Vittoria Bussi will attempt to break the UCI Hour Record in 2023, hoping to surpass the 49.254 km record set by Ellen van Dijk at the Velodrome Suisse in Grenchen in May.

The Italian has launched a Gofundme (open in new tab) campaign to confirm her next Hour Record attempt and raise financial support for her goal. As of Friday, 71 donations had been received, raising €1,785 of the €10,000 goal.

"In 2023, I am ready to take it back, it is a "load 2 record" and almost ready. Access to the Hour Record costs a fortune and I need your help to complete the budget needed to formalize my attempt," Bushy wrote on the fundraising page.

In 2018, Bussi set a women's UCI Hour record of 48.007 km on the velodrome in Aguascalientes, Mexico, beating Evelyn Stevens' 2016 record by a mere 27 meters at the time.

The record was then broken in 2021 by Jocelyn Roden with 48.405 km and in 2022 by van Dijk, who currently holds the record with 49.254 km. Busi's compatriot Filippo Ganna currently holds the men's UCI Hour record, having run 56.792 km in October at the velodrome in Grenchen, Switzerland.

Bussi, a mathematician, said she is aiming to break the 50 km mark in her next attempt at the women's UCI Hour Record.

"My math skills contribute to aerodynamics and technical research, and I intend to break the 50 km barrier and push the women's record beyond this limit," she said.

As an independent athlete without an established trade team, Bussi is asking the public to financially support her hour record attempt.

She also said she wants to give back to the sport by promoting safety and equality in cycling and establishing a cycling academy dedicated to a new generation of female athletes.

"Records are more than sporting achievements. For those who choose to be independent athletes and entrepreneurs of their own, it is an opportunity to believe and push forward, despite the many challenges ahead." [Sports change lives. I experienced it firsthand. On the track, I seem to be alone against time, but I am never alone because I am bringing people who believe in my struggle. I am grateful to those who are willing to support me in this new endeavor."