An Aberdeen man is in training for the challenge of a lifetime.

Kyle Hewitt, 24, is gearing up to cycle over 18,000 miles in the first ever Global Bicycle Race.

The race will begin in London on February 18 next year with Kyle and the rest of the cyclists taking part aiming to smash the 163-day record set by the event’s organiser Vincent Cox.

Kyle, the only Scot in the field, is hoping to be the first back to London to claim a new Guinness World Record.

In the process, he hopes to raise £20,000 for children’s charity Barnardo’s and Aberdeen-based charity Inspire.

He said: “People have asked me why I want to do this and I have three words: pride, charity and adventure.

“Pride because I hope to bring the world record back to Scotland as I believe that is where it belongs.

“Charity because two fantastic charities are going to benefit from this in Barnardo’s and Inspire.

“Finally, it will be an adventure because I will have the chance to visit so many countries that you otherwise would never usually get to.”

Kyle says he has been inspired to undertake the gruelling challenge by two previous record holders.

He said: “Mark Beaumont broke the record in 2008 when he did it in 194 days and he is a truly inspiring man.

“Last year Vincent Cox broke the record when he cycled around the world in 163 days – which is an unbelievable achievement.

“Vincent is the reason the Global Bicycle Race has been organised and so far it has attracted about 15 cyclists. I’m aiming to be the one who brings the world record back home to Scotland.”

Kyle says he will be doing as much training as he possibly can to ensure his body is in top shape come February 18.

He added: “I’m training as much as possible and I’m cycling about 600 miles a week. I’m also working with Principia Fitness to ensure my body is as prepared as it possibly can be.

“In my eyes the hardest part is going to be being away from friends and family for so long. I know I can get on my bike and cycle for a long distance everyday.

"It will be sore for the first few weeks but my body will become used to it. The mental challenge to keep going and being away from people for that length of time will be more difficult.”

For more details about Kyle’s challenge go to www.inspired2inspire.org.uk or you can sponsor him at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KyleHewitt.