Guinness World Records have confirmed Brit Vin Cox as the new world record holder for circumnavigating the globe by bicycle.

Cox and his Alfine-hubbed Genesis Croix De Fer took just 163 days, six hours and 58 minutes to smash the previous record, set by Marc Beaumont in 2008, by more than one month.

The cyclo-cross racer, a cycling proficiency instructor in Cornwall before setting off from Greenwich in February, completed his ride on August 1 and has now had the record ratified.

“Events, people and places were exciting all the way – from the depths of dysentery in Libya and being detained by police in Indonesia, to the highs of receiving random acts of kindness or seeing the sea after 1000’s of miles in-land,” said Cox.

“My route is special. Not only did I plan to break the record, I wanted to have a proper adventure.

“I wanted to be the first record holder who’s visited Africa and South America on the journey; in fact the only continent I didn’t visit is Antarctica because it’s got no roads and is a bit cold.

“Everything supplied by all my sponsors delivered high performance and was utterly reliable. 

“Though my bike was obviously a laden touring bike, few people I met on the way could believe how light it was and how little I needed to carry on such a long trip – I could travel light and compact only because my equipment was so good.”

For more information on the Croix De Fer visit www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/cross/croix-de-fer/croix-de-fer/overview

You can get a taste of the trip on Vin’s website www.greatbikeride.com