Munda Biddi world record bettered by five hours after ultra-cyclist Jack Thompson peddles into Albany

Cyclist Jack Thompson has broken the world record for the fastest ride of the Munda Biddi Trail in an astounding two days, 12 hours and 15 minutes as he charged across the finish line in Albany on Sunday. It broke the previous record set in 2020 by Albany cycling sensation Craig Wiggins of two days, 17hr. 22min. Fuelled by chocolate bars for the lengthy ride, Thompson is still running on adrenaline after facing some of the toughest conditions he’s ever faced. “It was a bit of a whirlwind . . . it’s like time stood still,” he said. “It’s so great to finally be in Albany, super nice welcome from the local community here, and I was looking forward to getting here for probably the good part of last year. “The first couple of days it was really hot, I think 38 or 39 degrees, but I operate OK in the heat so I wasn’t too worried about that.” “It was more where I was going to get water from along the way, because it’s not like you can just pull into a shop out there, it’s quite remote in areas. “I had to readjust my timing a little bit to work out when the shops will be open where I could get things. “Probably the biggest surprise was actually when I got down to the coastline was how windy it is. “Everyone kept saying as you move south the landscape changes, and I was really eager to see that sort of landscape change. “It’s a shame that a lot of it was done at night-time, but I’m literally blown away by the trail itself.” Thompson’s ride was inspired by his personal mental health struggles, and he hopes that by completing the ride and visiting schools he can help equip children with the tools to manage their own struggles. “I’ve battled my own mental health problems since I was 12, and I was lucky that I had something at the time which was a triathlon,” he said. “That gave me a sense of purpose and little goals each day, and I found that kept me in a good headspace. “When I was able to turn cycling into a profession, I thought I don’t want to just be an athlete, I want to use my platform to try and show kids that mental health doesn’t have to stop you from doing anything.” Thompson was grateful for the support shown by the Albany community as he cycled through the final leg of the trail. “There were some great people from the Albany region that came out with signs and cheered me on, and I couldn’t stop to say thank you but I’d like to say thank you to each of them individually,” he said. “It’s all those little things along the way that help to keep you positive. “I also want to give recognition to Craig (Wiggins) who set the previous record from south to north as a local Albany rider. “I hope one day my record gets broken, and I think he set a great benchmark, so kudos to him.” Thompson will now hit the road again, this time visiting schools in Albany, the South West, and Perth to share his story and how he overcame his hurdles.