Highway 305: Long, flat and straight ©Sean Costin

At first sight, the State Highway 305, near Battle Mountain, Nevada, USA, looks like any other stretch of road.

But next month, it will be home to some very unusual looking vehicles as it hosts the World Human Powered Speed Challenge, and the race to become the fastest man on earth under his own power.

The five-mile stretch of Highway 305 that forms the course is almost unique as it comprises completely level, straight ground.

Now preparations for the event, which will take place from 1-6 October, are heating up as it draws gradually nearer. The World Human Powered Speed Challenge is not only an opportunity to set a world record for speed, but it also represents the world’s fastest human propelled by his own power.

Each team can attempt runs on each day, in order to take advantage of the changing weather conditions during the week and not be restricted to a single day’s running. This will also give every rider the opportunity to acclimatize to the conditions at Battle Mountain.

Officials will close State Highway 305 to public traffic for a minimum period of half an hour for each day of the challenge. The course consists of a run-up stretch of over 8kms/5 miles, followed by a 200m/656ft speed trap that records the official speed of each challenger.

Timekeepers from the International Human Powered Vehicle Association will be on hand in order to ratify each rider’s times.

 

	Too fast: Whittingham gets a ticket ©Team Varna

Although the record could be broken on the first day, the six day duration of the challenge will allow further attempts and record breaking opportunities on each run.

Battle Mountain was the setting for the current world record holder, Sam Whittingham’s, attempt in October 2000. As well as the road itself, there are certain other features about this location which make it the perfect place for a world record attempt.

Firstly, the predominantly mild and windless conditions offer the best chance of success; indeed, the prevailing wind speed must be negligible in order for any record to be ratified.

In addition, the 1,408m/4,619ft elevation at Battle Mountain will boost speeds by 16-24kph/10-15mph.