Round-the-world cyclist Vin Cox has been officially presented with his Guinness world record by former England star Geoff Thomas.

Cox was confirmed as the new record holder in September having circumnavigated the world in 163 days, six hours and 58 minutes – beating Mark Beaumont’s previous mark by more than a month.

Thomas has twice cycled the full Tour de France route just days before the race itself having recovered from leukaemia and presented Cox with his award at the London Cycle Show.

“What Vin has achieved is absolutely incredible,” said former Crystal Palace midfielder Thomas. “I completed the Tour de France after going into remission from my leukaemia and that was one of the toughest things I have ever done.

“To cycle ten times that distance uninterrupted and keep going takes an amazing amount of physical and mental strength – it’s inspirational.”

There is no set route for round the world record attempts but they must include at least 18,000 miles of cycling and not involve any back-tracking.

Cox’s route, which covered 18,225.7 miles, averaging 112 miles a day on a Genesis Croix De Fer, involved 12 boat and plane transfers and took him through five different continents and across 17 countries.

Cox, a south west cyclo-cross champion, said: “I planned a pretty adventurous route and it’s meant that I’ve had an incredibly broad experience of different cultures and climates – all the things which make cycling both difficult and exciting.

“I met some amazing local people and other adventurers along the way.”

“I hope my ride will inspire some people and also raise awareness and money for the Geoff Thomas Foundation.

“Geoff’s goal of increasing access to life-saving treatments for people with blood cancers is so important. It was a great motivator on some of the more gruelling parts of my ride.”

• For more information on the Geoff Thomas Foundation, head this way.