Cyclist breaks world record for fastest bicycle speed

By Dean Murray

A British cyclist has broken the world record for fastest bicycle speed in a slipstream.

Neil Campbell beat his own previous record by pedalling at 175.89 mph behind a high-powered pickup truck.

He achieved the time during a speed race event held in Arkansas on October 5.

Neil had previously reached 174.33 mph to secure the Guinness World Record.

His latest goal was to surpass the current 183 mph absolute world record and become the first person to exceed 200 mph on a bicycle.

Although some technical issues arose, preventing him from hitting the target speed this time, Neil and his team now believe their set-up and approach have proven effective. Encouraged by the results, he remains confident and determined to reach his ultimate goal of doing 200 mph.

Neil rode a newly designed, purpose-built bicycle featuring motorcycle wheels, motorcycle brakes, and a complex drive system capable of generating massive gears. He also wore advanced protective clothing using motorcycle airbag technology.

The attempt was carried out in collaboration with a pace car team from the USA. The pace car, a Chevy C10 truck, was driven by world record holder and ex-NASCAR driver Rick Lind, based in Aiken, North Carolina.

Neil’s world record was officially supervised and recorded by ECTA Motorsports. As with his earlier attempts, he now plans to submit the evidence to Guinness World Records for formal ratification.

The team hopes to return to the US in the coming months for another attempt.