Skateboarder's 100mph bid stalled

Joel King in action at the Downhill World Championships

A Sussex man's bid to reach speeds of more than 100mph on a jet-powered skateboard in a record-breaking attempt have failed due to engine problems.

Joel King, 27, of Bognor Regis, who is the reigning UK Street Luge champion had hoped to take the world record on a modified board on Saturday.

A spokeswoman said: "We have had mechanical failure.So he's planning to do it another day." Even without propulsion street luges can reach speeds of 70mph.

But Mr King had hoped to go faster at an airfield near Leicester thanks to a small jet engine fitted to his board.

The luge is designed to allow him to lie on his back, feet first, just 5cm above the ground.

His next record attempt could take place next weekend, the Wrigley's spokeswoman said.

American Billy Copeland set the current skateboarding Guinness World Record of 98.5mph in Utah on 16 May 2001.

'Pushing our limits'

He has previously been towed by a car and then released at speeds of more than 90mph to test his board's handling.

The jet-engine should give his craft between 80 to 100lbs of thrust.