Architect in cycling speed record bid

Neil Campbell will attempt to travel in excess of 168mph on the custom-built bike once it is released from the back of the car, before using a parachute in order to come to a halt within just 1,312ft.

If successful, the enthusiast, from Essex, would set a new Guinness World Record for fastest bicycle speed in a slipstream (male), eclipsing the 167mph total set by Dutch rider Fred Rompelberg in 1995.

The attempt, which is set to take place at the Elvington airfield in North Yorkshire in August, will see his bike released from the back of the Porsche once it is travelling fast enough, at which point Mr Campbell will pedal furiously as he is timed over a 656ft speed trap.

Mr Campbell was at the airfield yesterday to test out the equipment. He said: “I can’t stress enough that this is very much a team event.”