RECORD hopeful Ian To has almost reached Bristol.

The Liddington cyclist set off from Lands End, Cornwall, shortly after 6am this morning. He hopes to reach John O’Groats at the northern tip of the Scottish mainland within 44 hours.

To break the record 37-year-old Ian must ride at 19 miles per hour or more. He is currently riding at around 21mph.

By 2.20pm, Ian had covered 177 miles in just over eight hours.

Team manager Graham Mearns said: “He got through Exeter without problems. We were expecting problems: Aviva Rugby Exeter vs Newcastle play-off, a big fair and band in the town and a new Ikea. That wedding must be keeping people indoors.”

Ian had toppled off the bike while grabbing a nutrition bottle from the support crew, Graham said. However, both Ian and his bike were ok.

Follow Ian’s progress on Twitter: @PLejog