SOLO CYCLIST Mark Beaumont (24) has reached Lahore on the Pakistan/ India border. The intrepid Scot has now completed 6000 miles, a third of the distance he aims to cover in his world record attempt to cycle round the world in under 276 days.

Since leaving Paris on August 5, Mark has crossed 11 countries—France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. After two days well-earned rest in Lahore, he sets off across India to Calcutta on the next stage.

Mark, from Newburgh, is averaging a remarkable 100 miles a day over some very demanding terrain. The final day’s cycle from Iran to Pakistan was a gruelling 1600-metre (5200ft) overall climb in 40C heat—with a 35kg pack on his bike!

From Lahore, Mark said, “It’s tough going at times—a daily routine of cycling, sleeping and trying to get enough food to keep up my energy levels. But people along the route have been fantastic, particularly in Iran. Sometimes I get a bit frustrated by the constant attention and questions but I know it’s all well meant.

“I’m sure the same would happen in Glasgow if someone was weaving through town on a camel.”

As well as tackling the world record, Mark’s heroic effort is raising money for several charities. He said, “So far over £2500 has been donated through my website and I hope we’ll have a lot more for the charities by the time I get back to Paris.”

Mark aims to cycle across India and reach Calcutta on October 19. He then travels to Bangkok to continue his journey through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.