Cycling
ESPN staff 7y

Scotsman Mark Beaumont cycles around the world in 78 days

Cycling

Scotland's Mark Beaumont has completed a circumnavigation of the world in 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes on a bicycle -- setting a new world record.

The 34-year-old arrived on the Champs Elysees in Paris on Monday morning having biked an average of 240 miles a day to beat the previous best by a massive 44 days.

Beaumont said afterwards: "The dream was to get around the world in 80 days. To get back here in 78 days and change is an absolute dream come true. When I left here, I felt like a lot of people were excited by the idea but that it was impossible.

"I felt a world of expectation. As the weeks and months went by I started to settle down, when the pressure was off. This plan is workable. I can carry on with 240 miles a day.

"I've had the most incredible team. Ten years ago I finished here doing an unsupported race around the world and this time to go with a full support team is a completely different mindset.

"I've taken myself beyond anything I've ever done physically and mentally, and I doubt I'll ever do anything like that again."

Beaumont's remarkable trip saw him bike through Europe, Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, North America, then through Portugal, Spain and France.

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