Scottish cyclist Mark Beaumont set to smash records with 80 days world cycle

Scot cycling star Mark Beaumont, best known for cycling around the world in 194 days in 2008, will take ultra-endurance to another level by circumnavigating the globe in less than half that time!
 
Beaumont will be attempting to travel 18,000 miles around the globe, starting from Paris on Sunday 2 July. Part of his epic journey will see him cycle to Bejing in China via Mongloia, where he will then travel to Australia and cycle across the entire continent from Perth to Brisbane, before finallypeddaling up the length of New Zealand and its two islands from Invercargill to Aukland.
 
As part of his mission to travel around the world in 80 days, which would break the current world record of 123 days set by New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson, the Scottish adventurer is raising funds for Orkidstudio, which works to benefit communities worldwide through innovative architecture and construction. The journey will also be tracked through Twinkl, a global educational platform for primary schools.
 
Mark Beaumont said: “This is the culmination of the past two decades, since I was a 12-year-old boy cycling across Scotland.  I would love for this journey to give people the confidence to take on what they are capable of, for young people in particular to stop and to think ‘what’s my 80 days’?”
 
“I want to redefine the limits of human endurance by proving what seems impossible really is possible.  After capsizing in the Atlantic, I gave up being an athlete for a couple of years, and enjoyed making documentaries about other athletes – but in truth I had unfinished business, I couldn’t idly watch others push their limits. I am excited and nervous about what lies ahead, it truly is unchartered territory.”
 
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “Mark Beaumont embodies every aspect of #ScotSpirit and is a fantastic ambassador for our country. We are delighted to be able to support him during this incredible feat and, like the whole of Scotland, we will be cheering him on throughout. As Mark makes his way around our beautiful country in the coming weeks, I’m sure the warmth and welcome of his fellows Scots will help carry him through those difficult miles.”
 
Beaumont has also secured international sponsorship from brands including Artemis Investment Management, LDC, VisitScotland, Koga,Moonsport, Altura, Panaracer, Wiggle, Cardtronics, Tunnocks, The Hunter Foundation, John Clark Motor Group, Scot Motor Home Hire, 80 DAYS Digital, Muckle Media, Menzies Aviation, Thorntons Law LLP and Edinburgh Airport to help support his journey.