BATTLE MOUNTAIN - The 13th annual World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) began Sept. 10 and will wrap up Sept. 15 and is being held on state Route 305 south of Battle Mountain.
The world's fastest humans from around the world including France, Russia, Scotland, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands and their pedal-powered vehicles will attempt to break the current land speed record of 82.819 mph set by Sam Whittingham from British Columbia, Canada, in 2009, and the women's record set by Barbara Bautois from Draveil, France in 2010 of 75.69 mph.
State Route 305, just south of town, possesses the unique traits necessary for these highly engineered bicycles to achieve top speeds. The 4,619 ft. altitude road allows riders an acceleration zone of more than four miles, enabling them to reach their maximum velocity before being timed over a 200 meter distance, according to a news release.
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.
As per the rules of the world record keeping and sanctioning body of this sport, the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA), the maximum grade allowed cannot exceed 2/3 of a percent in homage to the first races held in the early 1970s 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 a.m. -10 a.m. and each evening from 6 p.m. - 7p.m. The commuter bus leaves the Battle Mountain Civic Center each day at 4:45 p.m. - 5 p.m. and returns at 7 p.m.
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 Sept. 11 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. 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 morning of Sept. 14 at 12 p.m. near the courthouse. All comers are welcome to test their mettle against the world's fastest.
Don't miss this opportunity to attend what could be world record setting history.
For more info and current world records go to WHPSC.org or IHPVA.org or call the Lander County Convention and Tourism Authority at (775) 635-1112
Current WHPSC records - In 2009, Sam Whittingham, from British Columbia, Canada, broke his own record again for a human powered speed of 82.819 mph.
In 2010, Barbara Buatois, from France, broke her own record, with a women's human powered speed of 75.69 mph.
In 2011, Greg Westlake, U.S. para-athlete, broke his own record with an arm powered world speed record of 45.68 mph.
In 2011 Team Delft, from the Netherlands, with rider Sebastian Bowier, was the second in history to break 80 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
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