Motorcycling-Double Dakar Winner Sunderland Chasing Round the World Record
The bid, launched on Thursday, targets a record of 19 days, eight hours and 25 minutes set in 2002 by Kevin and Julia Sanders for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by motorcycle.
To beat the feat, which is no longer recognised by Guinness World Records because of the dangers involved, the 36-year-old will have to ride 1,000 miles every day and on public roads across Europe, Türkiye and into the Middle East, Reuters reported.
A flight will take him on to the Australian outback, New Zealand and the Americas. From there, he and the Triumph Tiger 1200 go to Morocco and loop back through Europe to Britain.
What could possibly go wrong?
"I don't think you can ride around the world and cover that many miles a day without having a few hiccups along the way," Sunderland told Reuters with a grin.
"When I try and compare it to the Dakar it's going to be probably, in some sense, tougher. Not physically but mentally.
"In the Dakar you've got a heap of adrenaline, you're super focused, things are changing quite often which makes you have to react. And this is like: 'Right, those are your miles for the day, get them done'. It's more like a mental fatigue."
ONE DIRECTION
The target time excludes ocean crossings but the journey, starting in September, must go one way around the world and start and finish at the same location on the same machine.
Two antipodal points must be reached on a journey through more than 15 countries and 13 time zones. The Dakar rally covers 5,000 miles over two weeks.
"I was trying to put it into perspective for my mum the other day, and my mum lives in Poole in the south of England, and I was like 'Mum, it's like you driving up to Scotland and perhaps halfway back every day for 19 days'," said Sunderland.
"I'm on the bike for around 17 hours (a day). I set off at 5 a.m. and arrive around 10, 11 p.m. most nights. So definitely later into the day you feel that sort of mental fatigue setting in, and to stay focused and stimulated is not that easy.
"But at least I don't have dunes and mountains to deal with and other riders in the dust, and hopefully not getting lost either."
"I need to behave, let's say, I need to follow the rules of the road and be a good boy with it," said Sunderland, who announced his retirement from professional racing last year.
Sunderland will have a support crew of six travelling behind by car, for security and assistance, but the Red Bull-backed rider expects to be well ahead.
He also hopes his bid will have a positive effect.
"In the news today, it's all sort of doom and gloom in the world, with all the wars going on," he said. "And I think it's quite nice to show people that you can still get out there and experience the world for what it really is."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ArabGT
35 minutes ago
- ArabGT
Bugatti Masterpieces and Speed Battles Dominate This Week's Auto Headlines
The automotive world is buzzing with excitement this week, blending luxury, innovation, and raw power in stories that will be remembered for years to come. From Bugatti's one-off multimillion-dollar masterpiece to Ford's multibillion-dollar bet on affordable EVs, from Mercedes' fiery warnings to European lawmakers, to Dodge's bold revival of muscle car spirit, and Koenigsegg's jaw-dropping world record… it's clear that the industry never stops surprising us. Bugatti 'Bruyer' — A $30 Million One-Off Masterpiece Bugatti is no stranger to jaw-dropping debuts, but its latest creation redefines exclusivity. At the prestigious The Quail event, the French marque unveiled the Bruyer, a one-of-one hypercar crafted for a single customer. Under the hood lies an 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine delivering a staggering 1,578 horsepower. With a fixed glass roof and a hand-built interior, the car exudes bespoke craftsmanship. The price? Rumored to exceed $30 million. More than a car, the Bruyer is a bold statement that Bugatti has moved beyond limited-series production into the realm of true one-off artistry. Ford's 'Model T' EV Moment Ford's CEO Jim Farley described it as nothing less than a revolution: a new Model T moment — this time for electric vehicles. Speaking in Kentucky, Farley announced a $5 billion investment to modernize the Louisville Assembly Plant and build a new battery facility in Michigan. At the core of this plan is a mid-size electric pickup with a target starting price of just $30,000, slated for 2027. But the real breakthrough isn't only in affordability — it's in a radically new assembly process designed to echo the spirit of the original Model T, which once transformed the industry. While some models have been pushed back to 2028, Ford is betting that mass-market, practical, and affordable EVs will put it back at the center of the electric revolution. Mercedes Warns: A 2035 Ban Could Trigger Market Collapse Ole Källenius, Mercedes-Benz CEO, sent shockwaves through the industry with his blunt criticism of the EU's plan to ban new internal combustion engine sales by 2035. He warned that the market simply isn't ready for a forced all-EV future. Calling for a 'reality check,' Källenius cautioned that enforcing such a mandate could 'collapse' Europe's car market, citing weak EV demand and fierce competition from China. Instead, he urged lawmakers to focus on tax incentives and cheaper charging costs to encourage adoption at a sustainable pace. His remarks, coinciding with Brussels' review of the 2035 plan, reflect growing concern that climate goals are racing ahead of market realities. 