2024, will kick off the day by targeting the 200m flying start world record. The current record of 9.088 seconds was set by Harrie Lavreysen at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Richardson aims to break not only that record but the nine-second barrier itself.
“Breaking the nine-second barrier would etch my name into the history of the sport,” said Richardson. “It’s a milestone I’ve been chasing for years, so having the opportunity to go after it now is something truly special.”
Having narrowly missed the record earlier this year on the same track, Richardson will be returning with unfinished business and a renewed focus.
A statement of intent from British Cycling
Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director Stephen Park CBE praised the bold ambition shown by all three riders.
“For many athletes, the first year of a cycle is a time to rest and reset,” said Park. “To see these three riders take it upon themselves to attempt to break boundaries and take their place in the history books is fantastic.”
Each attempt will take place on 14th August at the Konya Velodrome, with live coverage and updates available via British Cycling on social media. Whether it’s record-breaking or just pushing the limits, it’s a day that will stand out on the 2025 track calendar.
Main photo credit: SWPix.com
