Belgian motorcyclist Thierry Sarasyn, who just took a new touring world record by visiting 15 countries in 22 hours, did it all on Bridgestone Battleax T32 tyres.
Sarasyn, who previously rode through 13 countries in one day, just did one better. He started in Poland and, 14 countries later, finished in the Netherlands at 7:59 p.m. on May 23. This is the third touring world record taken using Bridgestone Battlax T32 tyres.
All three world records have been achieved by different riders on different bikes and on different routes. The one thing that has stayed consistent is the use of the Bridgestone Battlax T32.
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“On behalf of all of us at Bridgestone, I would like to congratulate Thierry for his incredible achievement, improving the already impressive record set just one year ago,” said Nico Thuy, Bridgestone EMIA Head of Motorcycle. “The Bridgestone Battlax T32 aims to give riders control, confidence and safety in every condition. With this new world record, it is safe to say that we were really able to deliver the ultimate touring tyre for all riders and motorbike enthusiasts.”
Sarasyn underwent specific training and followed a personalised nutrition plan to ensure he would be in the best mental and physical shape to tackle the mammoth task. He also took breaks every two hours to rest and refuel his vehicle.
During his venture, Sarasyn was followed by a support vehicle with personnel ready to intervene in an emergency, and his route was constantly monitored in real time through a satellite tracking system. This tracking system also certified that the speed limits in each of the 15 countries visited were not broken during the attempt. And Sarasyn also credits his tyres for helping keep him safe through the poor weather conditions he encountered on his journey:
“With the experience I gained on my previous ride, I saw an opportunity to break my own record – with a ride through 15 countries, registered by an official tracking system, which respects traffic rules and includes enough rest along the way,” said Sarasyn. “I was excited to partner up with Bridgestone again this year. The T32 is a very versatile tyre with excellent wet performance; despite facing difficult weather conditions, I never had problems with grip on the wet roads.”
Bridgestone’s next-generation sport touring tyres, the T32 and T32GT, are the result of technical expertise and technological applications at the forefront of tyre development. By significantly enhancing the tyre’s connection with the road from the T31, Bridgestone created a tyre that delivers incredible performance even in poor conditions.
