Attempt Miguel Induráin’s 1994 hour record atop a Pinarello Espada in new Zwift races

Ever wondered how hard it would be to hold hour record pace? It will soon be possible to find out as Zwift is adding a Miguel Induráin bot that users can take on in one-hour races.

Available for a limited time between 3-5 May, the bot will mimic Induráin’s pace from when he set the hour record in Bordeaux in 1994. Anyone hoping to reach his record-breaking feat will need to emulate the 53.04km distance he managed to cover and the staggering 510 watts it took to achieve the distance - you read that right, 510 watts! That equates to 6.3 watts per kilogram, according to Zwift, which has programmed the bot to emulate Induráin’s performance as closely as possible, using his specific height (188cm) and weight (81kg).

That’s a mind-boggling amount of power, but Induráin’s effort was also made partly possible by the equally iconic Pinarello Espada bike that helped to propel him to the record. It could also help you to set a personal hour record too, as anyone taking on any of the races will do so atop a virtual version of the bike.

Sure it’s not the same as riding the real thing, but it’s the closest most of us will ever get to it as only four versions of the bike were ever made. Induráin’s model for his hour record attempt was custom-molded to fit his Spanish frame, but he also used customised versions for his two time trial victories at the 1995 Tour de France too, which would herald the last of his five overall victories at the race.

Like many of its counterparts - it heralded from an era packed with iconic bikes - the Pinarello Espada’s design fell foul of changes to the UCI regulations, meaning bikes like it or no longer allowed in competition. That doesn’t extend to Zwift, though, where you’ll be able to compete on it, but only in one of the events.

Read more: Banesto Pinarello team bike: Is this vintage bike from the mid-90s the pinnacle of road bikes?

Each of the races is available as an event on Zwift and there will be plenty of opportunities to take part as they’re scheduled for every two hours across the three days. The races will take part on the Tempus Fugit course in the Watopia world. Races won’t be categorised and drafting will be allowed, with everyone starting together in a mass start.

Explore and sign up for any of the Espada Challenge events here.

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