British adventurer Laughton, a former Royal Marine Commando, has achieved a new Guinness World Record for the highest-altitude bike ride, reaching the snowbound summit of Putha Huinchuli in Nepal. Accompanied by Sherpa Nima Kanchla, Laughton carried his Brompton bike over several days before completing a brief cycle ride that surpassed the previous record of 7,211 meters, set in 2009.
“To secure the Guinness World Record, I had to cycle 20 meters at the highest point,” Laughton explained to Cycling Weekly. He faced significant challenges during his attempt, stating, “At the top, there was lots of deep snow, making it hard to gain momentum, especially near the summit. Riding down the mountain was very difficult, as mountain slopes are tricky with numerous rocks and holes to navigate.”
In preparation for this ambitious endeavor, Laughton spent extensive hours training on an inclined treadmill while wearing an oxygen mask to simulate high-altitude conditions. “There’s simply no terrain on Earth like the Himalayas; it’s just magical. However, while cycling, you must pay very close attention to the path ahead, as you’re never more than a second away from disaster,” he noted.
This marks Laughton’s second world record; in 2018, he hosted the world’s highest dinner party at 7,050 meters up Mount Everest. His latest adventure not only showcased his remarkable skills but also served to raise funds for the Tenzing Norgay School located in the remote village of Karakot.
You Might Be Interested In:
