Man and machine: Queally with new HPV ©Tom Shaw/ALLSPORT

Jason Queally’s attempt to become the fastest man on earth under his own power was officially launched earlier this week in London, England.

The occasion saw the unveiling of his unique new vehicle, the Blueyonder Challenger, which has been designed with one aim - to challenge the Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) World Land Speed Record.

"I think it looks incredible," said Queally. "I’ve not actually ridden the vehicle as it is now - I’ve ridden the chassis only on two occasions. Most of my training’s taken place in my garage. I’ve got a replica rig and I’ve been training on that."

Queally will attempt the record at the World Human Powered Speed Challenge, which takes place at Battle Mountain, Nevada, USA, over a period of six days from 1-6 October.

Queally: The fastest man on earth?

Having won a gold and silver medal at the Sydney Olympics, he is now taking on the ultimate challenge using only the power of his body to set a new world record.

His decision has led the current record holder, Canadian Sam Whittingham, to defend his record of 117kmh/72.74mph and join Queally for the showdown in Nevada. Canadian designer George Georgiev has prepared a new bike for Whittingham, who has dramatically increased the intensity of his preparation during recent months.

Queally will also line up against experienced American HPV riders Matt Weaver and 'Fast' Freddy Markham. Last year, Weaver, who designed and built his own bike, clocked the second fastest time in history by clocking a speed of 111.8kph/69.47mph in his video camera navigated Kyle-Edge vehicle.

"I think both of them [Whittingham and Weaver] are just incredible people," said Queally. "I think Sam is approaching it a bit more like me with a team behind him, whereas Matt is everything – he’s the builder and the racer!"

	Enclosed: Tight fit ©Tom Shaw/ALLSPORT

However, the combination of the Blueyonder Challenger vehicle and his own athletic strength will be difficult to beat and Queally is unperturbed by the prospect of going head to head with his competitors.

"I have the ultimate vehicle with the Blueyonder Challenger," said Queally. "It has been designed by the best race bike designer in the business, Chris Field, and built by a company that has constructed Championship winning racecars, Reynard Motorsport. They have given me the best opportunity possible to crack this record and I’m sure it’s within reach.

"We have an intensive month ahead of trials with the vehicle. So far I’ve only ridden it without the shell, but I can feel the speed and it’s given me so much confidence."