Two British women have broken the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by tandem bike.

Cat Dixon and Raz Marsden completed their trip in 263 days, eight hours and seven minutes, breaking not only the female record but the male record of 281 days too.

The pair said they are “incredibly proud” of the feat, which saw them travel through 25 countries including Thailand, New Zealand and the United States.

They arrived back in London on March 18, travelling on what was the penultimate passenger ferry back from Caen, France, as travel restrictions due to coronavirus were imposed.

Ms Dixon, 54, from Yorkshire, and Ms Marsden, 55, from Oxford, said in a statement: “We are incredibly proud to be Guinness World Records title holders.

“The experience was incredible and certainly not without its challenges, most notably racing to make it home as borders closed behind us due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Setting the world record really was the adventure of a lifetime and we hope that it will inspire others to believe that anything is possible if you follow your dreams.”

The pair, who met at a charity cycle in 2016, rode between 80 and 100 miles on average each day, facing monsoons across Asia and bushfires in Australia.

In order to achieve the challenge together, Ms Marsden took a break from her career as a motor neurone disease nurse consultant and Ms Dixon handed in her notice at work as a lawyer.

Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor in chief, said: “It’s been a joy following Cat and Raz’s big adventure.

“Their high-spirited story of determination, ambition and friendship has been a tonic in these troubled times, and I’m sure these two remarkable women will be an inspiration to anyone looking to expand their horizons and discover their world.”