Record-setting finish predicted next week for World Cycle Racing challenge

Mike Hall

Five intrepid bicyclists are still grinding their way around the globe in the World Cycle Racing Grand Tour, with one on a record-setting pace.

They are all that’s left of a group of 10 bicyclists who set out, mostly from London, on Feb. 18 with the goal of achieving a world record in the first-ever bicycle race around the globe. [A two-person team on separate bikes left later, on April 1.]

Unlike a usual bicycle race, these unsupported “world cyclists” pick their own routes and directions of travel. (See interactive map below)

Leading cyclist

The overall leader of the remaining cyclists is Mike Hall, who crossed into France earlier today (Thursday) on his way to an expected London finish early next week. That would give him a globe-girdling time of 92 or 93 days, nearly two weeks faster than the current Guinness World Record holder Alan Bate.

Mike Hall

After completing his U.S. crossing, Hall wrote on his Facebook page:

“I will be aiming for 200mpd+ (miles per day)  for anyone doing their own calcs. Watch out for any night rides – if I’m feeling strong there might not be so much sleeping going on but I thought that by the end of the US leg and I just didn’t have it in me.”

The record he’s aiming to beat was set in 2010 by an Englishman who lives in Thailand. Although certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, Bate’s record was questioned by some purists because he had a support team during part of the ride.

Previous world record holders — such as Mark Beaumont and James Bowthorpe (uncertified) — launched careers in writing and public speaking.

Hall, who lives in Harrogate, England, has been into endurance bike riding since about 2009. Last year he embarked on the Tour Divide, which follows the Continental Divide between Canada and Mexico, and later said he felt lucky to finish without injury.

Remaining cyclists

Here’s a rundown of the cyclists as of Wednesday:

1. Mike Hall – Heras de Ayusa, Spain, 17,039 miles

2. Richard Dunnett – Bangkok, Thailand, 12,437

3. Simon Hutchinson – Delhi, California, 11,044

4. Sean Conway, Kelang – Malaysia, 9,673

5. Kristina/Nic (two-person team) – Mainz Germany, 2,218

The cyclists who abandoned the race did so because of illness, injury, bike failure and family issues.

Last week, I was stunned to learn that I’d missed Hutchinson as he pedaled less than 2 miles from my home one day on his way through Washington state (he’s near Visalia, California, now). Hall passed through Washington state more than a month ago, but kept to the western side of Puget Sound.

The rules state that a cyclist must begin and end in the same location; must travel in one direction; must travel 18,000 miles by bicycle (24,900 miles total); and pass through two antipodal points (one on each side of the world).

Let’s hope the remaining cyclists continue to have a safe and interesting ride.