Around the world in 80 days: Cycling UK member attempts to set a new cycling world record
The adventure was inspired by the Jules Verne novel 'Around the World in Eighty Days' which was published in 1873. But instead of a hot air balloon, Mark will be using his bike to complete the challenge.
Mark set off from Paris on Sunday 3rd July, pedalling his way to Poland, as he travels en-route to Beijing through Lithuania, Russia, and Mongolia before cycling down under between Perth and Brisbane in Australia – he will also tackle the terrain of New Zealand, the US and Canada.
In true Phileas Fogg style, he aims to complete his journey by Thursday 21st September: exactly 80 days after his starting date. Mark said: “This is my chance to shoot for the stars and take on the ultimate endurance cycling challenge. Since I last pedalled around the world nearly 10 years ago, there has been a growing desire in me to push the boundaries of what is possible and to retake the circumnavigation World Record to a whole new level.
I know what I’m getting myself in to, this will be the toughest challenge of my life and will be an immense physical, mental and logistical battle before I reach the finish line.
Mark Beaumont
"I have spent the last three years creating an amazing support team, who are in charge of my nutrition, logistics, navigation and safety, allowing me to purely focus on my performance and being an athlete. I don’t think anyone has ever tried to go this fast and this far before and I have been building on my experience as an endurance rider over two decades to prepare for this journey.”
Mark will need to be in the saddle for 16 hours every day, which equates to 240 miles for 75 days in order to finish the challenge in 80 days, with the remaining five days allowing for contingency and flight times.
We wish this inspirational cyclist and Cycling UK member the best of luck on his challenge and will be following Mark with his progress. Good luck Mark - we're all rooting for you and your record attempt!
Mark is also raising money for Orkidstudio, which benefits communities in Africa through innovative architecture and construction. If you want to sponsor him, text 'ORKD80 £10' to 70070 or go online to justgiving.com/fundraising/markbeaumont-80days
