Aiming For A World Record

05 Jan Aiming For A World Record

Posted at 17:53h in Blog, Video, World Record by

For 2018 I am raising the bar. Taking everything I learnt from cycling around the world and applying it to significantly breaking a Guinness World Record.

The record for The Fastest Cycle Across Europe covers a distance of 4000 miles (6500km) – twice the distance of the Tour de France – starting from the coast of Portugal and finishing in the Russian city of Ufa, traversing 7 countries, the Pyrenees, the foothills of the Alps and the Russian Steppe. The record currently stands at 29 days, 18 hours and 25 minutes. Fully supported by a team of professionals, our estimation is that we can push a huge leap in performance, breaking the 20 day barrier.

While building on my round the world experience, this challenge requires a radically different approach to my solo circumnavigation. The world record requires total focus on pushing my physical and mental boundaries on the bike, it is purely about ultra-endurance performance and science. In order to facilitate this, I have the backing a team of sports science experts.

In partnership with the University of Derby Human Performance Unit, a thorough training and testing schedule has been developed, focussed on delivering me to the start line on the 10th of September in peak physical and mental condition.

pushing my physical and mental boundaries on the bike, it is purely about ultra-endurance performance

The programme is based on an optimal training plan to improve performance, obtained by exercising at the appropriate levels, determined by testing and pinpointing specific intensity zones. This base data is used to prescribe training volumes and intensities, that will be used to deliver physical adaptation by experts in physiology, psychology and nutrition. This team will join me on the road, complimented by specialists in mechanics and logistics, to ensure the finish line is reached as quickly and safely as possible with all risks mitigated.

Attempting this record not only presents an opportunity for me push the limits of human endurance but to raise awareness of mental health issues close to my heart. Through the world record attempt, I will be raising awareness and much needed funds for MQ, the mental health charity, in the hope that others won’t find themselves suffering with depression alone, as I did as a young man.

I will be raising awareness and much needed funds for MQ, the mental health charity

This Guinness World Record attempt opens major sponsorship opportunities, therefore, we are looking for a small number of key partners who share a passion to push the boundaries of human achievement. In return we will ensure that these partners are promoted throughout the duration of the project including the preparation and build up, during and after the attempt. Our PR agency already has strategies and tactics in place to guarantee the best possible publicity for the Guinness World Record attempt. Contact details can be found on www.leightimmis.com.

For me, this is going to be a fascinating journey into the development of a game-changing project, understanding new depths of physical and psychological advancement, and I’ll be documenting it every step of the way! Follow me for exclusive, behind the scenes details of the adventure on my website and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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  • Wow. Utterly, wow. Leigh certainly was inspirational and indeed such a breath of fresh air, he created such a buzz around the school. I was impressed by not only the attendance of staff and parents, but the volume of students who came along. Thank you – Leigh really has touched and motivated a lot of our students

    Roberta Keys, Deputy Headteacher, Malvern College

  • Leigh delivered one of the most professional and engaging talks at the festival this year. It was clear that Leigh had put a lot of thought into what he wanted to convey in his talk, carefully pulling out the key stories and themes from all his years on the road. Leigh's talk was engaging throughout and delivered with a real sense of humility.

    Laura Moss, Cycle Touring Festival Organiser

  • When we invited Leigh to present to our staff about his experiences in creating a support echo system and team to help him break a world record, we never imagined that it would have had such a positive impact on everyone who attended. Leigh influenced, motived and inspired our staff to be the better version of themselves and gave them guidance and the tools to achieve this individually and within a team environment

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  • Leigh is a natural communicator, using humour and his modest personality, Leigh's account of his fascinating experiences was delivered in a completely natural way that immediately connected with both the students and the teachers.

    Claire Tresidder, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Ashbourne Academy

  • Leigh articulates his passion and learning so well that his enthusiasm and motivation transcends the world of sport and is relevant for physical, psychological and organisational wellness and performance. He is a truly phenomenal speaker and comes highly recommended

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  • The TEDxRNCM audience were utterly captured through Leigh’s account. This wasn’t just an account however, but an experience. Eloquently delivered but with real personality, Leigh gave inspiration, insight, enjoyment and even humour - a talk I won’t be forgetting for a long time

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  • The young people of Kingsmead School are generally from disadvantaged backgrounds and have low aspirations for their future. Leigh held the attention of the young people superbly, he was entertaining and funny and the pupils engagement was not lost at all. I would heartily recommend Leigh and his inspirational story to anyone, it left pupils and staff inspired and awestruck.

    Huw Lloyd, Assistant Headteacher, Kingsmead School

  • Leigh delivered a fantastic presentation during our Global Health and Wellbeing day. We had a lot of positive feedback from his inspirational talk which definitely raised the profile of mental health within our organisation. Leigh is an inspiration to everyone

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