On two wheels around the world: cyclist sets world record in just 79 days

34-year-old Scotsman Mark Beaumont broke the world record by cycling around the world in 79 days. Beaumont arrived in Paris on September 18, a day earlier than planned, having covered about 29 thousand kilometers (18 thousand miles).

During the trip, the cyclist overcame an average of 386 kilometers per day, spending more than 16 hours a day in the saddle, no more than five hours were given to sleep.

In 2008, Beaumont was already setting a world record — around the world on a bicycle in 194 days. However, since then, many enthusiasts have been faster, the last record was set in 123 days. So Beaumont had to work hard to become the first again.

(12 photos in total)

Source: BBC

Pictured: Beaumont drives up to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, where fans are already waiting to congratulate him.

Mark Beaumont began his round-the-world trip on July 2, 2017, leaving Paris and traveling throughout Europe, Russia, Mongolia and China.

Beaumont and his family.

Then he covered huge distances across Australia, New Zealand, then North America. And the last breakthrough is through Portugal, Spain and France.

During his round—the-world trip, Beaumont managed to set another Guinness World Record by cycling the longest distance in a month - 11,315 kilometers from Paris to the Australian city of Perth.

Mark Beaumont with his mother.

Mark Beaumont told about his journey: "It was, without a doubt, the hardest ordeal I have ever put my body and mind through. Incredible physical and psychological endurance was required every day. But my wonderful team helped me with their support."

"The fact that you can cycle around the world in 80 days proves that what seems impossible is possible. This makes it possible to rethink the limits of an athlete's endurance."

"At each stage of the journey, new challenges awaited me, including various climatic conditions, to which I had to adapt quickly. The route through Russia and Mongolia was, in fact, an unknown territory, so to drive it and at the same time set another world record is really an achievement."

"I am so grateful for the support from strangers from all over the world, from cyclists who sent me messages and wishes on the road."

In the photo: the 77th day of the trip.

During the round-the-world trip Beaumont fell twice, once in Russia, he needed emergency medical care. Otherwise, everything went according to plan.

77 day on the border of France.

"Ultimately, the secret ingredient that is needed for this kind of trial is simply the ability to endure suffering. Physically, of course, I am incredibly vulnerable. I have no injuries, but it will take a long time to recover."

"After so many days in the saddle, I think I'll have some difficulty walking normally. I haven't walked since July 2."

Mark Beaumont has been engaged in long-distance cycling since childhood. At the age of 12, he traveled 233 kilometers across Scotland.