Around the world in 19 days: Dakar champion Sam Sunderland announces world record attempt

Two-time Dakar Rally Champion, Sam Sunderland, has revealed his latest sporting mission – to become the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe on a motorcycle.
The British rider has set his sights on breaking the current record of 19 days, 8 hours, and 25 minutes reached by Kevin and Julia Sanders back in 2002.

To reach his goal, Sam will need to ride nearly 1600 kilometers or 1000 miles daily for 19 days, averaging the equivalent of the length of the UK every single day. Here’s all you need to know:

  • Two-time Dakar Rally Champion Sam Sunderland reveals attempt to claim the circumnavigation of the world record on a motorcycle
  • The athlete will need to ride more than the length of the UK every day for 19 days to beat the current record
  • During his ultimate adventure, Sunderland will cross over 15 countries and all world timezones
  • Sam departs from London on his Triumph 1200 Rally Explorer this September – it will take him approx. 30 days with flights, crossings, etc.

– The ultimate test of endurance, the challenge is a trial of both physical and mental strength, with Sam facing the elements, road conditions, and unknown terrain. He will enter more than 15 countries across five continents, starting and ending his journey in London.

– When talking about the project as an athlete, a champion, a father, and an adventurer, Sam notes the wish to create a legacy that extends beyond the off-road racing, aiming to inspire people across the world for adventure of their own, to push past their limits and redefine what they think is possible.

– “I know this challenge will test me to the core – physically and mentally,” Sam Sunderland said. The scene of Sam’s previous victories, the Dakar Rally, is known to be the toughest race in the world. It’s mostly off-road, with a total distance of around 5,000 miles. It takes between 10 to 15 days to complete, with competitors riding some 300 to 560 miles per day.

– In comparison, to break the world record for the fastest global circumnavigation, Sam is going to need to ride for double the daily mileage of the Dakar, and for an increased number of days.

– Sam 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 the mental fatigue. This, plus jetlag, and crazy time zones – It’s going to be brutal.” Sam is expected to cross 13 different time zones during his journey.

– Sunderland’s journey begins in his homeland of England, marking the first leg of a six-stage global adventure. From there, he’ll traverse Europe en route to Turkey, then head into the heart of the Middle East, riding some 2000 kilometers or 1200 miles from Jeddah Saudi Arabia to Dubai in UAE.

– After a long-haul transfer, the expedition continues through the remote outback of Australia and the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand. From there, he’ll head north to tackle the vast terrains of the USA and Canada. His path then leads to Morocco, his gateway into Africa, before looping back into Europe through southern Spain and finally making his sprint home to the UK.

– Sam’s challenge will stay true to the parameters of the record set twenty years ago. Per these conditions, the time he’s trying to beat excludes ocean crossings, during which the official clock is paused.

– The total journey is expected to take Sunderland around 30 days – dependent on Sam’s pace and stamina, as well as the unpredictability of border crossings or freighting of his motorcycle to the next destination.

– Sam’s journey must be continuous and follow a single direction around the globe. He must start and finish at the same location, touch two antipodal points, and cover a minimum of 29 000 kilometers (18 000 miles). All this he must do on the same bike – a Triumph 1200 Rally Explorer.

– The record Sam is challenging was set by Britons Kevin and Julia Sanders, who claim the official Guinness adjudicated title. Of the feat, Kevin Sanders said: “Records are meant to be broken. We did this more than twenty years ago – Sam’s going to face a whole set of new challenges compared to back then.”

– The Sanders’ have supported Sam’s feat by providing insight into their record-breaking journey, and the parameters required to make a true circumnavigation. “As people with a business within the motorcycle community, it’s always exciting to see riders take on new challenges, or challenge old ones! We’re really keen to see how Sam does.”

Visit RedBull.com to follow the challenge and find out more about what Sam faces on his record attempt.

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