ARION1
28 October 2016Engineered by the University of Liverpool Velocipede Team (ULV Team), a team of sixteen Master’s Degree Engineering students designed and built ARION1, a human powered bicycle, which has broken the British Land Speed Record. This remarkable achievement took place in September 2015 at a location called Battle Mountain in the Nevada Desert. Whilst competing with several other international teams for the world land speed record, the ULV Team broke the existing British Land Speed record by 8mph setting a new record of 83 mph.
The time trial extends over 5 miles but it is only the final 200 metres where the speed is measured. The cyclist has to skilfully build up speed and momentum to reach optimum performance with precise timing. Vehicles are not allowed in front of the bicycle, punching a hole into the oncoming air and turbulence – it is about design, strength, endurance and skill.
The ULV Team, which was established in 2013, is the first British University to attempt the land speed record and their success has served only to fuel their appetite to further their achievement. In 2016 they will be competing with female and male cyclists in ARION2.