He holds the record for cycling the length of the country and back again but a Bath graduate is now planning to head for the Arctic in a new challenge.
Bath based Ben Rockett, 26, hopes to cycle the 150 miles across Baffin Island in the Arctic next year facing snow, ice and minus temperatures.
The University of Bath graduate, who is now a research psychologist, is no stranger to a challenge. In 2010 Mr Rockett beat the World Record for cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats and back again, known as LEJOGLE, taking just five days, 21 hours and eight minutes to cycle the 1,781-mile round trip.
For his latest challenge, which will raise money for Action for Children, Mr Rockett is receiving arctic training by explorer David Hempleman-Adams and a custom designed titanium bicycle has been made by Stroud-based Qoroz, with special tyres to cope with the harsh weather conditions.
Speaking at the Bath Chronicle's latest Get Fit For Business networking event, hosted by Withy King, Mr Rockett said he only became a serious cyclist after being struck by a car in 2006 and an injury to his leg threatened his ability to walk.
Mr Rockett, who was born with dysplasia, said he hoped that his different challenges would demonstrate that ordinary people can achieve what seems impossible when they put their mind to it.
He said: "It is three years since I set the LEJOGLE record and I have continued to participate in various endurance events while completing my PhD. Now that is finished I am ready to take on a new challenge and while this may appear extreme I know anything is possible with the right preparation, mindset and a good support team."
Mr Hempleman-Adams, who lives in Box, is known the world over for his expeditions - he was the first man to reach the geographic and magnetic North and South Poles.
He said: "Ben certainly has the mental and physical strength to undertake this extraordinary challenge. Operating in Arctic conditions is brutal but we are putting him through a rigorous training programme to ensure when he sets off he will be in the best possible shape to achieve this challenge."
The Baffin Island Challenge is planned for April 2014.
For updates follow Mr Rockett on Twitter @benrockett
