AIGLE, Switzerland (AP) ― Austrian rider Matthias Brandle broke cycling’s historic hour record on Thursday after covering a distance of 51.852 kilometers at the UCI Velodrome.

The 24-year-old Brandle, the Austrian time trial champion, eclipsed Jens Voigt’s mark of 51.1 kilometers, improving his record by 742 meters.

“In the first few minutes I just wanted to get on with it but then it became more complicated,” Brandle said.

“Between 30 and 50 minutes was the hardest and I asked myself, ‘Why did I choose to do this kind of event?’ Then in the last 10 minutes, it’s the mental that takes over and with the amazing crowd behind me it was easier. Now I am really happy.”

The UCI first announced that Brandle had covered 51.850 kilometers but the rider‘s team, IAM Cycling, later said the distance had been revised to 51.852 kilometers before cycling’s governing body confirmed the record.

Voigt achieved the feat on Sept. 18, one day after his 43rd birthday. He took the record away from Czech cyclist Ondrej Sosenka who in 2005 clocked 49.7 kilometers.

The fastest time was previously held by cycling greats Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil or Eddy Merckx.

The UCI changed the rules of the hour record this year, authorizing competitors to ride bikes that can be used for endurance track events.

“It meant I was able to use almost the same bike as I used (for the time trial) at the road world championships,” Brandle said. “It’s a really good change.