The home stretch was not a disappointment. From the Severn Bridge we had lots of support and by the time we got to Bridgwater, Ben was cycling with a pack of cyclists, up to 15/20 at any one time. There was a huge amount of support in Ben’s home town of Taunton, where we could barely travel 10 meters down the road without a cheer from someone or a horn from someone else. Someone even tried to thrust a pack of donuts through our window. All this made for a very exciting last afternoon, and all involved were in high spirits. The batteries for the radios we had been using for communicating between vehicles were continually on charge, trying to cope with the constant joking between the vans.
We had a quick stop in Wellington, where the whole team shared an athletes dinner of fish and chips. Ben got a massage from Chloe and the group of riders set off heading towards the last road; the 100mile section of the A30. Ben and two support riders reached the A30 at night, where they were shadowed by the transit van for the duration. After all the excitement of the afternoon, the A30 was a challenge. Ben was incredibly tired by this point and the guys out on the bikes with him, especially Will, Tony and Dan, were constantly struggling to keep him awake. However, as we got closer to the end the excitement grew. We saw people in the laybys in the middle of nowhere, waving and shouting, people on bridges, even a police car pulled alongside to wish Ben good luck.
The suport car shot ahead from Penzance, leaving Ben and the support riders to finish the last 10 miles. How do you finish an 1800 mile race? Well apparently by taking the last 10 miles as a sprint, averaging over 30mph! Having seen Ben working had for over 5 days, it was then an amazing sight to see him crossing the finish line at speed with a new record of 5 days, 21 hours, 8 minutes!
Ben said he will be writing here soon, so keep an eye out.
Well done Ben for a fantastic achievement.
Joining the awaiting throng at Land’s End looking out for you and the team as you crested the final hill with the day breaking behind you. It was the stuff of legends and I am so proud that we were able to assist you.
Paul and Angie
To the new WORLD RECORD HOLDER!!! :- to see you power across the white line on Friday morning was unforgettable, Ben. Well done just doesn’t do justice to what you have achieved. You’ve shown us all that goals can be achieved given the will, the determination and the right amount of disciplined training. Many many congratulations! What a role model ! And to the support crew – a shining example of how to prefer another over and above yourselves – very very well done. Now enjoy a good rest, all of you!! Truly mindblowing!
Amazing! Well done Ben! Somerset hero
Awe inspiring. A monumental achievement!
You brought a tear to my eye, too – and I don’t even know you!
Fantastic job, well done indeed…
Well done, what an awesome time !
Congrats.
Ben Rockett – you’ve made me cry!!!! I am so proud to know you. Brilliant!
Well done to Team Rockett!!! This is the most amazing achievement EVER!
xx
Congratulations Ben and all your support team for smashing the old time and laying down a new WORLD RECORD. It’s been so exciting for everyone following your progress. Like you we can now all get some well earned sleep.
Peter & Teresa
Its hard to take in the sheer magnitude of the achievement, let alone SMASHING the world record! I’ve tried everywhere to get you a mention, bbc, ITV, the works. You must be amazed yourself by what you did. Permission to puff out my chest and say, “you know, the barman at the Pulteney!”. Well done fella. Well done!