Dakar Winner Sam Sunderland Attempts to Break World Circumnavigation World Record
Two-time Dakar winner Sam Sunderland has grown bored and is looking for a new challenge. That’s why he’s undertaking an adventure of a lifetime—trying to break the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world on a motorcycle.
To beat the previous record set by Kevin and Julia Sanders in 2002, Sunderland must cover nearly 1,000 miles every day. Astride a Triumph 1200 Rally Explorer, Sunderland seeks to ride around the world in only 19 days.
His route will take him across 15 countries on five continents in six legs. He has broken down his record-breaking attempt as follows:
- Leg 1: England, France, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey
- Leg 2: Saudi Arabia, UAE
- Leg 3: Australia
- Leg 4: New Zealand
- Leg 5: U.S., Canada
- Leg 6: Morocco, Spain, France, England
To complete the challenge, Sunderland must touch two antipodes (that is, spots diametrically opposite each other along Earth’s surface).
The motorcycle he rides is 99% in factory condition, with the only modification being luggage and a record-keeping kit. To comply with the rules, the bike must be the same for the entire ride.
“I know this challenge will test me to the core—physically and mentally. There’ll be days when I’m out there for 15 or 16 hours in the cold and rain, heat and humidity, fighting the wind, battling exhaustion, and the mental fatigue,” Sunderland explained in a statement.
“But that’s exactly why I’m doing it … I’m not here to just edge past the record. I want to set a new bar, one that makes the next person really earn it, just like I have to now,” he added.
Sunderland certainly has the necessary riding experience. He has won the Dakar twice in 2017 and 2022, and has been riding since he was 7 years old.
Sunderland’s journey began in September. We’ll keep you updated on the results of his attempt.