Cycling's ultimate endurance test: Peddling around the world in 80 days

Published 1615 GMT (0015 HKT) June 29, 2017

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In 2008 Mark Beaumont cycled approximately 18,000 miles around the world in 195 days. He is attempting to repeat the feat in just 80 days starting July 2. STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Beaumont's world tour begins in Paris and will take him 18,000 miles through 14 countries over four stages. Mark Beaumont

Beaumont poses by a traditional London phone box in 2008, before his previous voyage around the globe. The Scot prepared for his upcoming Herculean task with a leisurely, 3,500 mile ride around Britain's coastline, setting off on April 4, 2017. Artemis World Cycle

Beaumont -- pictured surrounded by fans as he arrived on February 15, 2008 at the finish line of his world tour at the Place de l'Etoile in Paris -- said his record-breaking solo effort was "wild man riding." STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Beaumont's mother Una (L) has been part of his support staff on every major cycling trip. STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Beaumont -- pictured in Paris in 2008 -- endured a major car accident in Louisiana on his previous world tour. This year he will be accompanied by a large support team that includes more than one mechanic, a navigator and three fellow cyclists who will keep him at steady pace. STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Beaumont -- pictured in London -- also endured a mugging after his accident in Louisiana on his last world tour, which left him temporarily without equipment. Artemis World Cycle

Beaumont's adventures have included a cross-Atlantic sail where his boat capsized. He was rescued after enduring 14 hours of floating in the ocean. Mark Beaumont

Beaumont -- posing on some art bikes in London's Berkeley Square -- plans to maintain an average pace of 15mph, for 16 hours a day for his latest adventure. Artemis World Cycle

Beaumont came out of retirement after a job for the BBC took him around the world trailing the Queen's Baton Relay for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Inspired by stories from young athletes he crossed paths with across the planet, he set about on his new quest. Artemis World Cycle