After 13,080 miles, 268 days and 12 countries, cyclist Mark Beaumont finishes epic trip

Mark Beaumont yesterday reached Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego at 3:38pm yesterday, UK-time, in a journey that took him to the top of the highest peaks in both North and South America.

It is the first time anyone has both cycled the journey and climbed the two mountains on the same trip. The 13,080-mile journey across 12 countries took 268 days to complete.

The 27-year-old from Bridge of Cally, Perthshire, described himself as "ecstatic" to have completed the momentous feat.

• Mark Beaumont's messages home

On his blog he said: "I'm ecstatic to be here, it has been my dream and focus for so long – but also a small part of me is sad that the simple but tough life of bike and camera has come to an end, again, at least for now.

"Most of all I am looking forward to seeing friends and family who I haven't seen since last May and getting to see the documentary which I have been filming all along."

Mr Beaumont previously broke the world record for cycling around the world in February 2008, completing the journey in 195 days.

Yesterday, he announced completion of his latest feat via internet site Twitter, posting the update as he crossed the finish line: "I have made it!" And as if the cycle wasn't tough enough, the adventurer got off his bicycle to climb – Mount McKinley and Aconcagua – en route.

He began his journey in Anchorage, Alaska, on 27 May, and has documented his trip through a blog and Twitter updates.

There have been more than 4,500 people following his progress through the site.

Before finishing he reported that he was cycling through some "nice Scottish drizzle" as climbed the last big hill.

His mother Una Beaumont said she had spoken to her son minutes after he crossed the finish line.

She said: "He could not speak. He was so filled up.

"I did the chatting and then he said he was fine and what a perfect place it was to finish."

Mrs Beaumont said there would be a big family celebration when her son returned home.

She said: "We haven't had our Christmas dinner yet and it was Mark's 27th birthday on 1 January, so we will be having a combined celebration."

Asked about her son's plans for the future, Mrs Beaumont replied: "I think he's got something in his head but I'm not asking. I just want him back for a bit."

David Peat, series producer for the BBC series that will chart the cyclist's journey, said the achievement was "truly remarkable".

He added: "Many people that cycle have done the trip, but no-one has done it and climbed both those mountains in one season."