Motorcycle Daredevil Aims for 19-Day World Record

Sam Sunderland, a two-time Dakar Rally winner, is preparing for a record-breaking motorcycle circumnavigation of the world, targeting a completion time of 19 days. This ambitious challenge, originally planned for last year, was delayed due to a serious training accident that resulted in a broken back for the British rider.

The new departure date is set for September 5, with Sunderland commencing his journey from London on his Triumph Tiger motorcycle. His expedition will span six distinct legs, taking him through locations such as Turkey, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Morocco before returning to London.

To achieve his goal, the 37-year-old rider must maintain an average of 1,000 miles per day on public roads and across varied terrains, accumulating a minimum of 18,000 miles. Ocean crossings will be excluded from the timing, but the journey must be a one-way circumnavigation, touch two antipodal points, and begin and end at the same location on the same machine.

Sunderland views this endeavor as more than just a ride; it's a test of endurance, managing sleep deprivation, and maintaining focus under extreme fatigue. He expressed immense excitement for the rescheduled attempt, seeing his arrival at the start line as a significant achievement, but is determined to set a lasting benchmark.