APART from feeling “pretty sore”, Scotland’s leading ultra-distance cyclist Mark Beaumont was yesterday basking in the glory of a spectacular triumph.

Even by his standards – he once held the record for cycling round the world – Beaumont excelled himself with his Africa Solo trip, riding from Cairo to Cape Town in 42 days, smashing the previous world record of 59 days and eight hours.

He averaged more than 150 miles a day on the 6,213-mile ride, and conquered mechanical problems, food poisoning and an attempted mugging along the way.

The 32-year-old from Perthshire was met at the finish line by his wife Nicci, daughter Harriet and mother Una at just before 5pm on Thursday.

Yesterday he gave his considered reaction to his latest feat, which came just three years after he and his companions nearly drowned while trying to row across the Atlantic.

In a Facebook posting, Beaumont said: “It’s been the toughest ride of my life by far. There’s been some incredibly hard hours and days – it’s hard to describe the amount of pain you go through.

“I was never really racing anyone out there, just racing myself and pushing myself as hard as possible.”

Beaumont revealed that Cape Town police gave him a “blue light” welcome as he approached the city.

He said: “A big thanks whilst I remember to the Cape Town police for an amazing blue light, rip roaring race through the city to the finish – it was an exciting finale!”

He added: “I’ve thought about getting to this point hundreds and hundreds of times, so it’s great to be here. We’ve had a wonderful reception with so many people coming out.

“It was amazing to see my family at the finish line led by Una my mum who has done such a wonderful job of logistics back in the UK, and my wife Nicci and daughter Harriet.”

Beaumont was cycling to raise at least £30,000 for an environmental design charity, Glasgow-based Orkidstudio, of which he is patron.

His sponsors included the Drum Property Group, Weir Group, LDC, The Wood Foundation, Endura and Martin Currie.

He said: “Thanks to everyone who supported Africa Solo online. The amount of people sending comments and support has just been brilliant.”

In another social media posting, Beaumont gave his ‘morning after’ reaction, saying: “Very odd not to be riding my bike today. Feeling pretty sore, but absolutely fine this morning after a big sleep and bigger breakfast.

“Blown away by the support online – 350 comments to the post that went up 12 hours ago – and I will find time in the coming days to catch up. For now I am off to see Cape Town with my family.

“Huge thanks to the Weir Group, who sorted flights for my family to be here as well as a great reception party, and also to the Protea Hotels for gifting my stay here.”

The cyclist has not yet nominated another trip, and is still letting the achievement of riding through Africa sink in.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have completed the challenge in a time which was beyond even my own expectations.

“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ll never forget all that I’ve seen and experienced along the way.

“I’m doubly pleased to have raised money for Orkidstudio, and having seen so many of the regions and communities it supports, it’s clear that they do invaluable work to help people throughout Africa. I hope that my journey will inspire people to raise funds for the charity.”