World human powered speed record - 53.43 miles in an hour

July 6, 2006 The world one hour record for human powered vehicles was broken early on the morning of July 2 when "Fast Freddy" Markham pedalled 53.43 miles (85.987 kilometres) in one hour winning the prestigious Dempsey - MacCready Hour Record Prize. Neither Markham or the Easy Racers Team he rides for are strangers to world records - it was Fred's 20th world record and recumbent bicycle manufacturer Easy Racers has set many more than that. The most remarkable thing about the record is that Markham, who was also the first human to better 50 mph, 60 mph and 65 mph, is just shy of his fiftieth birthday. Though he held the world one hour record on three previous occasions, Markham's win was an upset as the last time he held the title was in 1989 - 17 years ago. Previous holders of the record include Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Francesco Moser, and Chris Boardman, all much closer to their prime when they snared the title. Indeed, on the day Markham beat the previous world record holder of 52.33 miles, Sam Whittingham and other athletes attempting to become the "World's Fastest Man" such as Matt Weaver (Personal Best 51.42 miles), German Lars Teutenberg (PB 51 miles), and Slovenian Damjan Zabovnik (current European flying kilometer record holder at 73 mph). Shortly after the event, Markham acknowledged the ride as "probably my greatest performance ever." Fast Freddy, we salute you!

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