The World Cycle Racing Grand Tour is almost into its second month as eight UK cyclists race thousands of miles all over the globe in a bid to set the Guinness World Record for fastest circumnavigation by bicycle.
Mike Hall, the current favourite to beat Alan Bate’s record of 106 days, is speeding ahead of the other riders with his closest competition almost 1000 miles behind him. The Quick Energy sponsored cyclist has now passed the 3,000 mile mark after travelling through the South of France, Italy, Slovenia, Greece and Turkey.
Mike is now flying to India via Doha, where he will arrive in Cochin and ride to Calcutta up the east coast, which will be an impressive 1500 mile journey.
How will Mike feast in the East?
When asked about what his main concerns are about riding through India, Mike’s response was simple, “Delhi Belly,” he said. Although it sounds comical, the term is a nickname for the disastrous result of consuming contaminated food or water and is rife amongst a third of travellers to India.
The stomach irritation can cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea, which would leave Mike unable to complete the 190 miles daily he needs to cycle if he is in with a chance of beating the current world record.
Mike will do all he can to avoid contracting the bug. “I’m going the coastal route, so I’ll be eating plenty of fresh fish,” he said. “I’ll be trying to eat things that come in their own packaging and lots of bananas and eggs.” We asked Mike what he’d be doing to minimise the chances of contracting any illness:
Mike’s Top Tips to Avoid the Dreaded Delhi Belly
Drink bottled water only! Drinking tap water in India is a surefire way to catch an extremely unpleasant stomach bug. Make sure the bottled water you pick up is sealed – there have been cases where tap water has been bottled and sold on!
Use Iodine tablets to purify water and rid it of harmful bacteria.
Shower with your mouth closed. Even the smallest bit of unclean water can leave you dashing for the toilet.
Only eat street food if it has been cooked in front of you and is piping hot. Avoid anything that looks as thought it has been left out long or has had flies on it.
Avoid buffets. There is a large possibility that the food has been there for a while allowing all sorts of harmful bacteria to grow in it.
Order drinks without ice. The ice will more often then not be made from tap water.
Only eat fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Avoid uncooked ones as they may have been washed in unclean water.
Armed with plenty of knowledge on the subject, Mike should be able to stay clear of the nasty stomach bug and keep well ahead of the rest of the riders, completing the required 18,000 miles in good time!.
The cyclists set off from Royal Observatory in Greenwich on 18 February and are expected back at the same point just in time for the start of the Olympics.
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