In December 2012, Juliana Buhring set a new world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world on a bicycle by a female.
Starting and finishing at Piazza Plebescito in Naples, Italy, Juliana’s amazing feat took 152 days and one hour and saw her cycle a gruelling distance of 29,070 km (18,063.22 miles).
What makes Juliana’s achievement perhaps even more incredible is the fact that prior to deciding to attempt the record, the 32-year-old had never ridden a bike before.
Under the rules of the record a rider must travel the same distance as the circumference of the Earth – 24,900 miles – in one direction, starting and finishing in the same place. Travel by sea and air is allowed, but at least 18,000 miles of the route must be cycled.
After eight months worth of training and preparation under the supervision of an Italian sports scientist, Juliana set out on her epic ride which covered Italy, France, Spain Portugal, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Turkey, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia.
As well as fighting off sickness in India, wild dogs in Turkey and even some angry birds in Australia, Juliana’s bike, which she named Pegasus, suffered 29 flat tires, six broken spokes, and also required four full tire changes and three chain replacements during the trek.
Juliana set out to cycle the world to raise awareness of her charity Safe Passage Foundation. The charity aims to help children and young people raised in restrictive, isolated or high-demand communities - an issue close to Juliana’s heart having experienced such conditions as a child.
In the video below, Juliana tells the story behind her history-making journey around the world.
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