BRITISH cycling supremo Sir Bradley Wiggins has declared an interest in setting a world record in Derby.
The 2012 Tour de France winner said he may have a go at setting a new hour record – and that he saw Derby's velodrome, which is in the process of being built, as the place to do it.
A report in Cycling News said: "When encouraged to use the Manchester velodrome if he attempts the record, Wiggins said he'd be inclined to go to the new velodrome in Derby."
Councillor Martin Repton, cabinet member for leisure and culture at Derby City Centre, said he was buoyed by Sir Bradley's comments.
Mr Repton said: "We're absolutely delighted at this incredibly positive endorsement.
"For one of the world's top cyclists to say he wants to come to Derby's new velodrome and sports arena is really superb and we would welcome him with open arms.
"I'm sure there would be tens of thousands of people in Derby who would want to come along and see him.
"What's pleasing about what he's said is that no-one prompted him to say it.
"It's really, really good. He goes all around the world and for him to know what's going on in Derby and to recognise it and want to be part of it is incredible.
"It's brilliant. We will do all we can to facilitate this happening because it would be great for Derby."
Work on Derby's £28m multi-sports centre, called Derby Arena, is expected to finish in November with an opening to the public in January 2015.
As well as the cycle track, there will be a gym with 125 stations, multi-sports area, class space, and a cafe.
Sir Bradley's indication that he would attempt to break a world record at the venue came after Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – the world governing body for sports cycling – announced changes to the rules governing the Hour Record.
Several big-name riders now expected to target cycling's most prestigious record now that modern endurance track bikes fitted with aero bars can be used.
The UCI killed off interest in the Hour Record in 2000 when they ruled that any attempts had to be done using a tradition bike, much like the one used by Eddy Merckx in 1972.
That stifled innovation and cancelled records set by Graeme Obree and Chris Boardman, who set the record using the Superman aerodynamic position.
Under the new rules, anyone attempting the Hour Record will have to use a bike that complies with rules for endurance competition on the track. This means that aero bars, disc wheels and aero helmets will be allowed.
