Leigh Timmis:
Speaker, Adventurer & Record-Breaker
Through powerful storytelling, Leigh transforms record-breaking adventure into lessons for life, leadership, and mental health.
Leigh Timmis is a double world-record-breaking cyclist, author, and motivational speaker who inspires audiences to achieve extraordinary results by harnessing resilience, embracing innovation, and cultivating the mindset to succeed
In 2010, Leigh embarked on a seven-year, solo bicycle expedition around the world, cycling 44,000 miles across 51 countries. Pushing the limits of human endurance in some of the most inhospitable and magnificent environments on earth, he discovered not only his own resilience but also the kindness and solidarity that connect people across cultures. This extraordinary journey of self-discovery led to his no-compromise pursuit of excellence.
On the 26th of September 2018, Leigh cycled into the record books, becoming the fastest person to cross Europe by bike in 16 days, 10 hours, and 45 minutes. Leading a team of sports science experts, he pioneered a ground-breaking ‘no-compromise’ approach to ultra-endurance, shattering the previous world record by eight days and 17 hours. In November 2022, he cemented his place in cycling history as a two-time world-record breaker, riding 2,230 miles to set the record for the greatest distance cycled in seven days.
“Leigh’s experiences of resilience, teamwork, and performance under pressure, help reimagine how we support people and places. His influence has shaped the NHS’s Living Well mental health prototype and enriched Sport England’s Place Expansion work, giving teams the mindset and confidence to innovate bold, people-first solutions.”
Leigh has channelled his experiences into helping others unlock their full potential. His work spans keynote speaking for business and education, ambassadorship for MQ Mental Health Research, and service as the youngest Honorary Colonel of the Derbyshire Army Cadet Force. He has also shaped leading health initiatives, pioneering Living Well with the NHS to transform mental health provision, and working strategically on Sport England’s Place Expansion programme to reduce health inequalities and tackle physical inactivity.
Leigh’s remarkable story is captured in his book The Race of Truth, shortlisted for Cycling Book of the Year at The Times Sports Book Awards 2024, and in 7 Days, a feature documentary about his record-breaking ride through Hurricane Nicole. His insights have been shared on BBC television and radio, TEDx, and National Geographic platforms, where his powerful storytelling continues to inspire ambition, resilience, and breakthrough performance.
The Race Of Truth: The Story Behind Breaking The Record
Leigh’s book, The Race of Truth, documenting his remarkable true story of personal transformation, was shortlisted for the Cycling Book of the Year in The Times 2024 Sports Book Awards.
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