Two-time Dakar Rally Champion and Red Bull athlete Sam Sunderland has announced his boldest challenge yet: a record-breaking attempt to become the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe on a motorcycle. This epic feat, supported by Triumph Motorcycles, begins this September from London.
To beat the current world record of 19 days, 8 hours, and 25 minutes, set in 2002, Sunderland will need to average nearly 1,000 miles per day over 19 days. His journey will span over 18,000 miles, crossing 15 countries, five continents, and 13 time zones — all aboard a Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer.
“I know this challenge will test me to the core – physically and mentally,” said Sam Sunderland.
“There’ll be days when I’m out there for 15 or 16 hours in the cold and rain, heat and humidity, fighting the wind, battling exhaustion, and the mental fatigue… I’m not here to just edge past the record. I want to set a new bar, one that makes the next person really earn it, just like I have to now.”
Sam’s journey will unfold in six stages: starting in London, he’ll ride through Europe into Turkey, then traverse the Middle East, covering 1,200 miles from Saudi Arabia to the UAE. Following an air transfer, the adventure continues through the Australian Outback, New Zealand, North America, and Morocco, before looping back through southern Spain and concluding in the UK.
The expedition follows strict Guinness World Records criteria: Sam must follow a continuous route in one direction, touch two antipodal points, and complete the full mileage on the same motorcycle. Ocean crossings are permitted, but time is paused during transfers.
This attempt draws inspiration—and technical guidance—from previous record holders Kevin and Julia Sanders, who achieved their title over two decades ago.
“Records are meant to be broken. We did this more than twenty years ago – Sam’s going to face a whole set of new challenges compared to back then,” said Kevin Sanders.
“We’re really keen to see how Sam does.”
Triumph Motorcycles, which supports Sam’s journey, emphasized the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer’s capability in long-distance and multi-surface riding.
“This is a hugely challenging undertaking for Sam and the Red Bull team,” said Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer at Triumph.
“Sam’s determination and focus will be well matched by the performance and capability of the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, which is the ideal ride for such an epic adventure.”
Sam’s goal is not just about setting a record—it’s about leaving a legacy that inspires riders around the world to redefine their own limits.
Follow Sam Sunderland’s record-breaking mission this September through updates on Red Bull UK channels and RedBull.com.
