A MANXMAN is aiming to become the fastest person to cycle around the world.
To break the current record 28-year-old Paul Ashley-Unett has to cycle 18,000 miles inside 163 days.
Paul, who will set off from Regent Street, Douglas, next month, will ride a minimum of 135 miles per day every day for more than five months and he will be raising funds for two charities - the Manx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Article 25.
The MSPCA promotes and looks after animal welfare in the Isle of Man with an average of 1,600 animals and birds admitted to the sanctuary at Ard Jerkyll each year.
The funds raised by Paul will go towards building a new pool area for treating grey seals which are a familiar sight around the Island but rare in the rest of the world.
Article 25 is a UK charity that designs, builds and manages projects around the world to provide better shelter wherever there is disaster, poverty, or need.
Paul started his love affair with cycling by tackling the TT course while at high school and has since cycled through England, Europe and across Canada.
He said: "The world record attempt will be the ultimate endurance, an obsession that I will live, eat and breathe."
The Steam Packet is providing free travel for Paul off the Island and also for his return home.
He added: "The start will be important to set the right momentum to continue around the globe and that’s why I'm pleased the Steam Packet Company is helping to provide safe passage off the Island, and will bring me home after I’ve cycled 18,000 miles around the world - hopefully setting a new world record for the Island in the process."
Paul is using both traditional and social media to raise awareness of his exploits and as he crosses the globe he will share his thoughts, pictures, highs and lows via his website, blog, Facebook and Twitter profiles, along with video updates on YouTube.
He'll also be using Global Positioning equipment so supporters can follow his daily progress.
MSPCA fundraiser Margaret Mansfield said the charity, which is celebrating its 115th birthday this year, is thrilled Paul has chosen to support it.
Anyone interested in supporting Paul's efforts can contact him at paulcyclesworld@gmail.com or visit www.paulcyclesworld.com to learn more about the challenge.
