Mark Beaumont completes round-the-world ride in 79 days to smash Guinness World Record

Mark Beaumont has this evening ridden into Paris to circumnavigate the globe by bike in just 79 days and thereby reclaim the Guinness World Record he set a decade ago.

The 34-year-old Scot set off from the French capital on 2 July and set himself a target of riding around the world in 80 days or less.

He arrived back in the city shortly before 7pm local time on Monday evening, a day ahead of schedule.

His journey took him across Europe and Asia, through Australia and New Zealand then the United States and Canada before he arrived in Portugal to commence the final leg last Wednesday.

Since returning to Europe, he had set himself the goal of arriving in Paris today, but last Friday proved one of the most difficult of his two and a half month challenge due to headwinds and a crash in the Pyrenees.

Despite having road rash on his hip, however, he was able to keep to his target, arriving in the city to be met by his family.

When he first set the Guinness World Record in 2008, Beaumont circled the planet in 194 days.

The record he beat today was held by the New Zealander Andrew Nicholson and stood at 123 days, with Beaumont's latest effort taking more than a third off that time.

He had already set one Guinness World Record during the trip, with official recognition that he has cycled the furthest distance in a month, confirmed at 7,031 miles.

After finishing his ride today, Beaumont said: "This has been, without doubt, the most punishing challenge I have ever put my body and mind through. The physical and mental stamina required for each day was a challenge in itself, but I had an amazing support team around me.

"The success of cycling around the world in 80 days shows that what seemed impossible is possible and has redefined the limits of endurance sport.

"Each stage brought different challenges including different climates, which I had to adjust to quickly. Stage one through Russia and Mongolia was unknown territory, so to complete this phase and come out with a second Guinness World Records title is a real achievement."

He added: "I am very grateful for the support I've received from people all over the world, from fellow cyclists joining me on the road to messages and wishes online. The experience has been incredible, and I'm excited to share this journey for years to come."