ABOUT THE BIKE
TO GET HIMSELF THROUGH THE 2017 EQUIVALENT OF ALL THREE GRAND TOURS, THE CRITERIUM DU DAUPHINE AND THE CAPE EPIC, MARK BEAUMONT RODE A CUSTOM-MADE BIKE SUITED TO SOMEONE SPENDING SUCH A LONG PERIOD IN THE SADDLE.
FRAME:
KOGA KIMERA PREMIUM
Made of high-modulus UD carbon, the frame and fork have high tensile strength, making them lightweight and stiff.
TYRES: 28MM PANARACER
More comfort, better aerodynamics, and low rolling resistance. They may be wider than you’d expect, but these tyres helped Beaumont to ride faster and more comfortably.
GROUPSET & BRAKES:
SHIMANO ULTEGRA DI2 DISC
With high stopping power in any conditions, and electronic shifting that’s fast and accurate, Beaumont was able to conserve energy and ride safely throughout his 78 days on the bike.
SADDLE: SELLE SMP
PRO
For his long hours on the road Beaumont went for a saddle that has been with him through many of his long-distance rides without many physical problems, and – most importantly – in relative comfort. Helmut always went the extra mile to help where they could.
When you’re on an expedition of this nature, there are no job titles involved. So for Moonsport to have been part of the team from start to finish was an absolute privilege.
What did the daily schedule look like?
The teams would wake up at about 3:30am. Once Mark was fuelled and kitted up, the media team would film a short interview with him just before he cycled at precisely 4am every morning. The day was split into four fourhour blocks, with Mark hitting an average of 25km/h. There were 20-minute breaks in between for Mark to have a meal, some physio where required, and sometimes a power nap, before repeating the process. Mark would consume up to 42 000 kilojoules per day – that equated to what the entire crew was eating daily! His daily distance target was 400km.
What weird and wonderful things did the team experience?
Living in a mobile home for 78 days where showers were few and far between was probably the biggest adjustment. The different cultures and landscapes of rural Mongolia, and parts of Russia and China. The Northern Lights along the Alaskan Highway, and the herds of wild bison; some things to cross off the bucket list!
The support from fans and followers along the journey was heart-warming. They would often bring Mark home-baked goods, and you’d see handmade signs of encouragement along the way. There was one gentleman who was so excited to see Mark that he couldn’t keep his clothes on – literally! He decided to streak the team as they passed by.