The 9 endurance cyclists who set off a little more than a week ago (Feb. 18) for an around the world bicycle race from London are already spread across three continents.
Most of the cyclists in the World Cycle Racing Grand Tour are heading eastward on various routes across Europe, while two others are heading the opposite direction in North and South America. (See map below)
Race leader
While its tough to determine the leader because they’ll all taking different routes, Englishman Mike Hall, right, has racked up the most miles as of Monday — 1,493, according to stats posted at the World Cycle Racing website.
Based on rules set up by the Guinness Book of World Records, the winner will be the first to cross the finish line in London after traveling a minimum 18,000 miles by bicycle (24,900 miles total) in one direction and passing two antipodal points (on opposite sides of the world).
The solo cyclists are trying to beat the old world record mark 163 days, set by Vin Cox in 2010. A subsequent ride by Alan Bate set a new Guinness record of 106 days that same year, although Bate used a support crew to achieve his mark.
Other cyclists
One of the 9 solo cyclists — Kyle Hewitt of Scotland — dropped out almost immediately. He determined the needs of his family come first:
“I have also been talking with previous world tourers who have lost so much in family terms on these bids, and they have also reinforced my choice as the correct one… The important thing for me now is to find a way back in to the working world so that I can support my family and fuel the dream for the future…”
Another cyclist, Jason Woodhouse, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, suffered some bike issues early in the race in France and returned to London. According to his Twitter feed, he’s still trying to get on the road.
The apparent leader on the road, Hall of Harrogate, England, is pedaling down the Mediterranean coast in Bosnia-Herzegovina heading toward Greece. He’s battling some tough winds, according to a message on Twitter, but a
local bike member told him they should lessen further down the coast.
Martin Walker of London is crossing the United States and is on the outskirts of Philadelphia. He’s third overall, with 814 miles on his bike.
Simon Hutchinson of Bailieborough, Ireland, is currently in second place, heading across southeastern Poland.
Another cyclist, Stephen Phillips of Norfolk, England, is suffering through the mountains of Spain with an injured achilles tendon. Phillips tweets about getting frustrated with all the highway diversions to hilltop churches. “Honestly Spain keep them! Please I just want fast roads.”
Let’s wish “fast roads” to all the cyclists.
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