Man spends a record 17 days on rollercoaster

RECORD-breaking thrillseeker Richard Rodriguez finally stepped down to earth yesterday as he ended his rollercoaster marathon.

The 48-year-old American smashed the previous longest ride of nine days and 12 hours with a 17-day stint on the Pepsi Max Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Britain.

Mr Rodriguez was only allowed five minutes respite for every full hour ridden so he could change clothes, have a shower or a meal.

He was going head to head with two challengers at Freizeitland Gieselwind Park in Germany, but they dropped out after 36 hours because of medical reasons.

Rodriguez had broken 17 world records over the past 30 years until a change in Guinness World Record guidelines meant they were no longer recognised.

Mr Rodriguez said: “It feels great to be the world record holder once again. It’s a little strange to be back on solid ground but I’m sure I’ll readjust soon.”