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Hot work: Whittingham trains
without upper shell of vehicle
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At 117kmph/73mph, Canadian Sam Whittingham holds the current record for
the world’s fastest human-powered vehicle.
The mark was set during the World’s Fastest Bicycle competition, held in
October 2000 at Battle Mountain in Nevada, USA.
As with everyone attempting this record, Whittingham didn’t receive
assistance from a downhill road. In order to qualify for the record, the
gradient of the course was less than two thirds of one percent. In addition,
the wind speed had to be less than six kph/3.7mph.
Five individuals made attempts at the record during the event: Whittingham,
his parter Andrea Blaseckie and fellow Canadian Paul Buttemer, as well as
Americans Matt Weaver and Sean Costin.
The previous record, set by American Chris Huber in his Dextor-Hysol
Cheetah vehicle, had stood for eight years. Astonishingly, Whittingham
beat the record three times during the event. His best effort was 6.15
seconds for the event's distance.
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Too fast: Getting a speeding ticket
©Team Varna |
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Whittingham has been trying to push the boundaries of human-powered
vehicles since he began the sport in 1991. His current team, Team Varna, has
smashed six world records.
The vehicle Whittingham rode, Mephisto is just one of a range of
pioneering human powered vehicles belonging to Team Varna and are the
brainchild of designer and constructor George Georgiev.
The advanced aerodynamic design of Mephisto is characteristic of
human-powered vehicles. Whittingham rode in a recumbent position which, in
tandem with the sleek design of the bike, maximised its aerodynamic
capabilities.
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Power of two: Whittingham and Blaseckie
©Team Varna |
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Blaseckie also rides for Team Varna. At the World’s Fastest Bicycle
competition, she emulated Whittingham's achievements by setting a new
women’s record of 87kph/54mph, covering a distance of 200m/656ft in 8.28
seconds.
Whittingham lives in Victoria, in the Canadian state of British Columbia and
is rated as one of Canada’s foremost cyclists.
- Ash Potterton
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