Briton smashes world cycle record
- 00:01:28
- ITN
Briton smashes world cycle record
A 25-year-old British man has completed his record-breaking bid to become the fastest person to cycle around the world.It took Mark Beaumont just 195 days and six hours to circumnavigate the globe by bike - smashing the current record of 276 days.Guinness World Records said Mr Beaumont's record still has to be officially verified.The graduate from Newburgh in Fife was reunited with his family when he crossed the finish line at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris - the city where he started his epic bid nearly seven months ago.He has received messages of congratulation from Prince William and Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy.At the end of his ordeal, Mr Beaumont said: "I'm delighted, although I think it will take a while for it to sink in. It's great to see my friends and family and now I'm looking forward to getting some sleep."He added: "The challenge was one of those things which was out there to be done. I love the idea of being the first and the fastest and I felt I was capable of beating the record."Mr Beaumont has cycled 18,000 miles, a feat which has raised thousands of pounds for charity and should ensure his name enters the record books.During the mammoth solo journey he passed through 20 countries on a route, which included Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the US.His bid to circumnavigate the globe has been dramatic at times - he endured floods, road rage and was knocked off his bike in the US state of Louisiana by an elderly motorist who drove through a red light.Mr Beaumont also had his wallet and camera stolen from a hostel after a fight broke out.He was met at the finishing line by his mother Una, father Kevin and sisters, Heather and Hannah.Mrs Beaumont said: "I am very proud of him. With Mark, the passion is being the first and the fastest. It's about pushing himself to the limit."© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
ITN | February 15, 2008
