British ultra-endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont completed his epic round-the-world journey yesterday, and was greeted on the finish line at Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France by Guinness World Records adjudicator Anna Orford, along with family members, friends and the media.

Anna presented Mark with his official certificate, announcing to the crowd that the cyclist had broken the record for the Fastest circumnavigation by bicycle (male) by an incredible 43 days.

Finishing the trip in just 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes, Mark became the first person to ever to officially circumnavigate in under 80 days.

Mark receives a certificate from adjudicator Anna

Dubbed the ‘Artemis World Cycle’, Mark’s journey saw him travel 18,000 miles, across 16 different countries.

During his first 29 days, Mark broke a record for the Farthest distance cycled in one month: 11,315.29 km (7,031 miles).

The long-distance athlete set off in Paris on 2 July, before cycling through Europe, Russia and China – the first stage of his journey – and then moving on to reach Western Australia on 31 July.

“This was a fantastic milestone to achieve during the challenge of getting around the world in eighty days. I hope it is used as a marker for other cyclists to go and smash in the near future,” he said.

Crossing the finish line

It wasn’t all smooth-sailing and record-breaking though. Mark had a perilous fall on his ninth day which threatened to set him back days.

The determined athlete powered on, adventuring through countries where weather conditions were unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

He endured sub-zero temperatures during winter in Australia and New Zealand, and risked being caught up in secondary storms of Hurricane Irma as he travelled through the United States.

“This has been, without doubt, the most punishing challenge I have ever put my body and mind through,” said Mark after completing the expedition.

“The physical and mental stamina required for each day was a challenge in itself, but I had an amazing support team around me.”

“The success of cycling around the world in 80 days shows that what seems impossible is possible and has redefined the limits of endurance sport. Each stage brought different challenges including different climates, which I had to adjust to quickly. Stage one through Russia and Mongolia was unknown territory, so to complete this phase and come out with a second Guinness World Records title is a real achievement."

“I am very grateful for the support I’ve received from people all over the world, from fellow cyclists joining me on the road to messages and wishes online. The experience has been incredible, and I’m excited to share this journey for years to come.” 

Mark and his family after the attempt

The previous record was held by Andrew Nicholson from New Zealand, who achieved a time of 123 days and 43 minutes. His journey started and ended at Auckland International Airport, New Zealand, on 13 December 2015.

Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief at Guinness World Records also commented on the remarkable achievement: “Mark has once again proved himself to be Officially Amazing! He’s added not one but two world-beating achievements to his existing record for Fastest bicycle journey from Cairo to Cape Town. Beating this iconic circumnavigation record places Mark into an elite category of multiple record holders and firmly establishes him as one of the most dedicated and determined Guinness World Records title holders.”

The Fastest circumnavigation by bicycle (female) title is held by Italy’s Paola Gianotti, who cycled around the world in 144 days in 2014, covering a distance of 29,595 km (18,389 mi).