Across the world cyclists begin final leg to deliver World Cup whistle

Cyclists James Owens poses with a bicycle after reaching Osaka, following almost 20,000 kilometre trip from London to deliver Rugby World Cup whistle, in Osaka, Japan September 13, 2019. REUTERS/Jack Tarrant

OSAKA, Japan (Reuters) - After travelling almost 20,000 km (12,500 miles) across 27 countries since leaving London's Twickenham Stadium 223 days ago, intrepid cyclists Ron Rutland and James Owens have arrived in Japan and are just a week away from completing their mission.

Since setting off on Feb. 2, the pair have been carrying some very special cargo – the whistle to be used by referee Nigel Owens in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo on Sept. 20.