Around the world on a motorbike in 19 days: Dakar champion prepares to set a world record
Two-time Dakar Rally winner Sam Sunderland has announced his new ambitious goal to circumnavigate the globe on a motorbike in the fastest time in history. The British rider is going to break the record of 19 days, 8 hours and 25 minutes set by Kevin and Julia Sanders in 2002.
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To achieve this goal, Sunderland will have to travel around 1,600 kilometres per day - the equivalent of the length of the UK - for 19 consecutive days. The route will pass through more than 15 countries and all time zones on the planet.
The start is scheduled for September this year from London, with the finish there. Sam will be riding a Triumph 1200 Rally Explorer, and although the ride itself will take less than 20 days, the whole expedition will take around 30 days including flights, transfers and border crossings.
Under the terms of the record, the route must be continuous, travelling in one direction, pass through two antipodal points and be at least 29,000 kilometres (18,000 miles) long. Ocean crossings are allowed, but the stopwatch stops during them.
Sam Sunderland poses for a portrait before his Race Around the World race in London. Photo: Mark Roe / Red Bull Content Pool
The route will take Sunderland through Europe and Turkey, across the Middle East, including a 2,000km section from Jeddah to Dubai, followed by Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Morocco and southern Spain before returning to the UK.
Sam admits he is in for a real hell of a ride - both physically and mentally. "There will be days when I'll be riding for 15-16 hours in the cold and rain, heat and humidity, battling fatigue, wind and jet lag," he says. In total, he will have to cross 13 time zones.
He notes that he wants to leave behind a legacy that will transcend sport and inspire others to push their own limits.
Interestingly, Sunderland is even supported by current record holders Kevin and Julia Saunders. They have already shared with him their own experiences and the details needed to officially recognise the record.
Source: RedBull
