University of Liverpool Velocipede team speed towards world challenge

Sixteen engineering students from the University of Liverpool are at the core of a UK bid to secure the world land-speed record for the fastest human-powered vehicle.

The University of Liverpool Velocipede (ULV) team – the first UK university team to attempt this record – is currently constructing their shell at the National Composites Centre (NCC), in Bristol.

Team leader, Ben Hogan, explained how bringing the project to the NCC has been fundamental to realising the dream.

He said: “Our vehicle must be extremely stiff, precision-perfect and aerodynamic. The ideal material is carbon fibre composites. As engineering students, we’re fairly new to these materials, but at the NCC we have been surrounded by people with the expertise vital to our project, helping us every step of the way.

“There is no better environment for us to be in: a multi-million-pound facility, with state-of-the-art equipment of the calibre shared by organisations such as Rolls-Royce, GKN and Airbus, to name but a few.”

The Institution is supporting the team made up of 16 engineering students and has been assisting it with publicity and promotion.

Hogan said: "We are Affiliate members of the Institution. With its heritage, the Institution, is like a library and an address book combined, and sometimes it reminds me of ‘The A Team’. People at the Institution are so supportive, linking ULV Team with ideas, contacts and expert advice.”



After a campaign to select the most powerful cyclists in the UK, three athletes – two male and one female – have been selected. Both world speed records are now in the team’s sights. Sports scientists from Liverpool John Moores University are also supporting the team.

Hogan commented that often the simplest concepts presented the greatest challenges in this complex project.

He said: “The wheels are, as far as possible, covered by the shell. However, precision is key, as they must be steered without hitting the shell’s edges. It sounds basic, but keeping the components straight – as well as central – are a big headache for aerodynamics and safety. These issues, as well as the way in which we often have to think ‘counter-intuitively’ in relation to the composite materials, makes this a great educational journey.”

With parts manufactured across the UK, the design should be fully constructed by June. Testing will initially focus on starting and stopping – balance is a major challenge in such a vehicle. MIRA is very kindly allowing the use of its steering pad for first-stage testing. Only when the riders and team are happy with performance will they move onto speed trials.

Hogan said that the ambition for the ARION1 goes hand in hand with other endeavours of UK engineering excellence.

“There is no substitute for the quality of experience that schemes such as Formula Student can provide for the young engineers taking part; and the work done by Bloodhound to inspire the world’s next generation of engineers is immeasurable. We want to see our current and future designs follow in their tracks.”

Hogan concluded: “What keeps team morale high, is our belief that we can bring the record to the UK. It feels as though we are moments away from making our dream become reality.”

Find out more about the University of Liverpool Velocipede (ULV) team.

Find out how to become a member of the Institution.