A NEW one-wheeled world record was set in North Yorkshire this weekend.

The Motorcycle Wheelie World Championships saw hundreds of spectators and dozens of riders visit Elvington Airfield on Saturday and Sunday to watch riders travel at more than 190 miles per hour in the hope of taking their place in history.

Until Sunday, the world record was held by Liverpudlian Gary Rothwell, who achieved a wheelie at 209mph last year, and topped 203mph in his attempts on Sunday, but Dutch biker Egbert van Popta smashed the record in front of the crowds. Egbert’s new world record was recorded at 213mph, as he travelled on his Hayabusa Turbo motorbike for a kilometre with just one wheel on the ground.

Trevor Duckworth of organisers Straightliners Events, said: “From the very early days of this competition we wanted to involve the average guy on his sports bike. We believe we have achieved this by attracting serious motorcycle riders from all walks of life.”

Among those taking part on a local level, was Tom Swales from Selby, who achieved a speed of 169mph.

Riders from around the world, including the USA, UK, France, Holland and Ireland, came to York for the 11th annual event.