A FATHER-OF-TWO from Tetbury has scooped up two Guinness World Records after completing an epic charity bike ride in July.
Operations manager for Sentinel Systems in Cirencester Daniel Boulton has set new world records for the most countries cycled through in 24 hours and 12 hours respectively.
The Tetbury Velos club member cycled 372 miles through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Belgium in 22 hours 43 minutes.
The challenge commenced at 6am in Italy on Saturday, July 1 and finished at the Luxembourg and Belgium border at 4.47am the following morning.
A support team kept him hydrated during the challenge and collected 156 pieces of evidence - including photographs, video footage and a log book - so that the record attempt could be submitted.
After months of waiting and anticipation, Mr Boulton finally found out that his entries had been successful just before Christmas.
In addition, the bike ride raised more than £4,000 for Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA), Longfield Hospice and Cancer Research Cirencester Relay for Life.
Longfield Hospice provided end of life care for a friend and a family member and he has close friends who volunteer at SARA.
He also takes part in the Cirencester Relay for Life every year.
Mr Boulton said: "It was a very tiring experience but my support team did a great job of keeping me fuelled and ready for the changing weather conditions.
"The hardest part of the challenge was when it got to 300 miles and I had to keep my focus going despite being tired.
"We had to wait five months until we got the email confirming that the record attempts had been successful.
"It was a long wait but was a nice early Christmas present.
"We were all over the moon.
"Being awarded the world records has been the cherry on the cake really.
"It was a charity bike ride and the amount of funds we raised exceeded my expectations which was absolutely brilliant.
"Every penny we raised went straight to the charities as we paid for all the costs of the trip ourselves.
"There have been conversations about potentially doing another ride this year which will be upping the ante again.
"I was planning to chill out for a bit and enjoy normal bike riding again but I think I enjoy the challenge a bit too much.
"I should get confirmation on whether or not my next challenge will go ahead by the end of the month."
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