Cyclist gives up on record ride

A CYCLIST has been forced to abandon an attempt to set a new record for the quickest 1,700-mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back again owing to severe weather and other difficulties.

Chris Hopkinson, a 45-year-old music teacher from Richmond, North Yorkshire, had hoped to better the current time for the so-called “Lejogle” of five days, 21 hours and eight minutes, set in 2010. But strong winds and exceptionally cold temperatures sabotaged his plans.

He also suffered temporary loss of sight in one eye, the breakdown of a support car, stomach problems and other difficulties.