TWO women from Oxford managed to break the world record of cycling around the globe on a tandem.

Lawyer Catherine Dixon and nurse consultant Rachael Marsden took on the challenge to raise money for poverty charity Oxfam and Motor Neurone Disease Association.

They rode on a pink tandem called ‘Alice’ in 263 days seven hours and seven minutes, amply beating the male world record of 281 days and raised more than £28,000.

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They arrived at Beeline Cycles on Cowley Road on Wednesday, which is where they had begun their trip in June last year.

The pair had to anticipate their return, planned originally for next Saturday, as Europe closed its borders because of coronavirus.

Ms Dixon said: “Everyone was isolated on the ferry - confined to cabins - there was no food or drink available for the whole voyage. It felt very strange - but something I suspect we will need to get used to in the next few months."

“We have experienced extreme heat, monsoon, drought, cold and seen environmental pollution and climate change on a scary scale - but we have also experienced the incredibly beauty of our world."