Around the World in 19 days: By Triumph Tiger 1200
Two-time Dakar champ Sam Sunderland has a new record in his sights, this time to become the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe by motorcycle, challenging the previous records set by Nick Sanders, followed by Kevin and Julia Sanders.
The British rider has set his sights on breaking the current record of 19 days, 8 hours, and 25 minutes and to reach his goal, Sunderland will need to ride nearly 1600 kilometres or 1000 miles daily for 19 days, averaging the equivalent of the length of the UK every single day, crossing over 15 countries and all world timezones.
Sam departs from London on his Triumph 1200 Rally Explorer this September – it will take him about 30 days with flights, crossings, etc.
When talking about the project as an athlete, a champion, a father, and an adventurer, Sam notes the wish to create a legacy that extends beyond the off-road racing, aiming to inspire people across the world for adventure of their own, to push past their limits and redefine what they think is possible.
The scene of Sam’s previous victories, the Dakar Rally, is known to be the toughest race in the world. It’s mostly off-road, with a total distance of around 5,000 miles. It takes between 10 to 15 days to complete, with competitors riding some 300 to 560 miles per day.
In comparison, to break the world record for the fastest global circumnavigation, Sam is going to need to ride for double the daily mileage of the Dakar, and for an increased number of days.
Sam Sunderland
“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. This, plus jetlag, and crazy time zones – It’s going to be brutal. But that’s exactly why I’m doing it. I thrive on the unknown – figuring things out as I go. 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.”
Sunderland’s journey begins in his homeland of England, marking the first leg of a six-stage global adventure. From there, he’ll traverse Europe en route to Turkey, then head into the heart of the Middle East, riding some 2000 kilometres or 1200 miles from Jeddah Saudi Arabia to Dubai in UAE.
– After a long-haul transfer, the expedition continues through the remote outback of Australia and the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand. From there, he’ll head north to tackle the vast terrains of the USA and Canada.
His path then leads to Morocco, his gateway into Africa, before looping back into Europe through southern Spain and finally making his sprint home to the UK.
Sam’s challenge will stay true to the parameters of the record set twenty years ago. Per these conditions, the time he’s trying to beat excludes ocean crossings, during which the official clock is paused.
Sam’s journey must be continuous and follow a single direction around the globe. He must start and finish at the same location, touch two antipodal points, and cover a minimum of 29,000 kilometres (18 000 miles). All this he must do on the same bike – a Triumph 1200 Rally Explorer.
Paul Stroud – Triumph Motorcycles’ Chief Commercial Officer
“This is a hugely challenging undertaking for Sam and the Red Bull team, who are attempting to beat a record that has remained unbroken for more than 20 years. Sam’s determination and focus will be well matched by the performance and capability of the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, which is the ideal ride for such an epic adventure. We wish him every success as he travels across the globe.”
The record Sam is challenging was set by Britons Kevin and Julia Sanders, who claim the official Guinness adjudicated title. Of the feat, Kevin Sanders said: “Records are meant to be broken. We did this more than twenty years ago – Sam’s going to face a whole set of new challenges compared to back then.”
The Sanders’ have supported Sam’s feat by providing insight into their record-breaking journey, and the parameters required to make a true circumnavigation. “As people with a business within the motorcycle community, it’s always exciting to see riders take on new challenges, or challenge old ones! We’re really keen to see how Sam does.”
