TRIUMPHANT MARK IS HOME
Epic feat of endurance sets two new records
Crieff- based Mark Beaumont has smashed the record for circumnavigating the globe by bicycle, completing his Artemis Around the World in 80-days challenge a day ahead of schedule.
After an epic 18,000- mile ride, on Monday the adventurer pedalled back in to Paris’s Arc de Triomphe where his journey first began 79 days ago on July 2.
The 34-year-old set a new Guinness World Record for the feat of endurance, taking one third off the previous record of 123 days.
He was also awarded the Guinness World Records title for Most Miles Cycled in a Month from Paris to Perth in Australia, which was verified at 7,031 miles.
Commenting on his achievement, Mark said: “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.”
Cycling for 16 hours per day covering distances of up to 240 miles on just five hours sleep a night, Mark travelled through 16 countries, taking in Europe, Russia , Mongolia, China, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.
He faced numerous physical and mental challenges, including a fall on day nine which could have ended the whole expedition.
Pedalling through Australia and New Zealand during the winter meant Mark was continually exposed to sub-zero temperatures, making time on the bike even more gruelling, and as he cycled through Canada and the USA, he was faced with the prospect of weathering secondary storms of Hurricane Irma.
On completing the expedition, he 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.’’
Mark thanked everyone who has been following his journey. 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.”
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief at Guinness World Records added: “Mark has once again proved himself to be officially amazing! He’s added not one but two world-beating achievements to his existing record for fastest bicycle journey from Cairo to Cape Town. ”
Mark’s family flew out to Paris to meet him. His mother, Una Beaumont, said:“The support along the way and on social media has been overwhelming and he is very grateful.”
Local MSP Liz Smith congratulated Mark on his amazing achievement.
The representative for Mid-Scotland and Fife said:“Mark has achieved something that many thought was impossible and has written himself into the world record books again.
“As a son of Perthshire everyone in the area is extremely proud of his feats and hopes that he takes a little bit of time to relax before pursuing his next adventure.”