Lynch, winner of the time trial at the 2011 Road World Championships before gaining the individual pursuit title at the following year's track event, was still on pace deep into his record bid.

But, moments after suffering a front wheel puncture, he crashed onto the track.

After staying down for around four minutes while his bike was repaired, the Irishman briefly attempted to start riding again before coming to a halt due to being unable to put pressure on his elbow.

In a series of messages afterwards on Twitter, he started out in disappointed fashion, posting: "That's a year's work down the toilet, nothing broken except my spirit".

But he soon became more reflective, writing: "That's the best part of sport sometimes: the drama, it's why we love to watch.

"Thanks for all the support today, means a lot.

"Tried to get up and finish but couldn't put weight on my elbow.

"But I vow to come back and do it again.

"Record was there for the taking."

Lynch had been attempting to break the mark of 41.31 kilometres set in 1999 by French rider Laurent Thirionet, who also pipped him to Paralympic bronze in the individual pursuit at London 2012 by just 0.10 of a second.

As well as a future record bid, the Irishman, whose left leg was amputated below the knee when he was aged 21, will now be targeting the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The Hour Record has enjoyed a revival in popularity across cycling in recent months, with Britain's four-time Olympic champion and 2012 Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins now holding the men's mark. 

Related stories
February 2014: Reigning world champion Colin Lynch headlines Irish cycling team for Mexico