A CYCLING fanatic who learnt to ride just four years ago is preparing to help smash a world record by riding around the globe in 80 days.
Steve Collins, director at Chelmsford's Athlon Sport, will support professional cyclist James Golding as he attempts to cycle 18,500 miles around the world next spring and beat the world record which stands at 105 days, one hour and 44 minutes.
"I will put my body through torture for him – it's going to be mental," said Steve, 37, of Goldhanger.
"The hard bit is getting through Russia. I think we have to skirt around Iraq – it's going to be mentally hard, day-in, day-out, for 80 days.
"It's proper mad."
Steve will cycle much of the route in front of James to give him a vital "slipstream," which although he says will take 34 per cent more effort it will make James' ride much easier.
He will also offer tyre maintenance and energy drinks.
Yet before next spring, Steve will ride with James as they attempt to break the world record for the most miles cycled in seven days.
They aim to smash the current record of 1,546.8 miles, set by Pat Hawkins in 1940, by cycling 1,568 miles through the Australian desert.
The two must cycle for about 14 hours a day, averaging 224 miles at an average speed of 16 miles per hour, to break the record.
The East London-born athlete discovered his love for cycling when he and his brothers completed a duathlon around Loch Ness in Scotland in aid of Macmillan after their aunt contracted breast cancer.
Shirley Persall sadly died last year, but Steve has now raised £30,000 for various cancer trusts.
He has also completed the 109km Cape Argus race in 21st place for his age group – out of 37,500 competitors.
His triathlon shop, which he opened with his brothers Tony and Jeff on Navigation Road last summer, boasts sponsorships with the biggest names in cycling.
As well as James', the jerseys of Sky Team cyclists Ben Swift and Great Baddow's Alex Dowsett line the walls.
