Cyclist takes on Atlantic attempt

Mark Beaumont cycled around the world in 195 days

The Scots cyclist who pedalled around the world faster than anyone else ever has is aiming to break another record, this time by boat.

Mark Beaumont, 25, plans to row 3,300 miles across the North Atlantic in a 12-man team from New York to Cornwall.

They are following the path of George Harbo and Gabriel Samuelson who finished the challenge in 55 days and seven hours in 1896.

In February, Mr Beaumont completed his bike around the globe in 195 days.

The team will set off from New York in June on La Mondiale.

'Hugely exciting'

Mr Beaumont, who is originally from Bridge of Cally in Perthshire but now lives in Edinburgh, rowed when he was at university but never took it to the highest level.

To get in shape he has been doing core strength training and yoga to improve flexibility.

He told the BBC Scotland news website that he cannot wait.

"It'll be an amazing experience - ocean rowing is something I've always been inspired by and it's something I really want to put myself through," he said.

Twelve men will cross the North Atlantic in La Mondiale

"The thing which intrigues me about this one is that this record was last set in 1896, there's almost no other world record out there in any discipline or sport which has been around for over a century and there have been many many attempts at it.

"But because of the nature of ocean rowing and the North Atlantic it's never been broken, so it'll be hugely exciting if we manage."

Mr Beaumont is well aware that it will not be an easy task.

During the expedition they will only be able to sleep for one hour at a time as they rotate who is at the boat's six oars.

Mr Beaumont said: "I think the hardest bit is that, with all the best will in the world, you get 12 competitive guys on a boat for 40 days, no personal space and two hours on two hours off, it'll be keeping the relationships so you can keep doing the job in hand.

My background's obviously mainly in solo expeditions so it'll be intriguing to put myself through it."

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