Belgian Matthieu Bonne breaks a cycling world record
Matthieu Bonne of Bredene (in the province of West Flanders) has broken a world record by cycling 3,619.72 kilometres in seven days.
Bonne literally faced wind and weather in his attempt. That notwithstanding, he kept an average speed of 30 kilometres per hour, an amazing feat considering he was on his bike 20 hours a day.
He has performed incredible physical feats before, such as climbing various European mountains, competing in an Ironman triathlon, and running the gruesome Marathon des Sables to name a few.
In summary, Bonne is highly athletic and experienced in seemingly superhuman challenges. That being said, though, the wheels of his bicycle didn’t spin themselves. To break the record, as he did, he had to ride more than 512 kilometres per day. For comparison, that’s more than double the average Tour de France stage.
That, combined with a very restricted sleeping schedule of no more than three hours per night, took a toll on his body. He has said that, on the last day, he could barely sit on his saddle and that touching his legs even with one finger was “horribly painful”.
Matthieu Bonne persisted through the pain to inspire people, wanting to prove that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Massive congratulations to Matthieu for this incredible feat!