'More than a record attempt' – Dr Sarah Ruggins set to begin 6,000km fastest known time for cycling from bottom to the top of Europe

Dr Sarah Ruggins is set to embark on an extraordinary ultra-cycling challenge, aiming to set the fastest known time (FKT) for a south-to-north crossing of Continental Europe. Starting from Tarifa, Spain, the continent’s southernmost point, she will cycle over 6,000 kilometres to Nordkapp in Norway, pushing herself to ride up to 22 hours a day. The route spans nine countries, including France, Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states, testing both her physical endurance and mental resilience over several weeks. Ruggins, a Canadian-born cyclist now based in Gloucestershire, UK, is no stranger to record-breaking feats. Last year, she set a new record for the John o’ Groats to Land’s End and back route, surpassing both men’s and women’s previous times. Her current target is to beat the existing FKT of 16 days, 20 hours, and 59 minutes, set in 2019 by Dr Ian Walker. She emphasises the importance of maintaining focus and making countless small decisions to keep moving forward, particularly when fatigue threatens to overwhelm her. Beyond the athletic endeavour, Ruggins is using the challenge to raise funds for World Bicycle Relief, a charity that provides bicycles to communities in Africa, Asia, and South America. Her fundraising goal of £60,000 aims to supply 500 bicycles, contributing to the charity’s milestone of distributing one million bikes worldwide. She describes the attempt as “more than a record” — a symbol of overcoming adversity and harnessing second chances to inspire positive change. The upcoming ride will not only test Ruggins’ stamina and strategy but also highlight the broader potential of cycling to empower communities and individuals. As she prepares to set off, her mindset reflects a blend of determination and pragmatism, focusing on controllable factors rather than emotional responses. This approach will be crucial as she tackles one of the most demanding ultra-distance cycling challenges across Europe.