[HAMR] How far would a contemporary pro go?

[Exit Stage Left]

The technical idea of being 'at work' might cause problems for a professional attempt. Many pros are actually self-employed, but doing such an event in a pro-team framework would raise the question of liabilities.
Doing this challenge voluntarily, or as a member of the armed forces is the best fit.

[TGS]

No mention of Jens Voigt?

Well I was wondering if he would come up before H said "it depends how much you pay".

If Steve / Kurt generate enough interest then why wouldn't someone like Jens have a crack?

[LittleWheelsandBig]

There isn't enough money in it for a pro.

[StuAff]

Though Jens is certainly the kind of person who, in many respects, could give it a serious go, he definitely wouldn't.  Judging by what he said on the charity ride in the New Forest (the weekend after the hour record run...) last year and in interviews, his body was (finally) feeling the strain, he was looking forward to spending more time with his family, eating less heathily...it would have to be someone a bit younger without family commitments (or a very understanding partner!).

[Karla]

coulda woulda shoulda

[IanDG]

A good old fashioned pro in the mould of Les West or Barry Hoban maybe. A Bradley Wiggins or Ben Swift? I don't think so.

[Frank9755]

The person who might possibly do it and, if so, could put the record on the shelf for another 75 years, is Kristof Allegaert, the guy who generally finishes the Transcontinental Race a day ahead of everyone else. 

However, even he may never want to.

[Ningishzidda]

Which professional cyclist is going to risk becoming known as “The man who tried and failed.”?

[Salvatore]

The person who might possibly do it and, if so, could put the record on the shelf for another 75 years, is Kristof Allegaert, the guy who generally finishes the Transcontinental Race a day ahead of everyone else. 

However, even he may never want to.

He's Belgian. He'd never manage (or comprehend) the Alkoholverbot.

There are teetotal Belgians. He isn't one of them.

[Exit Stage Left]

There are plenty of ways to validate a record without the UMCA. Probably the likeliest challenge would come from the armed forces of a country with something to prove. I can envisage a face-off involving India, Pakistan, China, Taiwan or Japan.
Tommy Godwin went into the RAF after his record. The RAF had a strong cycling culture, and inter-command competitions were a big deal. In 1953 the RAF even ran a 5 day tour.
http://www.tour-racing.co.uk/html/1953_raf_5-day.html

[Ivo]

There are plenty of ways to validate a record without the UMCA. Probably the likeliest challenge would come from the armed forces of a country with something to prove. I can envisage a face-off involving India, Pakistan, China, Taiwan or Japan.

Slovenia has a track record regarding armed forces and long distance cycling.

[Exit Stage Left]

There's a specific Armed Forces trophy in RAAM.
http://www.shaw.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123266158

Riding from base to base, and having a team of pacers would work well.