LONDON: A British cyclist has become the first person to officially circumnavigate the globe in less than 80 days.
Mark Beaumont set a new Guinness record for the fastest round-the-world trip by bicycle, finishing his journey in just 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes.
The cyclist travelled about 28,968 kilometres across 16 different countries.
He was greeted on the finish line at Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France by Guinness World Records adjudicator Anna Orford, along with family members, friends and the media.
Congrats to @MrMarkBeaumont who achieved the fastest circumnavigation by bicycle in 78 days, 14 hrs and 40 mins ⚡️https://t.co/Mq7Iud6cDB
— GuinnessWorldRecords (@GWR) September 18, 2017
Anna presented Mark with his official certificate, announcing to the crowd that the cyclist had broken the record for the fastest circumnavigation by bicycle (male) by an incredible 43 days.
“This was a fantastic milestone to achieve during the challenge of getting around the world in eighty days. I hope it is used as a marker for other cyclists to go and smash in the near future,” Beaumont said.
£50 000 raised for @Orkidstudio Pls continue to show your support by donating £10 to https://t.co/P0xTRa93dp #80days #ArtemisWorldCycle
— Mark Beaumont (@MrMarkBeaumont) September 22, 2017
During his first 29 days, Mark broke a record for the farthest distance cycled in one month: 11,315.29 kilometres.
The long-distance athlete set off in Paris on July 2, before cycling through Europe, Russia and China – the first stage of his journey – and then moving on to reach Western Australia on July 31.
“The physical and mental stamina required for each day was a challenge in itself, but I had an amazing support team around me,” he added.
The previous record was held by Andrew Nicholson from New Zealand, who achieved a time of 123 days and 43 minutes. His journey started and ended at Auckland International Airport, New Zealand, on December 13, 2015.
The fastest circumnavigation by bicycle (female) title is held by Italy’s Paola Gianotti, who cycled around the world in 144 days in 2014, covering a distance of 29,595 km.
