Rathbones and University of Liverpool team up to attempt world land speed record
RATHBONE Brothers Plc (Rathbones) have
announced that it will provide principal sponsorship for the University of
Liverpool's project to design and build ARION1, a bicycle which will attempt to
break the land speed record for fastest human powered vehicle, and bring the
record to the UK for the 1st time.
The project will see a team of undergraduate students from the University of
Liverpool's School of Engineering attempt the record in September 2015, as
part of the 'World Human Power Speed Challenge.' This event,
if you do not know, is an annual event held in Battle
Mountain, Nevada, USA. The current men's record is 83.13mph and the women's record is
75.69mph. The University of Liverpool team hopes to break the 90mph barrier,
which would set new world records for both men and women.
ARION1 is a 'recumbent' bicycle, where the cyclist pedals in a laid back
reclining position. As such the rider acts as the ARION1's engine and the
University of Liverpool Team have partnered with leading sports scientists from
Liverpool John Moores and Liverpool Hope Universities, who have helped select
and train the riders and provide ongoing support in the way of nutrition and
performance monitoring.
Philip Howell, Chief Executive of Rathbones, said:- "Becoming the
principal sponsor of ARION1 is a wonderful opportunity to support an
enterprising project at the cutting edge of technology and to encourage this
team of engineering students. Rathbones has its roots in Liverpool and this
endeavour combines the talents from across the city. Our 'Look forward' tagline
is the essence of Rathbones' new brand and our sponsorship of ARION1 highlights
our support for Britain's young entrepreneurs and future leaders."
Dr Tim Short from the University of Liverpool said:- "This is a really
exciting opportunity for engineering students at the University of Liverpool to
put into practice all the skills they've learnt; and more besides; on a
world-class engineering product. By linking in with the sports scientists, the
students have put together a real, interdisciplinary team that represents the
best way of designing new products. And hopefully we'll collect a World Record
into the bargain!"
Further information about the ARION1 project can be found
online.
