A BOURNEMOUTH University student is making the final preparations ahead of her attempts to become the fastest female to cycle unsupported around the world.

Vedangi Kulkarni, 19, who studies BSc Sports Management, is aiming to set the world record by cycling around the world in 100 days, a total of 18,000 miles.

To achieve this feat she must cycle 200 miles a day and if successful would knock 44 days off the current record.

She sets off from Perth, Australia, before cycling through New Zealand and then travaling to America to continue her trek

From Alaska and through Canada, Vedangi will head to Europe, cycling across the mainland, through the length of Russia and down through China before returning to Australia, seeing a total of 15 different countries along her journey.

“I really like riding my bike and I like riding for long distances and I wanted to have all that in one big tour," she said.

“I found a team that could help me to plan everything and I even emailed the current record holder. I’ve been getting help from BU financially, I’m grateful for the help I’ve had in getting my bike together.

“The current world record is 144 days, and I’m planning to do it in 100, which would mean I cycle 200 miles per day, with 10 days travel and contingency.”

The current record holder is Paola Gianotti at 144 days, and Vedangi is hoping that her pace will see her overtake the record to become the new holder.

She added: "It's difficult, not impossible! And of course, it'll seem so until it's done - that's how adventurers live!”

Alongside financial support, Bournemouth University have also offered training facilities, equipment and even the time and expertise of academics from the sports department, who helped to look at Vedangi’s training, nutrition and even the psychological aspects of the record attempt.

A website has been set up to find out more about the challenge and to track Vedangi's progress, which can be accessed at vedangikulkarni.com.