New Zealand Winter Olympian breaks round the world cycling record

A former New Zealand speed skater seems set to be recognised as the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe by bike. Andrew Nicholson is awaiting ratification by the Guinness Book of World Records after completing his trip in 123 days. Nicholson rode to raise awareness and funds for cancer research group CTCR Te Aho Matatu.

To break Alan Bate’s 2010 record, Nicholson had to cover at least 28,970km (18,000 miles) in under 125 days. He went over that distance by 209km.

In June 2014, Lee Fancourt completed a circumnavigation in 103 days, 23 hours and 15 minutes. However, the 36-year-old was disqualified after failing to return to the point in India where he took a taxi in order to help out his support crew.

In contrast, Nicholson told The Guardian he had been unencumbered by other parties for the majority of his trip.

“I was alone on the bike all the time. I had no back-up or support team. When you get to places like Turkey you get a bit lonely, because culturally it is so different. But I am quite comfortable with my own time, so it wasn’t a major problem.”

He says he completed his trip “on the cheap,” staying with other cyclists from the website warm showers. “My hosts cooked me meals, and put treats in my back-pack,” he said

Nicholson, who is now a part-time gym instructor and primary school teacher, competed in three winter Olympics as a speed skater in the 1990s. He said that during that time he developed focus and concentration skills as a result of working with a psychologist.

“I try not to listen to anything like iPods as I ride because it takes away from your senses and your experience of the ride,” he said. He also had to make an effort to steer his thinking away from the record, because it was starting to dominate his thoughts.

“I had to change my thinking at one point because I was getting too preoccupied with the record, and putting too much pressure on myself. I came up with the plan that just to ride around the world really quickly – even if I didn’t beat the record – that would still be a cool story in itself.”

Needless to say, there were lots of times he felt like giving up because it was becoming too much – particularly towards the end. “But I was always in a position where I didn’t have a good enough excuse to give up. Yes you’re tired and yes your legs are sore but you can still get on that bike and ride.”

At the halfway point, none other than Alan Bate responded to one of Nicholson’s Facebook posts by saying:

“Andrew, this record broke me physiologically, emotionally and physically, I had terrible days riding along screaming and crying. It took 5 years to want to ride my bike again, and that was because you inspired me. 23 days ago I started.”