When we speak to Thierry, he is standing at the border triangle between Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. “I’m still exploring a few more on and off ramps. That is quite a tangle and it is not always correct on the route planner. I want to have done this part a few times, then I can drive in peace tonight.”
READ ALSO. Our motorman has a world record: 13 countries in 24 hours
It sounds like a marathon runner preparing for his Olympic competition. Thierry leaves nothing to chance. Last year he already broke the world record by crossing thirteen countries in 24 hours. “I still had four hours left, so if I had still driven to the Netherlands, I would have had fourteen.”
“Motorcycle is a smart means of transport”
“Actually, it started as a joke. An Italian had crossed eleven countries in one day. “I can do that too,” I thought. And it turned out surprisingly well. I sometimes read stories on the internet of people claiming to have crossed 15 countries, but I want to achieve an officially registered record.” (Read more below the photo)
Thierry takes a supply of petrol with him to avoid long queues at gas stations. — © if
A bailiff does not take Thierry on the back. But a tracking system registers every movement of his Kawasaki Versys 1000. “That is a recognized system, and a bailiff will confirm the record afterwards. If I make it, of course.”
READ ALSO. Solo on a motorcycle from Paris to Dakar
Thierry has no higher goal. For example, he does not collect money for a good cause. “That was another idea. But I especially want to draw attention to motorcycling. There is a negative connotation about noise and safety. But a motorcycle is not a loud and brutal thing, but a civilized and smart means of transport. You don’t get stuck in traffic jams, you use less petrol, and you do sports.”
Postpone toilet
Sitting on the motorcycle for 24 hours, you better prepare for that down to the last detail. liquid astronaut nutrition will keep him aside as little as possible, and Thierry has a supply of petrol to avoid long queues at gas stations. But what do you do when you have to go to the toilet?
“It large toilet I’m going to postpone, that’s why I’m taking Immodium”, he laughs. “And I have one from pharmacy Markt 14 in Wetteren isotonic drinks received. They are better absorbed into the body, so I have to urinate less quickly.” (Read more below the photo)
The flags of the fifteen countries he wants to cross are already on Thierry’s motorcycle. — © if
Guinness World Records does not accept records set on public roads for security reasons. “But I’m not going to rage everywhere like crazy. No, I obey all speed limits and traffic rules. It wouldn’t work either, because in Slovenia you quickly get a fine.”
A fresh pint
Thierry will start at 10 pm tonight, and if he arrives in the Netherlands before 10 pm tomorrow, it will be done. “And then it’s done, because crossing 16 countries is simply impossible. You have to do something like that in Europe anyway, a patchwork of small countries.”
And if he breaks his own world record? “I have lived like a priest these past few weeks. Slept a lot, ate healthy and no alcohol. If I make it, I’m going to have a fresh pint. Although I don’t know if the Netherlands is the best country for that.” (laughs)