The World Solar Cycle Challenge is a biennial event and is recognised as the world’s leading solar assisted human powered vehicle event. The inaugural challenge was held in 1996 and was a component of the World Solar Challenge. Australia’s unique race environment, spanning 1500 kilometres of sun-drenched South Australia from Ceduna to Adelaide, provides the ultimate test in endurance and stamina for race competitors.

Actually, the idea for the competition originates from Danish-born adventurer Hans Thostrup. He was the first to circumnavigate the Australian continent in a 16-foot open boat. At a later stage in his life he became involved in various competitions with fuel saving cars and trucks. Already in the 1980s, he became aware of the necessity to explore sustainable energy as a replacement for the limited available fossil fuel. Sponsored by BP, he designed the world’s first solar car, called Quiet Achiever, and traversed the 4052 km (2,518 miles) between Sydney and Perth in 20 days. That was the precursor of the World Solar Challenge.

Watch the latest video after the jump.