Sean Conway has had to call a halt to his attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for cycling across Europe from west to east due to a torn muscle.
> Sean Conway begins cycling across Europe record attempt
The Zimbabwe-born adventurer, now based in the Lake District, had been planning to undertake the 4,500-mile ride in 24 days or fewer.
However, he had to abandon through injury after 800 miles as he headed into the Pyrenees.
In a statement released via sponsor Yellow Jersey Cycle Insurance, he said: “It’s with a very heavy heart that I have decided to withdraw from my World Record Cycle attempt due to injury.
"I have not taken this decision lightly and don’t deal very well with failing at challenges however I just do not feel that I will be able to give this record the power I need to break the impressive new record set recently by Jonas Deichmann.
“For now, I’m sorry that I’ve not been able to carry on and wish to thank everyone who has supported this project.
"Needless to say I’m now going to take some time out to recover as quickly as possible before I announce my next challenge.
"It’s such a tough decision to admit defeat and I am gutted however, I will take this time to rebuild my strength and come back stronger.
"It goes without saying that, all being well, I will be back to give this another shot next year.”
Yellow Jersey Cycle Insurance director Ryan Georgiades added: “We’re gutted for Sean. It’s so tough having to call time on a dream but we know he will be back and we’re looking forward to supporting him moving forward on his next adventure.”
Simon has been news editor at road.cc since 2009, reporting on 10 editions and counting of pro cycling’s biggest races such as the Tour de France, stories on issues including infrastructure and campaigning, and interviewing some of the biggest names in cycling. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, his background has proved invaluable in reporting on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, and the bike industry. He splits his time between London and Cambridge, and loves taking his miniature schnauzer Elodie on adventures in the basket of her Elephant Bike.