Students at TU Delft and VU University in Amsterdam have set a new world record with their high-speed bike at 133.79 km per hour (83.133 mph). Sebastiaan Bowier manned the bicycle down a 200-meter length track in Nevada, breaking the previous record holder’s speed by just 0.6 km per hour (0.37 mph).
The team of students used computer simulations to determine how fast Bowier and his bike would be able to travel and they put their calculations to the test in a wind tunnel offsite. The bike is known as a VeloX3 and is built with a carbon fiber frame to reduce air resistance. It’s enclosed in a streamlined chassis with the same kind of coating used on Formula One race cars. The design allowed Bowier to pedal while lying on his back after getting a running start with help from his colleagues.
Bowier had previously broken the European record in 2011 but now adds the world record to his name. The attempt was almost in jeopardy after three days of bad weather. Bowier and his team broke the record on the final day.
Irish journalist writing on business, tech and engineering.
