Red Bull motorcycle racer Sam Sunderland has announced that he is attempting to break the world record for circumnavigation of the globe on a motorbike.
The 36-year-old announced the news yesterday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
It is an extremely tough feat, but he’ll be lucky enough to see the epic scenes of New Zealand as part of the attempt.
His ride includes 12.5 hours across NZ, in Christchurch, Wellington, Levin and all the way up to Auckland.
Lucky bugger.
The requirements are strict - the journey must be continuous and follow a single direction around the globe, start and finish at the same location, touch two antipodal points and cover a minimum of 29,000kms.
All of this has to be completed on the same motorbike, which he’s chosen to be the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer.
Fortunately, this guy knows tough, having won the ‘Dakar Rally’ twice, which is famous for being the most difficult motorbike race of all.
Sunderland is beginning his journey in September, starting and ending in London, and has the goal of completing it in 19 days.
The previous world record is held by Kevin and Julia Sanders, who completed the feat in 19 days, 8 hours and 25 mins.
To achieve his goal, Sunderland will cross through 15 different countries, and ride at least 1,600km a day.
Love the guy, but he's gotta be at least a little bit off his rocker.
All up with flights, travel, crossings etc., it should take him about 30 days - no doubt they’ll be the longest of his life.
Image courtesy of Mark Roe, via Red Bull Content Pool.
Sunderland plans to “create a legacy that extends beyond the off-road racing”, and in turn “inspire people across the world for adventure of their own, to push past their limits and redefine what they think is possible”, according to a press release.
He said he’s aware of the “physical and mental” challenge that he’s about to face, including facing different elements, road conditions and unknown terrain.
He added: “There’ll be days when I’m out there for 15 or 16 hours in the cold and rain, heat and humidity, fighting the wind, battling exhaustion, and mental fatigue. This, plus jetlag, and crazy time zones – It’s going to be brutal.”
Bloody epic, we’ll be rooting for him!
