Around the world cycling record

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 Alan Bate, who completed his attempt in August 2010 having cycled in 96 days 10 hours 3 minutes.

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."

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(This is 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."

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.

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. 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.

In September 2009 James Bowthorpe completed an unratified circumnavigation in 175 days.

In June 2010 Julian Sayarer completed a record attempt, with a time of 169 days..

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. On 4 August, Alan Bate completed the circumnavigation in 96 days. The time was not certified by Guinness World Records until January 2012. Unlike previous self-sufficient attempts, Bate's ride was partly completed with an accompanying support team.

Race

On 18th Feb 2012, the 18,000 mile Global Bicycle Race will begin in London. The race is being organised by record holder Vincent Cox, and will be run according to Guinness Record rules. The race will begin exactly 160 days before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics.