Fastest cyclist in the world

With a bit of research it seems there are almost as many records for 'fastest cyclist in the world' as there are cyclists - this is because records depend not just on distance covered but also type of bike, altitude, and most important of all - is there a pace vehicle in front of the bike eliminating wind and drag?

I've tracked down a selection of interesting world records related to cycling speed - you can decide which one to aim for yourself:

One hour record

The record for the greatest distance travelled by a cyclist in one hour is perhaps the most sought after of the 'fastest cyclist' records, but is also a bit difficult to say exactly who holds the record. This is partly because there were so many 'unconventional' design bikes being entered for the record that the governing body (the UCI) split the record in two: the first for those who ride a more or less normal bike, and the second permitting the use of newer techniques such as disc wheels, time-trial helmets and less conventional frame designs. Riders have also occasionally adopted less than conventional riding positions for the record, that have also been subsequently banned.

Recent holders of the 'conventional' one hour record include Eddy Merckx (1972: 49.431 km); Chris Boardman (2000: 49.441 km); and Ondřej Sosenka (2005: 49.7 km). The absolute record (ie using a special frame and equipment) is currently held by Chris Boardman (1996: 56.375 km).

Previous holders of the one hour record include such prestigious cyclists as Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain.

Interesting historical note, the record set in 1898 was 40.78 kmh and by 1937 the record stood at 45.767 kmh - so progress over the last 100 years has perhaps been rather less than you might imagine.

Absolute fastest speed

If we allow downhill cycling records, training bikes and cyclists following a pace vehicle, the speeds attained are a bit less meaningful but will give you something to aim at next time you are out and about. A selection of these records:

Fastest speed on a training bike (rollers): Bruce Bursford, 1996, 208 mph (334 kmh)

Fastest speed cycling downhill (on snow): Eric Barone, 2000, 138 mph (222 kmh)

Fastest speed behind a pacing vehicle: Fred Rompelberg, 1995, 167 mph (268 kmh)

Fastest flat out speed on a flat road, unpaced - unconventional bicycles

In Nevada in 2002 Sam Whittingham reached a speed of 81 mph on a recumbent bike encased in an aerodynamic cocoon (a recumbent bike is one where the rider lies horizontally while cycling, to reduce drag and to increase power from the legs), over a distance of 200 metres.

Stamina and long distances

Around the World: In 2008 the British cyclist Mark Beaumont cycled around the world, covering 18,000 miles in 195 days and knocking two months off the existing record

Race Across America: in 1986 Pete penseyres covered 3107 miles to cross America in 8 days, 9 hours and 47 minutes

Lands End to John O'Groats: the current record for the 874 miles (1407 km) route was set in 2001 by Getin Butler who completed the journey in  44 hours 4minutes and 20 seconds.