Europe Cycle Record Update

04 Sep Europe Cycle Record Update

Posted at 09:35h in Blog, World Record by

On the 10th of September, Leigh Timmis will leave Cabo Da Roca, Portugal, on his modified Cervelo S3d bicycle at the start of an epic 4000-mile challenge across the continent to Ufa, Russia.

After eight months of preparation, with the support of the University of Derby’s Human Performance Unit, implementing a new and radical training program, Leigh Timmis is ready to attempt the Guinness World Record for the Fastest Cycle Across Europe.

Timmis will endeavour to cycle twice the distance of the Tour De France in significantly less than 20 days. The record currently stands at 24 days and 18 hours, set by Sean Conway in May this year.

Leigh said “It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get to this point, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I hope that having this goal will help others to realise that no matter what obstacles you struggle against, you can go on to achieve amazing things.”

Through his attempt, Leigh will be raising awareness and much needed funds for his chosen charity, MQ: Transforming Mental Health, after suffering from clinical depression himself.

A recent Psychology Today article states that, “Study after study has shown that regular physical activity helps prevent or relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Cycling outdoors in natural surroundings only magnifies these benefits.”

Timmis is confident that the combined efforts of the team will deliver the world record and be a testament to the hard work and focus of the experts involved; “The incredible target that we have set would never be possible without the support of my sponsors and the team working hard behind the scenes.”

Follow Leigh’s progress and watch daily video updates from the road at www.leightimmis.com, where you can also make donations to the charity.



  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 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 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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


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