Welsh based Swede Magnus Bäckstedt has completed his final test session on the Newport Velodrome and declared himself happy with his form. Bäckstedt and his derny driver British pacer Paul Spender, were in perfect harmony from the first time they took to the track and have spent close to 30 hours on the track together in preparation for the record attempt.
Big Magnus has also now decided on a gear of 60 x 13 which is in stark contrast to the gear used by the current holder of the record Matthé Pronk. "We are totally different riders," said Bäckstedt. "Pronk pedalled his way to the record and is a very talented six day rider. Anyone who knows me will see I am all power! I studied the gears used by riders such as Tony Rominger and Miguel Indurain when they went for the hour record and they used similar gears to the one I am on now.
"I just want the crowd to come along and enjoy and evening's entertainment."
Bäckstedt's Blast, as the event is being titled, will feature a keirin series headlined by top British sprinter Craig McLean and a series of endurance races of which World Team Pursuit Champion Steve Cummings is the star attraction.
The Liquigas pro will also be joined on the night by Reading-born Dario Cioni, Patrick Calcagni, Marco Milesi and Mario Scirea, who will all take to the track for first time in a team Liquigas-Bianchi pursuit series.
"It will be great for the British public to see these guys in action and the pursuit series should be really entertaining," Bäckstedt said.
The event will get under way at 7pm on Saturday October 29, with Magnus heading out at 9:30pm.
• Tickets are £10 with a concession for under 10 years at £5 and under 5's are free and are available online at: TrackCycling.co.uk
• Or from Welsh Cycling Union offices at Newport Velodrome (9am and 4pm) in person
only
• Or call Sprocket Promotions on 01252 815506
• magnusbackstedt.com
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