Bridgestone T32 Sport Touring tyre to break own record – Part 2

Nope, the title of this feature is not a mistake. One year ago, we indeed used that same title to announce that Bridgestone and Thierry Sarasyn were going to try and break the world record of the number of countries in one day.

In a successful attempt, Sarasyn reached 13 countries in one day, using the Bridgestone T32 tyre, just like Valerio Boni did when he set the first official record by visiting 11 countries in 2021. This year, in what he says will be his final record-run, Sarasyn wants to visit 15 countries in less than 24 hours. Say what?

Last run

“I never thought I’d be doing this again, less than a year after reaching that goal of visiting 13 countries in a day”, says Sarasyn. “I could have done 14 countries, because I had over four hours left to ride 160 km to Holland. But during the ride, I had some time to think, and I realized doing 15 countries must be possible. After setting the record, I received a lot of reactions, many congratulations, but also remarks of people that said they did 14 countries and one even with 15 in 24 hours and 8 minutes. And I believe them. Even the one that said he did 15 in just over 24 hours. If he would lie, he’d also lie about the time and say he did it in under 24 hours. But the thing is, if you want an official record, you must prove it beyond any doubt. For example, by using official tracking systems. Showing fuel receipts is not enough. There is a number of ways you can get those. So, in the end, I decided to give it another go and try to set the record, using a tracking device and get it over with, once and for all. If I make it, it will be a record that, in my opinion, is impossible to break. And it will be done with an official tracker with data that are legally confirmed and accepted. These trackers will also show that I respect traffic rules and speed limits. It’s important for myself and my partners that we stick to those rules and not make this some Cannonball-style speed attempt.”

“If I make it, it will be a record that, in my opinion, is impossible to break.“

Nothing can go wrong

“If I don’t make it, I will not try this again. It is a big challenge; it takes a lot of preparation and physically and mentally it is extremely demanding. This will be my last run. And in any case, I’ll still be holding that 13-country record. Although I don’t expect that to be for a long time. What we did on Bridgestone T32 tyres last year, created a lot of attention. I think other people will have a go at it soon. But first I’ll give it a try myself. With the experience I gained last year, a new itinerary, the more comfortable Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE and the Bridgestone T32 tyres I know and I trust, I think I stand a chance. I’ll have to ride about 400 km more than last year. It took me 19 hours and 43 minutes then. If nothing goes wrong, this should be possible. The question is: will nothing go wrong in 2300 kilometers of riding…”

“If I don’t make it, I will not try this again. It is a big challenge; it takes a lot of preparation and physically and mentally it is extremely demanding. This is my last run“

These are the countries Thierry Sarasyn has on the itinerary

1. Poland
2. Czech Republic
3. Slovakia
4. Hungary
5. Croatia
6. Slovenia
7. Italy
8. Austria
9. Germany
10. Liechtenstein
11. Switzerland
12. France
13. Luxemburg
14. Belgium
15. Holland