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Cyclist Mark Beaumont breaks around the world record | Cyclist Mark Beaumont breaks around the world record |
(35 minutes later) | |
Mark Beaumont has broken the world record for cycling around the world - by 44 days. | |
The 34-year-old, from Perthshire, arrived in Paris one day ahead of schedule having cycled the 18,000-mile route in 79 days. | The 34-year-old, from Perthshire, arrived in Paris one day ahead of schedule having cycled the 18,000-mile route in 79 days. |
He set a new world record of 194 days in 2008. Since then it has been broken by other riders, with the previous record set at 123 days. | He set a new world record of 194 days in 2008. Since then it has been broken by other riders, with the previous record set at 123 days. |
To achieve his goal, Mark needed to cycle an average 240 miles a day. | To achieve his goal, Mark needed to cycle an average 240 miles a day. |
He was on his bike for more than 16 hours a day and only slept for five hours each night. | He was on his bike for more than 16 hours a day and only slept for five hours each night. |
Inspired by Jules Verne's classic adventure novel Around The World In Eighty Days, he began his journey in Paris on 2 July and cycled through Europe, Russia, Mongolia and China. | |
He then cycled across Australia, up through New Zealand and across North America before the final "sprint finish" thorough Portugal, Spain and France. | |
During the trip, Mark was also awarded the Guinness World Records title for the most miles cycled in a month, from Paris to Perth in Australia, verified at 7,031 miles (11,315km). | |
On completing the expedition, the Edinburgh-based cyclist, said: "This has been, without doubt, the most punishing challenge I have ever put my body and mind through. The physical and mental stamina required for each day was a challenge in itself, but I had an amazing support team around me. | |
"The success of cycling around the world in 80 days shows that what seemed impossible is possible and has redefined the limits of endurance sport. | |
"Each stage brought different challenges including different climates, which I had to adjust to quickly. Stage one through Russia and Mongolia was unknown territory, so to complete this phase and come out with a second Guinness World Records title is a real achievement." | |
He added: "I am very grateful for the support I've received from people all over the world, from fellow cyclists joining me on the road to messages and wishes online. | |
"The experience has been incredible, and I'm excited to share this journey for years to come." | |
During the trip the cyclist was exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the southern hemisphere and smog from forest fires in North America. | |
He had two falls - one of them in Russia requiring emergency dental treatment from his back-up team - but otherwise everything went to plan. | He had two falls - one of them in Russia requiring emergency dental treatment from his back-up team - but otherwise everything went to plan. |
He said: "Ultimately, the magic ingredient that you need to be able to do something like this is grit, just the ability to suffer. | |
"Physically, of course, I'm incredibly sore but what you learn very quickly is there's a big difference between hurting and being injured. I'm not injured, although it will take time for the body to recover. | |
"For one thing, I think I'd struggle to walk up and down a flight of steps at the moment because I've not really walked since 2 July." | |
A crowd of well-wishers was waiting for the cyclist as he pedalled up to the Arc de Triomphe, completing the 240 miles of this last leg. | A crowd of well-wishers was waiting for the cyclist as he pedalled up to the Arc de Triomphe, completing the 240 miles of this last leg. |
Mark began long-distance cycling at the age of 12 when he rode 145 miles across Scotland. | |
He was supported by a team including a mechanic, nutritionist, physiotherapist and manager. | He was supported by a team including a mechanic, nutritionist, physiotherapist and manager. |
The adventurer is raising funds for Orkidstudio, which works to benefit communities worldwide through innovative architecture and construction. | The adventurer is raising funds for Orkidstudio, which works to benefit communities worldwide through innovative architecture and construction. |
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