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World cyclist nears finish line Scot smashes world cycle record
(about 2 hours later)
A British cyclist hoping to become the fastest person to cycle around the world is entering the final stages of his challenge. A British man has smashed the record for cycling round the world.
Mark Beaumont, 25, from Fife, aims to smash the record when he arrives in Paris on Friday afternoon. Mark Beaumont, from Fife, completed the journey in 195 days - beating the previous record of 276 days.
He set off from the French capital on 5 August 2007. The 25-year-old crossed the finish line at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Friday after an 18,000-mile journey which began on 5 August last year.
When he returns to Paris he will have cycled 18,000 miles in 195 days. The current record - by Steven Strange from Devon - is 276 days. Mr Beaumont passed through 20 countries on his way, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the US.
During his seven-month journey Mr Beaumont has passed through 20 countries including Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
His solo journey has been dramatic at times - he has endured floods and road rage, and was knocked off his bike in the American state of Louisiana by an elderly motorist who drove through a red light.His solo journey has been dramatic at times - he has endured floods and road rage, and was knocked off his bike in the American state of Louisiana by an elderly motorist who drove through a red light.
Mr Beaumont also had his wallet and camera stolen from a motel.Mr Beaumont also had his wallet and camera stolen from a motel.
Before the trip the cyclist, who is originally from Bridge of Cally in Perthshire but now lives in Fife, said he was looking forward to having the "experience of a lifetime". Before the trip the cyclist, who is originally from Bridge of Cally in Perthshire but now lives in Newburgh, said he was looking forward to having the "experience of a lifetime".
His mother Una will be in Paris, as will his two sisters, one of whom has travelled from Singapore to see him complete the challenge. His mother Una was in Paris with his two sisters, one of whom has travelled from Singapore, to see him complete the challenge.
Inspiring school pupilsFollow Mark on his journeyInspiring school pupilsFollow Mark on his journey
His mother has been co-ordinating his trip - paving the way with embassies, arranging flights, dealing with the media, organising transport and making sure his bike was serviced.His mother has been co-ordinating his trip - paving the way with embassies, arranging flights, dealing with the media, organising transport and making sure his bike was serviced.
Speaking from Paris, she told the BBC Scotland news website he was determined to beat the record. Speaking from Paris, she told the BBC Scotland news website he had been determined to beat the record.
She said: "It's been his focus to be the first and the fastest, and that has definitely helped him through all the challenges and it will mean a huge amount.She said: "It's been his focus to be the first and the fastest, and that has definitely helped him through all the challenges and it will mean a huge amount.
"I believe that it'll be his for a very long time because it'll take another very special person to do what Mark's done."I believe that it'll be his for a very long time because it'll take another very special person to do what Mark's done.
"I'm just thrilled for him, that after all his dreaming that he's realising his dream.""I'm just thrilled for him, that after all his dreaming that he's realising his dream."
Guinness World Records spokeswoman Amarilis Espinoza said they were aware of Mr Beaumont's attempt.Guinness World Records spokeswoman Amarilis Espinoza said they were aware of Mr Beaumont's attempt.
"We are very excited for Mark to be arriving in Paris on Friday," she said.
"We will be reviewing documentation from him and our researchers will go through the paperwork, but it has been logged as an official attempt and it seems everything is in order.""We will be reviewing documentation from him and our researchers will go through the paperwork, but it has been logged as an official attempt and it seems everything is in order."