Mark Beaumont targets Penny Farthing Hour Record at Herne Hill Velodrome

Mark Beaumont has set his sights on another world record – the longest distance ridden on a penny farthing in an hour.

The Scottish adventurer, who last year regained the Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle, is targeting the R.White’s Lemonade Penny Farthing One Hour World Record at next month’s World Cycling Revival festival at Herne Hill Velodrome.

He will join 10 top penny-farthing riders on Friday 15 June in attempting to better the record of 22 miles 150 yards set in Massachusetts in 1886 by WA Rowe.

The furthest distance ever ridden in the UK was set at Herne Hill Velodrome in 1891 and stands at 21 miles 180 yards.

Speaking at a training session at the famous south London venue, Beaumont said: “I’ve taken on some crazy challenges in my career, but the R.White’s lemonade world record is certainly the quirkiest to date.

“Training for a 23-and-a-half-mile hour dash is one thing – but doing that on a penny farthing is barmy! I’m not afraid to have a bit of fun out there but I’m in it to win it for sure.

The World Cycling Revival festival takes place at Herne Hill Velodrome from 14-16 June, with R.White’s acting as official soft drinks sponsor.

As part of its backing of the festival, the brand will work alongside the Penny Farthing Club, including giving people the chance to have taster sessions on the bikes.

R.White’s brand manager François-Marie Menoret said: “The penny farthing is a British icon and a playful nod to R.White’s humble Victorian beginnings, so it is only fitting that this record attempt is taking place just down the road from where our lemonade was first produced.

“It’s incredibly exciting to have Mark Beaumont participating in the One Hour World Record and we’ll be cheering – and cheering him on – from the side-lines!”