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World cyclist nears finish line World cyclist nears finish line
(about 1 hour 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 cyclist hoping to become the fastest person to cycle around the world is entering the final stages of his challenge.
Mark Beaumont, 25, from Fife, aims to smash the record when he arrives in Paris on Friday afternoon.Mark Beaumont, 25, from Fife, aims to smash the record when he arrives in Paris on Friday afternoon.
He set off from the French capital on 5 August 2007.He set off from the French capital on 5 August 2007.
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.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.
During his seven-month journey Mr Beaumont has passed through 20 countries including Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.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 Fife, 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 will be in Paris, as will his two sisters, one of whom has travelled from Singapore to see him complete the challenge.
Inspiring school pupils Inspiring school pupils class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/outdoors/programmes/pedalling_around/map/">Follow 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 was 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 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."