The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Perthshire’s Mark Beaumont on track to smash world record.
Round world in less than 80 days
Perthshire adventurer Mark Beaumont is predicted to make a triumphant return to Paris today after a 79-day round the world cycle.
He will be met by supporters who have followed his 18,000-mile progress since he left the French capital in July in an effort to smash the world record.
His family will also be on the finishing line, having flown out from Scotland to be with him as the gruelling challenge draws to a close.
Buffeted by headwinds, sick and with skin burning from a Pyrenean crash, day 76 was one of his toughest yet.
Characteristically, Mark shook that off, grabbed four-and-a-half hours of sleep and returned to the saddle on Saturday to descend from the high passes and make his way back into France.
In a weekend video diary, looking tired but emotional at the thought of reuniting with his family, he detailed his last few hours.
“It is day 77, Saturday, and it is hard to believe,” he said.
“My family fly out to Paris today, which makes the finish start to feel quite real.
“Considering the day I had on Friday, with the headwinds and a crash, I feel OK this morning.
“It’s a massive step to get back into France.”
Mark added: “The best estimated time for the finish is Monday afternoon/ evening, if I manage to keep going at a reasonable pace and if I don’t have another day like I did on Friday when I lost a tonne of miles.
“We have Tuesday to play with too, if we need it. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t ready for Paris and to see my family.”
Though a Tuesday finish would still see him complete his Artemis World Cycle in 80 days, today is the hope.
Mark has already set a new world record during the cycle, having been officially recognised by Guinness as the holder of the record for the most miles cycled in a month, verified at 7,031 miles.