For decades, Steve Poulton kept a quiet secret: he was a world record holder. But without a certificate to prove it, the achievement felt almost like a ghost story. Now, 43 years after his epic ride, the 79-year-old from Leckhampton finally has the official proof in his hands.

Back in 1980, Poulton cycled up three of the UK's highest peaks—Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon—in just under 42 hours, starting from sea level. It was a grueling solo effort, with only a support car for food and water. No pacing, no drafting—just pure grit and determination. His first attempt in 1979 had fallen short, but the second time, everything clicked.

It wasn't until 1993 that his record appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records, after several others tried and failed to beat his time. But even then, Poulton didn't realize he could request a certificate. That changed two years ago, while watching Strictly Come Dancing. "I saw all those certificates being handed out for a few tap dances," he laughs, "and I thought—I need one of those."

He sent a letter to Guinness, but was initially told no—records set more than a decade ago weren't eligible. "They eventually relented," Poulton says, "and very kindly provided it at no cost." The certificate now hangs framed in his home, displayed alongside the very stopwatch that timed his historic ride.

Poulton's record of 41 hours and 51 minutes stood for 37 years before finally being broken in 2017. But for the man who describes himself as a mountaineer at heart, the journey isn't over. "It's the end of a story—or the beginning of a new one," he says. To celebrate his 80th birthday, he's planning to cycle across Australia. Some records, it seems, are just made to be chased again.