Sam Sunderland abandons world record attempt

Sam Sunderland’s attempt to set a new record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by motorcycle is over. He was making good time when his Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer was damaged in the Australian outback. The time needed for repairs and testing meant the record was no longer within reach.

We have previously reported on Sam Sunderland’s attempt to ride around the world in less than 19 days, 8 hours and 25 minutes. The journey began in London on 5 September, and the two-time Dakar winner was already maintaining a strong pace during the opening stages.

One of the stages took him from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, a distance of just over 1,500 kilometres, which Sunderland covered in 15 hours and 33 minutes. After the first two stages, he had covered more than 5,300 kilometres in two days, seven hours and seven minutes on the record clock.

At that point, he was still well placed in terms of time as the journey continued towards Australia.

Damage to the bike brought the attempt to an end

In the Australian outback, Sunderland’s Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer was damaged, leading to a technical issue that needed to be repaired. The team did everything they could to get the bike back on the road, but the time required to repair and then properly test it meant it was no longer possible to achieve the record time.

“This isn’t the update I hoped I’d be sharing. Unfortunately, my Around The World record attempt has come to an end,” Sunderland says on Instagram.

He also explained that the decision to stop was not an easy one.

“I’m gutted, honestly. Anyone who knows me knows I don’t give up easily, and this definitely wasn’t a decision I took lightly. But sometimes you’ve got to accept what’s in front of you.”

Proud despite the disappointment

Although the record attempt ended earlier than planned, Sunderland also highlighted what he and the team had managed to achieve during the weeks on the road.

“I’m disappointed, but I’m also proud of what we achieved, the places we reached and the adventure we’ve had over the last few weeks.”

He ended his post by saying:

“It wasn’t the ending we were chasing, but that’s part of adventure sometimes. Time to head home. Thanks for coming along for the ride.”