2026 Dodge Durango: All V8, No Compromise In an era where most brands are downsizing or going hybrid, Dodge is doubling down on muscle. The upcoming 2026 Durango will ditch the V6 entirely, offering only V8 engines across the lineup — from the GT trim all the way up to the 710-hp Hellcat. Even the entry-level GT will come standard with a HEMI V8, starting at $44,500, about $4,000 more than the outgoing V6 model. It's not just a technical update — it's Dodge sending a loud message: the muscle SUV is alive and well, even as the rest of the industry pivots to electrification. Koenigsegg vs. Rimac: The Battle for Speed Supremacy The race for ultimate speed has a new champion. With the Jesko Absolut, Koenigsegg shattered the 0–400–0 km/h record, stopping the clock at just 25.21 seconds, beating the Rimac Nevera R's previous best of 25.79 seconds. What's remarkable is that Koenigsegg didn't rely on mechanical upgrades, but on advanced software optimizations that fine-tuned transmission response and torque delivery. The result? A breathtaking sprint to 400 km/h — and back to zero — faster than any car in history. Rimac's founder, Mate Rimac, quickly fired back, promising to reclaim the crown soon. The stage is now set for another thrilling round in one of the greatest supercar rivalries the world has ever seen.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Snow escapes bring winter fun to Riyadh's summer
RIYADH: Snow-themed attractions in Riyadh, including Snow City in Al-Othaim Mall, are offering residents and visitors a refreshing alternative to the summer heat. With sub-zero temperatures and fully immersive polar settings, these wintry venues have quickly become popular family destinations, the Saudi Press Agency has reported. With strict safety measures in place, activities range from ice skating and sliding down ice slopes to riding mini snowmobiles, exploring icy trails, and enjoying spinning tubes. Open play areas and snow cabins inspired by polar life add to the sense of adventure. The experience is rounded out with cafes, souvenir shops and event spaces, making the destinations a year-round entertainment choice. Part of the Kingdom's evolving entertainment sector, these snow-themed venues provide new climatic escapes that enrich quality of life, encourage domestic tourism, and reflect ongoing investment in diverse leisure experiences.
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Arab News
Al-Hilal tops Middle East football brands as Saudi clubs ride star power
JEDDAH: Saudi football club Al-Hilal has been ranked the Middle East's strongest brand, as the Kingdom's 'big four' teams gain international recognition on the back of high-profile signings, according to Brand Finance. The Riyadh-based club earned a Brand Strength Index score of 80.8 out of 100 and an AAA- rating, topping regional peers. Al-Ittihad scored 76.8, Al-Nassr 75.6, and Al-Ahli 72.7, the London-based consultancy said in its annual rankings. Domestically, all ten Saudi clubs studied outperformed their international ratings, with Al-Hilal achieving a home BSI of 92.1 compared with 57.9 abroad. Al-Nassr has been the standout internationally with a score of 69.5, helped by the global profile of Cristiano Ronaldo. Saudi Arabia has stepped up its football push with major overseas signings, record investment in the Saudi Pro League, and ambitions tied to its Vision 2030 diversification plan. The Kingdom is also preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, underscoring its bid to become a global hub for the sport. Andrew Campbell, managing director Middle East, Brand Finance, said: 'The Middle East's bold investment in football is beginning to yield tangible results on the global stage. Led by the Saudi Pro League, the region is rapidly expanding its commercial and sponsorship footprint while accelerating moves toward club privatisation.' He added: 'High-profile international signings continue to elevate global perceptions - not just of the league, but of the Gulf region as a rising force in world football. As the market matures, strategic investment and commercial discipline will be key drivers of sustained growth, with top club brands expected to strengthen in parallel.' UAE's Al-Ain led its domestic peers with a score of 69.9, ahead of Al-Wasl at 61.7 and Shabab Al-Ahli at 60.9. Globally, Real Madrid and Barcelona retained their positions as the most valuable and strongest football club brands, with values of $2.1 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively. Both clubs secured AAA+ strength ratings. The London-based firm pointed out that the Premier League is the world's most valuable sports league in terms of brand value, with its top ten brands' values totaling $9.1 billion – more than 37 percent of the total value of the world's top 50 most valuable clubs. The report noted that the Premier League's uniqueness lies in how brand value is distributed across multiple clubs. Six teams — Manchester City and Liverpool at $1.6 billion each, Manchester United at $1.4 billion, Arsenal at $1.3 billion, Chelsea at $1.1 billion, and Tottenham Hotspur at $890 million — each hold substantial brand value. 'The combined value of the world's top 50 football club brands has climbed to $24.5 billion in 2025. However, Brand Finance research reveals a growing imbalance across the game, as outside of the Premier League, brand value is increasingly concentrated among a handful of elite clubs in Europe's top leagues, said Hugo Hensley, head of sports services, Brand Finance. He noted that brand is no longer a byproduct of performance but a defining driver of success. 'As the sport becomes increasingly competitive both on the pitch and commercially, clubs and leagues must manage their brands strategically to ensure they aren't edged out of realising the benefits of a strong and valuable brand,' added Hensley.
