Scottish woman claims world record for fastest circumnavigation by bicycle

A Scottish woman has been named a Guinness World Record holder after cycling around the world nearly three weeks faster than the previously set time.

Jenny Graham from Inverness completed her journey in just 124 days and 11 hours, beating the women’s fastest circumnavigation by bicycle record previously set by Paola Gianotti from Italy (144 days).

The 39-year-old’s 18,000-mile journey began on June 16 last year at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate and took her through 16 countries including Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, China, Australia, the USA, Portugal, Spain and Holland.

On average she cycled 13.5 hours each day with a daily average of 156 miles, also taking four flights and a boat in the unsupported record attempt.

Ms Graham said: “I was curious to see how far I could go and now I’m officially a world record holder.

“When I set off this time last year, I wasn’t sure what lay ahead, but the journey was awe-inspiring, exhausting and ultimately life-changing.

“I’d encourage anyone to get out on their bike and discover they are capable of far more than they think they are.”

As well as a full-time job with the Highland Council and being co-director of the Adventure Syndicate, Ms Graham spent a year preparing for the trip and cycled up to 20 hours a week.

She will now feature in the Guinness World Records 2020 edition.

The achievement was announced to mark the launch of Guinness World Records Day in 2019, being held on Thursday November 14 this year.

She was joined by the male record-holder Mark Beaumont (who completed his journey in 78 days in September 2017) and Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief.

Mr Glenday said: “Jenny’s achievement is fantastic, and she truly embodies determination and passion.

“It is an honour to be announcing her Guinness World Records title today in celebration of the launch of this year’s Guinness World Records Day which will take place on the 14th November 2019.

“I’m sure her achievement will inspire others to embark on their own adventures and get involved this year.”