TikTok Star Cycles Up Eiffel Tower in Record 12 Minutes

A popular TikTok content creator has stunned fans around the globe by cycling up the Eiffel Tower in Paris in only 12 minutes, setting a new world record. The feat, which combines extreme athleticism with viral social media style, has already become one of the most talked-about moments of the year online.

The Eiffel Tower, one of France’s most iconic landmarks, is over 300 metres tall and consists of a dizzying spiral of steel stairs and platforms. Normally, visitors take the lift or, for the very fit, climb its 1,665 steps on foot. But 24-year-old TikTok star Jamie Leroux decided to push the limits — not on foot, but on a specially designed lightweight bicycle.

According to event organisers, Leroux began his climb from the base of the tower at precisely 9:00 am on Monday. Using a custom-built carbon-fibre bike fitted with low-gear ratios and magnetic wheel grips for stability, he powered his way through the structure’s stairways and narrow landings. At exactly 9:12 am, Leroux reached the second observation platform, where official timekeepers confirmed his record-breaking time of 12 minutes and 3 seconds.

This smashingly quick climb shattered the previous record of 18 minutes, set in 2018 by a professional stunt cyclist.

Leroux, who boasts over 14 million TikTok followers, is no stranger to daring physical challenges. In the past year alone, he’s cycled up mountain roads in the Alps, balanced on tightropes with his bike, and completed endurance rides in extreme weather conditions. But this Eiffel Tower attempt took months of preparation.

Speaking to reporters after his ride, Leroux explained: “I trained for six months, focusing on leg endurance and upper body control. The tower’s tight turns are the real challenge — you’ve got to slow down without losing too much momentum.”

His team of engineers and trainers worked to design a bike that could handle sharp turns, varying step heights, and sudden inclines while remaining incredibly light.

The Eiffel Tower is a heavily protected tourist attraction, and cycling up it is not something anyone can casually attempt. Leroux's record-breaking effort was part of a special event organised in partnership with the city of Paris. Safety officials, engineers, and medics were stationed at each level to ensure both Leroux's safety and the safety of any nearby onlookers. Access was restricted during the attempt.

The official Guinness World Records adjudicator was present to authenticate the achievement, making it an official world record.

Within minutes of the video being posted to TikTok, the clip amassed millions of views. The combination of Parisian scenery, adrenaline-pumping action, and Leroux’s emotional reaction at the finish made it irresistible for people to share. As of Tuesday morning, the hashtag #EiffelTowerRide had over 150 million views, with fans calling it “the most inspiring challenge of the decade”.

This event also highlights how social media influencers are increasingly turning to real-world, high-impact stunts to engage audiences and stand out in a crowded digital space. While some see these viral challenges as marketing genius, others raise concerns about safety and the pressure on young creators to constantly push boundaries.

Sporting officials and tourism experts believe this may inspire a new wave of creative events in iconic world landmarks — if properly regulated. Paris city officials hinted that controlled challenges like this could boost tourism and draw younger audiences to cultural landmarks, which often struggle to remain relevant in the digital era.

However, critics warn that attempts like this, if copied without authorisation or proper safety measures, could be dangerous. Social media’s viral nature means that while Leroux’s ride was carefully planned and permitted, untrained fans might try to replicate it illegally.

For Leroux, the next challenge is already on the horizon. He hinted at another record attempt, possibly involving London's Tower Bridge or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely.

As for the Eiffel Tower, the event has reignited global fascination with the 135-year-old structure, proving that even in a modern digital age, historic landmarks can play host to thrilling, record-breaking moments.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies