Marc Poland covered 62 miles in two hours, 31 minutes to shatter previous record, averaged 24.64 miles per hour.
Bakersville cyclist Marc Poland set a world record on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Poland, who has been competing in ultra-endurance bicycling events for years, set the record for the fastest 100-kilometer ride by a male cyclist in the 60 to 69-year-old age group.
Poland covered the 62 mile distance in two hours and 31 minutes at Bristol Motor Speedway, riding at an average speed of 24.64 miles per hour along the way.
His final time was more than twenty minutes faster than either of the two existing records for indoor or road cycling and he came within 125 seconds of the current 50 to 59-year-old age group record, set just a month before.
Poland was supported by a crew of local friends and fellow cycling enthusiasts including Chris Boone, Rich Boulter, Ivan Roldan, Kevin Silva, Gabe West and his wife Carol Jacobsen.
Sue Pregartner, Jamie Gilpin and Isaac Boulter were the officials. These judges were responsible for tracking Poland’s speed and laps as he completed the 100-kilometer ride and reported final results to the World UltraCycling Association which verified and certified the record.
The team used the event to raise funds and awareness for Coalition for Kids, a nonprofit facility in Johnson City that provides a safe place for summer and afterschool activities for children in need.
Poland and his team surpassed their goal of $2,000, raising approximately $3,000.
Poland prepared for the world record attempt by spending months riding locally and completing more than 1,000 laps of training on the Asheville bike track.
Poland said the most memorable elements were collaborating with the excellent support team and getting to know the children at Coalition for Kids.