Former Winter Paralympian Talan Skeels-Piggins has become the first paraplegic motorcyclist in history to break 200mph over a measured mile from a standing start, setting a new land speed record at Elvington Airfield.

Elvington, Yorkshire – 19 September 2026: Talan Skeels-Piggins, who is paralysed from the chest down, has achieved a long-held ambition by riding a motorcycle at more than 200mph, recording a maximum speed of 200.254mph at the Straightliners World Speed Record event at Elvington runway.

The achievement marks the culmination of an 11-year journey that began when Talan first set his sights on breaking the 200mph barrier.

A former Winter Paralympian, Talan swapped downhill skiing for two-wheeled motorsport in 2012, becoming the first paraplegic rider in the world to compete against able-bodied motorcycle racers. His participation helped challenge perceptions of what disabled riders could achieve and contributed to a motorsport environment in which disabled and paraplegic riders now compete around the world.

In June 2015, riding a standard Suzuki Hayabusa, Talan reached 175mph. Although it was a significant achievement, it fell short of his ultimate goal of 200mph. Financial difficulties, serious accidents and the challenge of finding work eventually brought the project to a halt, with the motorcycle left dismantled and sitting under a tarpaulin in the corner of a workshop.

Ten years later, in 2025, Talan was introduced to motorcycle engineer and racer Lee Baxendale, and the pair decided to revive the project.

Over the following year, Lee devoted more than 600 hours to building, modifying, testing and preparing a turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa capable of taking on the 200mph challenge. The finished machine was developed from components and parts from several motorcycles, with Lee’s son Jay also involved in testing the bike.

Without the backing of a major title sponsor, progress was often slow, but the project gradually came together under Lee’s guidance.

Lee said:

“Building the bike for this project and working with Talan over the past year has been a great learning experience. Being able to achieve such an ambitious goal is something we can all be really proud of.”

On 19 September, with the weather threatening to disrupt the event, Talan made five passes over the measured mile at Elvington. Each run allowed him to gradually build confidence and increase his speed.

On his fastest run, Talan reached 200.254mph — exceeding his previous record by 24.624mph and surpassing the previous 198mph record set by South African rider Sampie Erasmus on 15 August 2026.

For Talan, the achievement is particularly remarkable because, as a paraplegic, he controls the motorcycle using only his upper body and arms.

Supporting Talan throughout the record attempt were Lee and Jay Baxendale, Daniel Elliott, who is Talan’s main crew member for his motorcycle riding, and the Straightliners team, led by Trevor Duckworth.

Talan said:

“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has played a part in this record attempt. We weren’t completely sure whether the runs would actually go ahead because of the weather, or what sort of speed we would reach, but to get to 200mph is incredible.

“The bike ran well, and both my crew and the Straightliners team were professional and hugely supportive. Without them, this would not have happened.”

MORE THAN A SPEED RECORD

For Talan, however, the significance of the achievement goes far beyond the number on the speedometer.

He hopes the record will encourage other people — particularly those living with disability or facing significant barriers — to reconsider what they believe is possible.

“I would like this achievement to be a catalyst for other people to reflect upon, believe in themselves, and pursue their own goals and dreams — or even try something new.

“People don’t need to go scarily fast! They might simply realise that they could get on public transport, go on holiday, get back to work, or begin an activity that they had previously thought was beyond them.

“Sometimes the barriers we face are not as insurmountable as they first appear. We just need to take the time to think around them and find a solution.”

That philosophy is also at the heart of Talan’s work away from the racetrack.

Talan and Daniel Elliott run The Bike Experience, a charity that helps people with physical impairments discover how they can safely get back on a motorcycle. Since its first event in 2011, the charity has helped more than 550 people experience the freedom and excitement of riding on two wheels.

Talan’s latest achievement is the culmination of an 11-year journey — one involving setbacks, accidents, financial difficulties, a dismantled motorcycle and countless hours of preparation.

But after all those years, the 200mph barrier has finally been broken.

Sometimes achieving a dream takes longer than expected. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth pursuing.