The 24th annual World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) will take place September 7–13, 2025, on State Route 305 near Battle Mountain, Nevada.
Athletes from around the globe — including professional riders, collegiate teams, and amateurs — will compete across multiple speed record categories. Among the most anticipated competitors is François Pervis of Team Altair (IUT Annecy, France), the world’s second-fastest human-powered rider with a top speed of 138.22 km/h (86.39 mph). Pervis will once again attempt to break the current land speed record of 144.17 km/h (89.59 mph), set in 2016 by Todd Reichert of Toronto-based Team Aerovelo.
The Nevada course is uniquely suited for record-breaking runs. At 1,408 meters (4,619 feet) above sea level, it provides an 8 km (5 mile) run-up before riders are timed over a 200-meter stretch. Since its debut in 2000, the WHPSC has attracted top athletes eager to test both their speedbike designs and their physical limits on this one-of-a-kind stretch of road. The unique conditions allow riders in fully enclosed speedbikes to push the limits of both engineering and human performance in pursuit of world records.
All performances at the WHPSC are sanctioned by the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA).
The longstanding partnership between Lander County Tourism and the IHPVA has motivated both to create a permanent facility in Battle Mountain specially created for human power events, record attempts and other like-minded endeavors. With a suitable plot of land already allocated for the project, the IHPVA and Lander County are currently seeking partnerships to make this dream facility into reality.
Spectators are welcome to this free event each morning from 7:00-10:00 and each evening from 5:30-7:00. Specatators will need to arrive at least 1/2 hour early to not get caught in the road block. Spectator seating is located at the timing trap for maximum speed thrills or, for those curious about the riders and vehicles, they can wait in the “catch” area at the end of the course to see the racers assisted from their fully enclosed speedbikes.
A Show and Shine will be held Tuesday at the Battle Mountain Civic Center,12:00-2:00. Come meet and greet the teams and riders and see the bikes up close.
Event Info:
Visit: https://landercountytourism.com/whpsc/
September 7-13 — World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC), Battle Mountain, NV, hosted by the IHPVA. Current record is 89.59 mph. Classes: Men’s, Women’s, Juniors in Open, Multi-track, tandem and Arm Power. International cyclists from around the world will gather on SR305, the fastest stretch of road in the world to see who can break the World Record., Paula Tomera, 775-635-1112, [email protected], ihpva.org, whpsc.org
