Aiming For Another World Record

12 May Aiming For Another World Record

Posted at 09:38h in 7-day-record, Blog by

For 2022, I’ve set my sights on breaking the world record for the Greatest Distance Cycled in Seven Days.

This prestigious record was established in 1939 by legendary long-distance cyclist Tommy Godwin. The current record stands at 3507.82 kilometres (2179.66 miles).

At the equivalent distance of London to Cairo, it’s further than the 21-day Tour de France.

This new record attempt follows my previous success in 2018 when I assembled a team of sport scientists to break the world record for the Fastest Cycle Across Europe. Their innovative strategy took nine days off the previous record. I’ve brought the same team together again to break the seven-day record by an equally impressive margin.

The team’s preliminary research has concluded that all previous successful attempts on this record were compromised by poor preparation and lack of scientific support. We recognise that science, preparation, support, risk mitigation and the right mindset are paramount to breaking this record by a significant margin. Working within Guinness guidelines, we will ensure every performance gain is identified and maximised, delivering me to the start line in November to achieve the ultimate human performance.

In addition to breaking the world record I will be raising much needed funds for mental health research. I’ve been an ambassador for MQ, the UK’s leading mental health research charity, for four years. The Covid pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the physical and mental health of many of us around the world. This year, I’m driven by the motivation to raise awareness and much needed funds for MQ throughout preparation, during and after the attempt.



  • 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

    Deputy Chief Constable, East Midlands Special Operations Unit

  • 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

    Steve Reynolds, CEO, TBS Mobility

  • It’s was a real honour to partner with Leigh, he’s such an inspirational person and a great business speaker. The aim of the session was for delegates to leave in a positive, can do frame of mind, feeling confident that they can use some of Leigh’s tips to bolster team spirit, harness potential and exceed expectations. This is something I’m confident the event achieved

    Mary Maguire, MD, Astute Recruitment

  • 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

  • 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

    Hayley Parkes, TEDx Event Organiser

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 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

    David Wilson, Global Head of Health and Wellbeing, Victrex


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