Essex architect Neil Campbell has been officially recognised as the fastest man ever on a bicycle by Guinness World Records.
In August, he hit a draft assisted speed of 174.3 miles per hour (280.6 kilometres an hour) at Elvington Airfield in North Yorkshire, also breaking his own motor-paced European record.
Quoted on BBC News, Campbell, who was towed up to speed behind a Porsche Cayenne then pedalled in its slipstream, said: “I never thought we could achieve it in this country.”
He added that verification of the record had come as a “Huge relief. It's a reassurance – and a recognition for the team who have been working towards this for a very long time.
“But records are made to be broken. I feel quite humbled.”
Only Denise Mueller-Korenek of the United States has ever gone quicker on a bicycle, hitting 184 miles per hour (296 kilometres per hour) last year at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
Her effort eclipsed the 166.9 miles per hour (268.8 kilometres per hour) motor-paced world record held since 1995 at the same location by Fred Rompelberg from the Netherlands.
Campbell is now targeting Mueller-Korenek’s record, but acknowledges that he would have to undertake his attempt in Utah.
He is aiming to exceed 220 miles per hour (354 kilometres per hour) on the six-mile track at Bonneville Salt Flats.
“The challenge is not just physical,” he added, “it's about science, planning and teamwork.”
The standard of driving by London bus drivers is appalling.
No, Prime Minister/ Chancellor, regulation isn't why the economy isn't growing. Have another try. ...
There's going to be some fairly serious sales resistance to having a bike with "TRUMPF" emblazoned on the side, isn't there?
'Ridiculous' Oxford car park charges to increase from April...
Up to you of course, but I think I'd base buying decisions for wheels on a bit more research than "what somebody on Facebook said."
Sorry, but Rendel is right. Please don't use such offensive terms. As you say, it's not 1980, when maybe we were a little less aware of prejudice...
I've been using Power Grips for over five years now. They're great.
driverless, car-less......
I already mentioned the strategies that work, which are reductions of motor vehicle usage and lawlessness. For example, Sweden's population has...
It wouldn't matter if it was made last week in China out of plastic: it's still a good enough reason to deny cyclists safer roads.