Cyclist completes highest altitude record bid

Neil Laughton and Sirdar Nima Kanchha Sherpa rode their bikes around the summit of a Himalayan mountain

A Sussex man has completed his bid to set a new record for the world's highest cycle ride.

Neil Laughton, from Henfield, carried his bike up Putha Huinchuli, a 7,246m (23,773ft) peak in northwest Nepal on Wednesday.

He and his Nepali climbing partner, Sirdar Nima Kanchha Sherpa, then rode their bikes around the summit.

The record attempt is awaiting verification by Guinness World Records.

Neil Laughton hopes to set a new record for the world's highest bike ride

Mr Laughton said: "It was a tough challenge, but we’ve had an incredible adventure.

“Climbing Putha Huinchuli without oxygen is categorically more difficult than climbing Mount Everest with oxygen."

Mr Laughton used a Brompton folding bike, while Nima Kanchha Sherpa used a traditional Cube mountain bike.

The current record is held by two German riders who reached 7,211m (23,658ft).

If Mr Laughton's attempt is verified, it will be his fifth world record, with one for the world's highest dinner party, set on Mount Everest, and three for riding penny farthings.

His altitude cycling expedition has helped raise funds for the Tenzing Norgay School in the Nepali village of Karakot.

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