AN architect has written his place in history after smashing a European cycling speed record by riding at 135.3mph.

Neil Campbell, 44, became Europe’s fastest man on two pedalled wheels on his £10,000 custom-made bike - which was partly built using 3D-printed parts - at Elvington Airfield in North Yorkshire.

In order to break the previous 127mph record, the cycle was attached by a cord to the back of a 2017 Porsche Cayenne travelling at 160 mph.

After about 30 seconds, when the car reached a high enough speed, Neil was released, before pedalling furiously through a 200 metre ‘gate’ in which his speed was recorded.

He travelled unattached from the car for another 30 seconds, covering about a mile, before grinding to a halt using the bikes’s adapted motorcycle brakes.

Neil, who works for ADP Limited architecture in West Bergholt, said: “You have to accelerate hard and go quite fast and not worry about the brakes.

“You just have to go for it but it is obviously well practised and very well rehearsed.”

Neil said he was proud of his 12-strong team, adding: “I couldn’t be happier.

“Job done but we are not finished, we are so motivated now for the world record.

“We have got the bike to do it. We just need the right car and the right runway. Let’s bring the record back.”

The world record is 166.9 mph while the European record Neil broke on Tuesday was set by a French cyclist in the 1960s.

The successful attempt was the culmination of more than 20 years’ spent modifying Neil’s bicycle to include the right frame and suspension.

The team have made several attempts to create the perfect formula to break the record, using the right bike, car and runway.

Neil, of Polstead, also holds the record for the British and Commonwealth bicycle speed of 114mph from pedalling only.

Neil, who admitted he was fixated by speed, praised the team, adding: “It is not just about me riding the bike fast, it is about everybody performing their bit too.”

Everybody has got a role, there are so many variables.”