British bicycle racer Alan Bate, 45, will set out at midnight on March 31st on a mission to circle the globe in a mere 99 days. The current record is 165 days, held by fellow Brit Julian Sayarer, who’s half Bate’s age.

Bate’s ride will begin in Bangkok, Thailand and follow an eastward zigzagging course around the earth until returning to Bangkok. Of course, because the majority of the planet is water, there will be alternative transportation involved and also an issue of timekeeping. According to the official world record rules posted on Bate’s website, the regulations are as follows:

When the rider reaches a transit point to connect with a flight or boat to the next continent or country start point, the clock stops with regard to the actual riding time. As most of the earth’s surface is water, this is unavoidable and fair as it applies to all athletes attempting the record. Once customs is cleared at the next destination, the clock immediately starts again.

If Bate’s attempt is successful, it will be the third time in two years the record has been broken. God speed Alan.

[Via: Explorersweb]

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