The 15th annual World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) Sept 8-13, 2014 will again be held on SR305 south of Battle Mountain Nevada.
The world’s fastest humans on bicycles from around the world including France, Russia, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Wales including many Collegiate teams and their pedal powered vehicles will attempt to break the current land speed record of 83.13 mph set by Sebastian Bowier of Team Delft, from the Netherlands, the women’s record set by Barbara Bautois from Draveil, France in 2010 of 75.69 mph, and the newly adopted category of Multi-track set by Gareth Hanks from Berwick Australia at 70.10
Highway SR 305 in Nevada just south of Battle Mountain possesses the unique traits necessary for these highly engineered bicycles to achieve top speeds. The 4,619 ft (1,408m) altitude road allows riders an acceleration zone of over 4 miles, enabling them to reach their maximum velocity before being timed over a 200 meter distance. The section of the road used for this event was newly refinished in 2009, with a smooth surface specially prepared for human powered cycle racing by Frehner Construction and the Nevada Department of Transportation using a Nevada Department of Tourism Grant from the US government.
As per the rules of the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA), the world record keeping and sanctioning body of this sport, the maximum grade allowed cannot exceed 2/3 of a percent in homage to the first races held in the early 70’s on the Irwindale Speedway. The high altitude and arrow straight section of pavement has drawn athletes worldwide to test their speedbike designs and sprinting abilities since 2000.
Spectators are welcome to this free event each morning from 7:00-10:00 and each evening from 6:00-7:00. The commuter bus leaves the Battle Mountain Civic Center each day at 4:45-5:00 and returns at 7:30. Bleachers are located at the timing traps for maximum speed thrills or those curious about the riders and vehicles can wait in the “catch” area to see the racers assisted from their fully enclosed speedbikes.
The Civic Center will also host a show and shine on Tues Sept 9 from 12:00 – 2:00 for those who would like to see the bikes and meet the riders. Event T-shirts, hats and posters will be on sale.
Drag races will be held in town Friday morning at 12:00 near the High School with plans for a critirium race as well. All comers are welcome to test their mettle against the world’s fastest.
Current WHPSC Records:
In 2013 Sebastian Bowier of Team Delft, from the Netherlands set the new record of 83.13 ending the 10 year domination of the sport by Sam Whittingham from British Columbia, Canada.
In 2011, Greg Westlake, US Para-athlete broke his own record with an arm powered world speed record of 45.68 MPH.
In 2010, Barbara Buatois, from France, broke her own record, with a women’s human powered speed of 75.69 MPH.
The WHPSC is the setting for men and women to attempt to hold the title of “World’s Fastest Human propelled by their own power”. The International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA) sanctions all records.
For more info and current world records go to www.whpsc.org or www.ihpva.org
Contact Al or Alice Krause WHPSC event organizer at [email protected] 707-443-8261 before event 707-845-3683 or 707-845-3643 during event or call the Lander County Convention and Tourism Bureau at 775-635-1112.
September 8-13 — World Human Powered Speed Challenge|, Battle Mountain, NV, Cyclists from around the world will gather on SR305, perhaps the fastest strectch of road in the world to see who is the fastest cyclist in the world. The 2013 record was 83.13 mph!, Al Krause, 707-443-8261, [email protected], ihpva.org, whpsc.org
