Challenges

In addition to guiding people through their challenges, I also enjoy going on adventures myself, and have now set my sights on a new project: breaking speed records on both my trusty bike and the aerodynamic recumbent bike.

September 2024 – Battle Mountain, Nevada (USA)
A record attempt in the aerodynamic recumbent bicycle,
in preparation for the absolute world speed record on bicycle, currenty set at 296km/h .

Breaking 300

Breaking the world speed record on a bicycle
On the vast salt flats of Utah, I am aiming for the world record in paced cycling. A record set a 268km/h in the '90s and was recently raised to 296km/h. Behind a car with a windshield, on a custom-built bike and wearing protective gear, I'm taking on the challenge to break the magic barrier of 300.
Breaking the world recumbent speed record

I trade in my trusty bike for the unconventional aerodynamic recumbent. For this record, I am working with the Human Power Team. An entirely human powered record attempt, for which a stretch of highway in the Nevada desert will be closed off.

These challenges require a lot of preparation, specific materials and logistics.

Want to be part of this adventure or support this challenge?
Create visibility for your business?

Download the sponsorship file below or contact us at info@davidvaneerd.nl

Also follow me on instagram via @davidvaneerd.

History and current records

Absolute world speed record on bicycle (with pacing)

1995 : 268.831 km/h
Fred Rompelberg (NED)

Bonneville Salt Flats – Utah, United States

2018: 296.009km/h
Denise Mueller – Koreneck (USA)

Bonneville Salt Flats – Utah, United States

World speed record streamlined recumbent bicycle (without pacing)

2013: 133.78 km/h
Sebastiaan Bowier (NED)

Battle Mountain – Nevada, United States

2016: 144.17 km/h
Todd Reichert – Team Aerovelo (Canada)

Battle Mountain – Nevada, United States

Why am I attacking these records?

Sporting challenges are an excellent source of energy for me.
Focus on a goal and working towards it in a focused way gives direction and leads to unforgettable experiences, which I prefer to experience in connection with the people around me.

Previously as a road cyclist, my specialization was riding mass sprints and criteriums: high speeds, lots of adrenaline in a tunnel of focus in which fear has no room and time is distorted.
However, in the final phase of my cycling career, this focus turned against me, from which I learned how important it is to keep enough perspective and look around you.

Today, I integrate all of this my work as a family physician and lifestyle doctor, to optimize people’s health and give them the tools and direction to achieve their own goals.

Thanks to this knowledge and experience, coupled with the steering skills, discipline and perseverance of my racing career, I am convinced I have the capabilities to attack these records.

My team

This is a challenge I will take on with the support of this top team:

Fred Rompelberg - Advisor

Former professional cyclist and record holder of the absolute world speed record 268km/h

Hans van Vugt - manager

Owner of Elan Recumbents (www.elan.cc)
Designer and chief mechanic of the Human Power Team.

Ralf Golanowsky - PR & photography

Working as a business consultant, in addition to organizational experience in competitive sports and a background of his own in recumbent racing

Floris van den Broek - mechanic

All-round technician with experience in several pro teams in road cycling.

Ellen van Vugt - rider

Years of experience in recumbent racing and former record holder of 200m sprint and 6-hour endurance in the women’s category

Matthias Konig - rider

Strong endurance rider specialized in long distance records (1 hour, 6 hours).