Bradley Wiggins smashed the World Hour Record, on Sunday, April 7, 2015, going 54.526 kilometers (33.88 miles) in an hour at sea level. He added an incredible 1,589 meters to the record. Wiggins rode smoothly, beautifully the entire time. He slowed measurably, but slightly during the final 10 kilometers. Clearly, he was at his limit the whole ride.

The air density at London's Lee Valley Park velodrome was higher today, slightly more than several previous days. This slowed Wiggins, keeping him from his goal of 55 kilometers. In fact, they had to adjust his gearing for the thicker air. As it was, he powered as astonishing 58 x 14, a 108.9 inch gear. And he made it look as if he were spinning a 42-16.

Wiggins became the sixth rider to both win the Tour de France and hold the World Hour Record, following Lucien Petit-Breton, Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain.

After the ride, he said, "I'm just glad it's done. It was torturous... That's the closest I have ever come to what it's like to a have a baby. You're constantly looking at the clock counting down. When you're out there, you never think it's coming to an end. I always compare myself to the greats and I am just glad to be in the company of those guys."

He not-humbly added, "To get up there and do that, to put yourself on the line, takes a lot of courage and it's a mental game as much as anything."

Wiggins rode a smooth, even Hour.

YouTube Video of Wiggins ride:

You can watch it by advancing the time line until the actual video starts.