Mark Beaumont will attempt to set the record for cycling the fastest lap at Knockhill on Sunday 26 August during the lunch break of the Touring Cars event in advance of Scotland’s first 24-hour cycling endurance track event which will take place at the race track in October to raise funds for the charity Enable Scotland.
Knockhill Events Director Stuart Gray said “Mark was here recently and did a 3 minutes 15 second test lap on a damp track from a standing start, it will be fascinating to see if he can break the 3 minute barrier. We had some club riders here on the same day and they could barely break 4 minutes, so I think to break 3 minutes will be some achievement and it would take Sir Chris Hoy to match it! With Enable Scotland fund raisers on site over the weekend, it will be a great preview to the 24 hour event later in the Autumn”.
The race will take place on 5th and 6th October at Knockhill and cyclists will come together in an attempt to cycle the world in 24 hours – by covering the 18, 296 mile distance cycled by Mark when he made his world record.
This is the ultimate cycling challenge of the year, which will see teams of four and solo riders race day and night around the 1.3 mile circuit. The team and soloist with the most laps covered in 24 hours will win the coveted title and secure an invitation to be one of the first to cycle the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome when it opens this autumn. Top fundraisers will also win the chance to cycle the Velodrome.
Speaking about launching the event, Mark Beaumont said: “This is a completely unique and brilliant challenge – cyclists to become ‘Le Mans’ style circuit racers for 24 hours. I love such imaginative physical and psychological two wheeled challenges! I am certainly excited to be launching one of Scotland’s most extreme cycling challenges, especially as it is raising the profile and essential funds for ENABLE Scotland, a fantastic Scottish charity.”
Registration for this event is only £30 per person with a minimum sponsorship of £375. Once registered riders will be able to update profiles and training information in the cycle zone. For more information or to register visit www.cycletheworld.org.uk or call 0141 226 4541.