The Ultimate Touring Record: Thierry Sarasyn Visits 15 Countries in 22hrs Riding on Bridgestone Battlax T32 Tyres
• Belgian motorcyclist Thierry Sarasyn used the Bridgestone Battlax T32 tyre to take a new touring world record – visiting 15 countries in just 22 hours.
• Rider safety was always at the forefront, with a supporting vehicle and personnel, stops every two hours, and real-time monitoring.
• The Bridgestone Battlax T32 demonstrated its versatility and excellent wet performance to keep Sarasyn safe, even in poor weather conditions.
Selected as the tyre of choice in two previous touring world records, the Bridgestone Battlax T32 has now been the tyre partner in what may be the ultimate world record. Thierry Sarasyn, the motorcyclist who previously rode through 13 countries in one day, just did even better. This time, he visited 15 countries, finishing in the Netherlands at 7:59 p.m. on May 23, just under 22 hours after starting in Poland.
Three world records, all with the Bridgestone Battlax T32
All three world records have been achieved by different riders on different bikes, following different routes. The only thing that remained constant in three consecutive years of world touring records is the tyre – the Bridgestone Battlax T32.
Safety first
Setting a world record is a unique feat that requires exceptional preparation. Sarasyn is a professional rider; to tackle this challenge, he underwent specific training and followed a personalised nutrition plan to ensure he would be in optimal mental and physical condition while riding. 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 of course, the Bridgestone Battlax T32 was instrumental in keeping Sarasyn safe, even in 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.”
Innovative tyre design for outstanding performance
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.
“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.”
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About Bridgestone in Europe, Middle East, India and Africa
Bridgestone in Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa (Bridgestone EMIA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions.
Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMIA employs more than 20,000 people and conducts business in 40 countries across the region.
Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of premium tyres, tyre technologies and advanced mobility solutions. The company’s vision is to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is a broad, global corporate commitment that clearly defines the value the company is promising to deliver to society, our customers and future generations in eight focus areas; Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment. These provide a compass to guide strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business.
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