Volcanic dash: Daredevil biker cycles down mountain at over 100 mph to break world record
Last updated at 7:33 AM on 20th June 2011
This is the dramatic moment a daredevil mountain biker broke a hair-raising record - by cycling down the side of a 2388 ft volcano.
Wearing just a thin Lycra suit and a specially adapted, aerodynamic crash helmet, professional downhill racer Markus Stockl hurtled down Nicaragua's Cerro Negro volcano at over 100 mph.
The daredevil, who already holds the speed record for riding down an icy mountainside slope, hit a top speed of 102 mph - smashing the previous record held by Eric Barone.
Daredevil: Markus Stockl flew down the side of the volcano wearing only a thin lycra suit
Austrian Markus navigated the volcano's notorious shifting gravel and ash surface to claim the record - but had to do it twice after the recording equipment failed.
The Cerro Negro volcano last erupted in 1999.
Mr Stockl said: 'On the first record attempt a strong wind was rattling the speed recording system attached to the bike and it recorded an error.
'So I had to climb back up the volcano and do it again - thankfully it worked out fine and we had the record.
Fearless: The downhill ride included sections where Markus Stockl rode at a 45 degree angle
'I was a little nervous on the first test runs but the moment we had some faster runs everything was fine and just a lot of fun.
'The hike up the hill was pretty exhausting, otherwise I would still be there riding.'
The Austrian pro biker, who is nicknamed Hercules, bought his first bike aged 15 - only to find out it had no suspension.
But on May 31, the 36-year-old sped down the volatile volcano's 45-degree slope on a bike built from parts totalling thousands of pounds - but that can be bought in any cycle shop.
He said: 'There was nothing special at all about the bike, anyone with a bit of money could put it together so everybody could get that stuff and try as well.'
Mr Stockl set a new mountain bike world speed record after completing the daunting descent
The Cerro Negro Volcano last erupted in 1999 but is still active
He added: 'I will still try to smash this one again because I love speed and bikes - so you could call it an addiction.
'The next goal is to break the snow record for special bikes with an stock bike.'
Markus owns the international race team MS-Evil Racing, which has five team members competing around the world in different biking events.
