S2 E4 - Ian Walker's North-South Europe World Record

In this episode I talk to Dr Ian Walker. By day, he is an environmental psychologist at the University of Bath, specialising in transport choices, traffic safety, energy consumption and water use. Ian's professional interest in clean transport and traffic safety also extends into his personal life, where he takes part in ultradistance bicycle racing. 

I'd heard of Ian in the cycling circles but I really got to know his story from his recent book Endless Perfect Circles, which I read on my recent bike trip to Cornwall. You can find details of the book here, www.drianwalker.com/circles

His book introduces readers to the extraordinary world of nonstop bicycle races that last for weeks at a time. It describes how Ian won a tough 4300-kilometre race before breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest ever bicycle crossing of Europe in 2019.

In the first hour we talk about how he went from a guy who didn't think he had any sporting ability, to racing ultras and breaking a pretty incredible world record. Its a really interesting story and it was a pleasure to talk to Ian. We also have a chat for the last 20 minutes of the episode about transport psychology. It's pretty fascinating stuff. 

I hope you enjoy the episode. Thanks.

Dan