Cor Goethals from Zaventem outside Brussels has set a new world record. He travelled around the world hitchhiking and completed this feat in 15 days and 7 hours. During that time, he travelled through Russia, the United States and Europe, finally arriving at the Atomium in Brussels.
The world record until today was held by Russia’s Alexei Vorov. Cor now still has to complete some paperwork before he can officially claim the title.
In only 15 days and 7 hours, Cor hitchhiked across several continents. He set off from the Atomium in Brussels, hitchhiking to Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East. From there, he flew to Los Angeles in the United States, before hitchhiking on to Boston. Finally, after a second flight, he hitchhiked from Lisbon in Portugal back to Brussels, where he arrived on Sunday afternoon to the loud applause of his supporters.
Race against the clock
Cor is an experienced hitchhiker, but this journey turned out a little differently. It was a race against the clock. ‘I was basically hitchhiking day and night,’ says Cor. ‘I didn't sleep a wink. Because that was also my goal, to ensure I wouldn't have to pitch my tent anywhere.’
During his journey, he met many people whose memory will stay with him forever. ‘I hitchhiked along with 100 other people and collected their signatures on a large white cloth that I will keep forever.’