World record smashed

Brit fastest cyclist round globe

British cyclist James Bowthorpe became the fastest person ever to cycle around the world when he pedalled across the finish line in London’s Hyde Park this week, less than six months after he set off. Bowthorpe's 18,000 mile journey took him through 20 different countries in 175 days, shaving 19 days off the current record.

There were many challenges he faced along the way. One of the countries Bowthorpe found most difficult to cross was India where he had to contend with heat, humidity, dangerous roads and an illness that put him out of action for three days and resulted in him losing 15kg of body weight. But he also encountered many random acts of kindness along the way, including people who provided him with free meals and bike repairs - or the road workers in Australia who gave him a hi-vis smock and sunscreen.

To complete the 18,000 miles in less than six months, Bowthorpe clocked up an average of 103 miles a day, pushing himself to 150 in the latter stages of the challenge. The endurance needed to accomplish his aim left him extremely tired: to keep his energy levels up he drank condensed milk. “1,200 calories in one hit - amazing stuff,” he said.

Back in May, Bowthorpe told WideWorld: "If you were thinking that I am an intrepid and brave explorer, think again! To give you an idea, I am unable to watch horror films because they give me nightmares and I get Creature From The Deep syndrome whenever I swim out of my depth in the sea (made up syndrome, very real to me). In the wrong conditions, I am also scared in the dark.”

Bowthorpe's record cycle was in aid of a charity close to his heart, Driving Parkinson's where he has volunteered for two years in the research department. “The speed and endurance of my challenge directly reflects the urgency of proper funding for the research charity,” he said. Bowthorpe aimed to raise 1.8 million pounds or a £100 for every mile he has ridden to help with research into the cause of Parkinson’s disease. He is now working hard to reach his target.

His most recent 'Tweet' said: “Hi, I'm James! I just rode around the world in 176 days, breaking the world record. I did this to raise £1.8 million for Parkinsons disease research.”

For more information or to donate, visit: http://globecycle.org/