Local bus operator, First Scotland East took on a circus giant in a world record attempt in Falkirk recently.
28 year old, Zippo Circus strongman, Denys llchenko from the Ukraine was aiming to pull one of First’s Double Deckers five metres with his teeth and in doing so beat the 12.36 tonne world record. First's double decker weighed around 12.1 tonnes and so the bus was topped up with volunteers to ensure it weighed more than the current record. Unfortunately, despite a superhuman effort, Denys and his teeth were some two metres short.
Cheryl Fleming, Marketing and PR Manager, at First Scotland East witnessed the attempt: “It was an amazing effort by Denys and I found it quite unbelievable that he was able to pull our double decker three metres. In the end our bus proved to be just too heavy for Denys to beat the record – however, it was very exciting to be part of a world record attempt!”
Denys Ilchenko said: “I was disappointed not to beat the record, but I’m keen to give it another go in the future. I’m really grateful that First Scotland East was able to provide one of its double deckers.”
The current world record is held by Igor Zaripov who pulled a double-decker bus with his teeth weighing 12.36 tonnes, five metres.
Since his record breaking attempt, Denys Ilchenko has gone on to break a different Guinness World Record – this time for juggling the greatest combined weight of tyres. This record will be broadcast in the spring on the CBBC channel.