TRACK CYCLING

UCI Best Performance and National record broken

By Sheppard Cycles New Zealand

On Saturday 19th of March Jim McMurray of Tirau raced against the clock at the Avantidrome on his Avanti Pista to break the Best Performance One Hour Record, masters 55 - 59 age group, with a leg blasting 47.733 kms cycled within the hour.

The National One Hour record was also broken, with McMurray beating the current record by 36 meters, which, at the pace he was riding, equates to a mere 2.6 seconds. The New Zealand record is open to riders of any age to compete for, with McMurray’s time being the quickest time ever recorded, as recognized by Cycling New Zealand.

McMurray had been training for six months in the lead up to Saturdays’ record breaking attempt and did not disappoint spectators who made it to Cambridge to cheer on his efforts, many of which know Jim personally through his many years in the cycling industry. When asked what kept him going throughout the grueling 60 minute leg-burning race, McMurray put it down to the crowd, which can be heard cheering him on in a short clip posted on Facebook by Avanti bikes, and having ‘a good mind set’.


Jim McMurray celebrates becoming the fastest ever New Zealander to race the clock in the National One Hour Record. Photo courtesy of Sheppard Cycles New Zealand

Jim’s greatest concern on the day of his attempt was getting a flat tyre, fortunately all went without a hitch with McMurray citing his focus was kept on ‘keeping to the pace line’. McMurray said the hardest part of the race was the last five laps when he had to dig deep to pick up an already fast pace, which paid off with his 2.6 second triumph over the previous New Zealand record holder.

McMurray’s title is now pending results to officially be named the World One Hour Record holder in the Performance category (typically takes 3-4 weeks to be confirmed), however the National One Hour record has already been validated. With pained gluts McMurray was asked if he would do it again, to which he responded he would, if he needed to.


McMurray with support crew member and Avanti Bike Store manager, Michael van Enter. Photo courtesy of Sheppard Cycles New Zealand

Purple Heart Foundation was there with a team of collectors, raising just over $1,000 for the cause.

Always on the go, McMurray is already thinking of his next races; with the National Road Race in April and the World Championships in Perth in September.