Charlie Condell: UK teenager in record attempt has bike stolen Published duration 17 October 2018

image copyright CHARLIE CONDELL image caption Charlie Condell has ridden through 17 countries so far

A British teenager who is trying to become the youngest person to cycle solo around the world has had his bike stolen in Australia.

Charlie Condell, 18, has already ridden through Europe and Asia since embarking on an eight-month journey in July.

However he woke up in a hostel in Townsville, Queensland, on Tuesday to discover his bike was missing.

Mr Condell, from Bristol, said his passport, camping gear and other cycling equipment had also been taken.

He is already more than 100 days into his attempt to cycle unassisted through 21 countries around the world - an 18,000-mile (30,000km) journey.

Of losing his bike, he said: "You can never quite believe it - I thought maybe someone had moved it at first.

"But then I came to the sinking realisation that it was gone and I just had on my shirt and my board shorts and one bag."

image copyright CHARLIE CONDELL image caption The teenager said he had customised his bike for the ride

He said he had cycled through 17 countries before arriving in Townsville, riding up to 125 miles per day and flying between continents.

He estimated that at least £4,000 ($5,200) in equipment had been stolen, forcing a delay in his plans.

Despite the setback, he said he hoped to complete his trip by March - his original goal.

Offers of help

"This has been the first thing that's caused me to stop properly," Mr Condell told the BBC, adding that he had also lost some equipment in India.

But he said locals had offered him clothes, accommodation and replacement bikes.

image copyright CHARLIE CONDELL image caption Mr Condell during a leg in Jaipur, India

"It's not going to stop me - once I get another bike, I'll be off again," Mr Condell said.

He added that he would remain a fan of Australia - "although it's a bit too hot".

'Many challenges'

Mr Condell, who finished school earlier this year, had originally planned to ride only around Europe during summer.

However, he was inspired to take on his world attempt after realising that he could achieve the distance.

His next destinations are New Zealand and North America, after which he plans to fly back to Europe to complete his ride in March.

Before setting off, he wrote on his website: "There will, of course, be many challenges, ranging from the heat of Death Valley [in the US] to the humidity of India, but I hope to overcome them all and record the whole experience."