Around the world cycling record: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 18:15, 13 July 2012
The Guinness World Record for fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle is awarded for completing a continuous journey around the globe by bicycle and other means, consisting of a minimum 24,900 miles (40,073 km) (the length of the Equator), of which at least 18,000 miles (28,968 km) must be cycled. The record is currently held by Mike Hall, who completed his attempt in June 2012 having covered the distance required by the Guinness rules in 91 days 18 hours.[1]
Guinness rules
The rules state "the journey should be continuous and in one direction (East to West or West to East), that the minimum distance ridden should be 18,000 miles, and that the total distance travelled by the bicyle and rider should exceed an Equator's length, i.e. 24,900 miles." They also state that: "Any considerable distance travelled opposite to the direction of the attempt must be discounted from any calculations of the overall distance travelled," and that the route "must be ridden through two approximate antipodal points."[2][3]
Alan Bate writes, "The record criteria requires the rider to cover 28,970 kilometers by bike, in an East to West or West to East direction, wavering no more than 5 degrees off course.The total journey distance must be a minimum of 40,075 kilometers, to include all transit by flight or sea. The ride must start and finish in the same place and must pass at least two antipodal points (these are two points that line up through the earth's center). When the rider reaches a transit point to connect with a flight or boat to the next continent or country start point, the clock stops with regard to the actual riding time. As most of the earth's surface is water, this is unavoidable and fair as it applies to all athletes attempting the record. Once customs is cleared at the next destination, the clock immediately starts again. The same bicycle must be used throughout the attempt, although repairs and replacement parts and bikes are allowed for mechanical failure. Satellite tracking is highly recommended by Guinness World Records and a daily log, signatures of dignitaries and photographs at strategic points must be collated as evidence."[4]
History
Nick Sanders set the original record in 1984, riding over 13,000 miles (20,900 km) around the Northern hemisphere in 78 days. In 2003, Guinness changed the rules to require 18,000 miles+ by land, another 8,000+ by sea or air, via two antipodal points. The changes invalidated Sanders's record. Sanders still holds the Guinness World Record for fastest ride around the coast of Great Britain, riding a verified 4800 miles in 22 days.[5]
On 13 February 2005, Steve Strange completed the first record attempt under the new Guinness rules, achieving a world record of 276 days and 19 hours.
In April 2005, Phil White completed a record attempt in an estimated 299 days.[6] His time did not beat the one set two months earlier by Steve Strange.
On 14 February 2008, Mark Beaumont completed a circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle in 194 days and 17 hours.[7]
In September 2009 James Bowthorpe completed an unratified circumnavigation in 175 days.[8][9]
In June 2010 Julian Sayarer completed a record attempt, with a time of 169 days.[8].[10]
In August 2010 Vincent Cox completed a circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle. This was certified by Guinness as the new world record holder with a recorded time of 163 days 6 hours 58 minutes for 18225.7 miles.[11]
On 4 August, Alan Bate completed the circumnavigation in 106 days, 10hrs and 33mins.[12] The time was certified by Guinness World Records in January 2012.[12] Unlike previous self-sufficient attempts, Bate's ride was partly completed with an accompanying support team.
On 4th June 2012, Mike Hall completed the circumnavigation in 91 days 18 hours. His unsupported ride was part of the World Cycling Race Grand Tour in which 10 riders set off from Greenwich on February 18th to race with the hope of breaking the record. Hall rode through Europe to Turkey, across India, Australia, New Zealand and the United States before returning to Europe in Portugal and cycling back to the starting point.
Race
On 18th Feb 2012, the 18,000 miles (29,000 km) World Cycle Racing Grand Tour began in London.[13] The race was run according to Guinness Record rules. Mike Hall was declared the winner on 4th June after completing the circumnavigation in 91 days, 18 hours.
See also
The "Year Record" was awarded for the longest distance cycled in a single year. It is held by Tommy Godwin, who rode miles 75,065 miles (120,805 km) from 1939 to 1940. Godwin also holds the record for fastest time to cycle 100,000 miles (160,934 km).[14] The record was verified and recognised at the time by Cycling magazine.[15] The record was subsequently recognised by Guinness World Records until 1995, but current versions of the book do not show the record.[16]
References
- ^ "Mike Hall smashes round-the-world record in a time of 91 days, 18 hours". RoadCC.
- ^ Fastest Circumnavigation By Bicycle - Guidelines (PDF). Guinness World Records. 2006-01-05.
- ^ "Round the world cycling record - The Guinness rules". CycleSeven.org. 2010-03-20.
- ^ "Alan Bate's around-the-world cycling record attempt". Explorers Web. 2010-03-29.
- ^ Nick Sanders (1984-09-14). 22 Days Around the Coast of Britain. ISBN 0-946940-03-7.
- ^ "Cyclist ends world record attempt". BBC News. 2005-04-24.
- ^ "Scot smashes world cycle record". BBC News. 2008-02-15.
- ^ a b "Vin Cox completes his round-the-world record attempt". road.cc. 2010-08-02.
- ^ Richard Peace (2009-03-05). "British cyclist aims to break round-the-world record". BikeRadar.
- ^ Simon MacMichael (2009-12-09). "Ex London courier knocks 11 days off round-the-world cycling record - and then attacks past holder". road.cc.
- ^ "Vin Cox sets new round-the-world record". BikeRadar. 2010-09-16.
- ^ a b John Whitney (2012-02-04). "Cyclists set for battle in epic round-the-world race".
Cox, who rolled into London just over 163 days after he'd left in early 2010, held the record until the turn of this year, when Guinness World Records (GWR) finally awarded the accolade to Alan Bate. His stunning time of 106 days, 10hrs and 33mins was achieved with the partial help of a support crew, and with GWR either unwilling or unable to distinguish between what's supported and what's not, he's now considered the man to beat.
- ^ "World Cycle Race".
- ^ "Tommy Godwin's 'unbreakable' cycling record". BBC News. 2012-04-18.
In 1939, Tommy Godwin rode 75,065 miles in a single year to set an endurance riding record that some believe will never be beaten. In fact, he kept on going until 14 May 1940, setting the record for the time taken to ride 100,000 miles.
- ^ Dave Barter. "Tommy Godwin".
- ^ Dave Barter (2011-12-09). "Tommy Godwin Frequently Asked Questions".
Why is the record not currently in the Guinness Book of Records? The record was initially struck from the book after the entry added for Ken Webb in 1972 was discredited. Following Tommy's death in 1975 his family campaigned for his achievement to be re-instated which it was, appearing in the book until at least 1995. Current editions of the book do not show his record though, the reason is unclear.