Antarctica 2026
PEDAL THE IMPOSSIBLE
Attempting the first solo, unsupported cycle to the South Pole​
WHAT IS PEDAL THE IMPOSSIBLE?
Pedal The Impossible is James Benson-King’s attempt to become the first person to cycle solo and unsupported to the South Pole.
In November 2026, James will begin a two-month journey across Antarctica, carrying everything required to survive with no support team and no resupplies along the way.
The South Pole attempt is the first stage of a larger expedition series exploring human potential through endurance, uncertainty, and extreme environments.
WHY IS THIS DIFFICULT?
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THE ENVIRONMENT:
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Temperatures below –30°C
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Severe katabatic winds and whiteouts
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Crevasse fields and changing snow conditions
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Months of complete isolation across Antarctica
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THE SYSTEM:
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Over 130kg of equipment, food, and fuel
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Limited power and battery management in extreme cold
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Daily camp, water, and survival routines
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Every problem solved alone in the field
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THE CHALLENGE:
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Maintaining consistency over two months
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Managing fatigue and decision-making under pressure
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Adapting to changing conditions every day
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Operating with very little margin for error
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WHY IS JAMES DOING IT?
James’s relationship with physical challenge began early in life after being diagnosed with a heart condition that meant he was removed from sport as a child.
It was only later, following a successful operation, that he began to trust his own body again. Since then, endurance and exploration have become a way of understanding what becomes possible when discomfort and uncertainty are no longer reasons to stop.
For James, Pedal The Impossible is not just about a world record or reaching the South Pole. It is part of a much bigger journey exploring human potential through extreme environments and prolonged challenge.
At its core, the project exists to show that the limits people place on themselves are often far less fixed than they believe.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Pedal The Impossible will be documented throughout the build-up to Antarctica and during the expedition itself. From training and preparation to the realities of operating alone on the ice.
Alongside the expedition, the project is also raising money for Cardiac Risk in the Young.
FOLLOW:​
​Daily updates, training, and expedition preparation
SUPPORT:
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Sponsor A Kilometre in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young
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£20 sponsors part of the journey across Antarctica
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Donation link below
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EXPEDITION PARTNERS:​
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THE EXPEDITION BEGINS IN NOVEMBER 2026