Perthshire cyclist Mark Beaumont smashes round-the-world record

British ultra-endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont has smashed the record for circumnavigating the globe by reaching his gruelling target one day ahead of schedule.

The adventurer set off from France in July on a mission to bike around the world in 80 days and he arrived back in Paris on Monday evening on day 79 of the journey.

The Scot is awaiting official verification he has set a new Guinness World Records title, but it is expected to be confirmed that he has succeeded in knocking 44 days, roughly a third, off the existing record of 123 days.

Edinburgh-based Beaumont, 34, completed the epic 18,000-mile Artemis World Cycle challenge despite being exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the southern hemisphere and smog from forest fires in North America

Inspired by Jules Verne's classic adventure novel Around The World In Eighty Days, Beaumont set off from under the Arc de Triomphe on July 2.

He has travelled through 16 countries during his four-stage challenge, with the first stage seeing him travel through Europe to Russia and Mongolia, culminating in Beijing.

His attempt to reclaim the world record later took him across Australia, New Zealand and North America.

He then arrived back in Europe for a final push from Lisbon to Paris.

Beaumont crossed the Spanish border on Saturday, making his way north east towards the French capital and the landmark where his journey began.

The long-distance athlete had to complete 240 miles a day - spending 16 hours in the saddle after just five hours sleep per night - to stay on schedule.

Over the course of the 79 days, Beaumont has faced numerous physical and mental challenges, including a fall on day nine which could have ended the whole expedition.

Pedalling through Australia and New Zealand during the winter season meant the cyclist was continually exposed to sub-zero temperatures, making time on the bike even more gruelling.

As he cycled through Canada and USA, he was faced with the prospect of weathering secondary storms of Hurricane Irma as he travelled east towards Halifax to complete the third stage.

During the trip, Beaumont was also awarded the Guinness World Records title for the most miles cycled in a month, from Paris to Perth in Australia, verified at 7,031 miles (11,315km).

On completing the expedition, the soon-to-be double Guinness World Records title holder said: "This has been, without doubt, the most punishing challenge I have ever put my body and mind through. The physical and mental stamina required for each day was a challenge in itself, but I had an amazing support team around me.

"The success of cycling around the world in 80 days shows that what seemed impossible is possible and has redefined the limits of endurance sport.

"Each stage brought different challenges including different climates, which I had to adjust to quickly. Stage one through Russia and Mongolia was unknown territory, so to complete this phase and come out with a second Guinness World Records title is a real achievement.

"I am very grateful for the support I've received from people all over the world, from fellow cyclists joining me on the road to messages and wishes online.

"The experience has been incredible, and I'm excited to share this journey for years to come.''

In 2008 Beaumont completed a cycle around the globe in 194 days, setting a world record.

Since then the record has been whittled down to 123 days by New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson.

Unlike his 2008 solo ride, Beaumont has been accompanied by a mechanic, nutritionist, physiotherapist and manager on the Artemis World Cycle.