A Virgin Galactic official, speaking anonymously, affirmed to Reuters by text that the video in question was filmed on July 5, the Monday before the flight, and that Sir Richard did not ride his bike at all on the day of the launch.
"The footage of Sir Richard Branson shown during the event Sunday was prerecorded and misidentified in the broadcast," they said.
"We regret the error and any confusion it may have caused.
It was unclear whether the disclosure would complicate Virgin Galactic's cross-promotional deal with Wisconsin-based Trek Bicycle Corp.
Trek had claimed that Sir Richard rode one of its custom-made bikes to the spaceport on launch day.
