TRACK CYCLING

Tirau cyclist takes on UCI One Hour World Record

By Sheppard Cycles

The Avantidrome in Cambridge is up in lights yet again as Tirau cyclist Jim McMurray attempts to set a new UCI World Record in the masters 55 - 59 age group.


Photo courtesy of Sheppard Cycles

McMurray will take to the track on the 19th of March 2016 at 4.30pm to challenge the current record of 45.0189kms, set in 2012 by Keith Ketterer from America.

Living just 15kms from the Avantidrome in Cambridge, McMurray’s training ground is also where he’ll race, using the Avanti Pista EVO II Team as his race weapon– Avanti’s premium track platform, previously ridden by Olympic and World champions. Cycling is unlike most other sports in that you can visually see the talent at work, and the hour record is one of the most torturous challenges to that talent. Eddy Merckx famously described his world hour record: “It’s very, very hard. I couldn’t walk for a few days after I did it. That’s how hard it is.”

McMurray’s UCI One Hour World Record attempt is in the name of raising funds for the Purple Heart Foundation. His involvement with the charity stems back a few years when longtime friend Mark Little’s youngest daughter developed a form of cancer at age 4, and Mark encouraged McMurray to get back into riding seriously again, starting with a friendly dare and challenge to ride two laps of Lake Taupo to raise funds for Purple Heart Foundation.

Entry into the Avantidrome to watch and support McMurray in his attempt is a gold coin donation at the door; all proceeds go to the Purple Heart Foundation.

As a well-known cyclist in the industry and rep for Sheppard Cycles, McMurray has the support of most the north island bike stores, and intends on making a day for all to enjoy. The Avantidrome will be open from 1pm offering new riders the opportunity to experience the track free of charge. Just remember to bring covered shoes to ride in and a long sleeved t-shirt. From 2.30pm The Purple Heart Foundation will host a BBQ and Avanti will also have a range of their new bikes available to test ride. With a path trail entrance at one side of the Avantidrome spectators are encouraged to bring their bikes and make a day of it.

Dreamlive will be doing a live podcast of the event, so those that can’t attend can still be part of this record attempt by tuning in online.

As an avid cyclist McMurray already has an impressive hoard of riding accolades under his belt; nine National champion wins (five in the time trial, and four in road racing), two silver medals and one bronze - all scooped up in the last six years. With his training and preparation McMurray is confident in his current per ride form, achieving his fastest cycle time in January in the ½ ironman at Mt Maunganui, 2hr 05min, beating his personal best by 4 minutes.


McMurray in training at the Avantidrome. Photo courtesy of Sheppard Cycles