'Women are unstoppable and can do anything' – Meet the rider who broke the Women's Double Everesting World Record in secret

Millie Gibbons, a 30-year-old British cyclist, has quietly shattered the Women’s Double Everesting World Record, completing an extraordinary 38 hours and 39 minutes of continuous climbing. She ascended a total of 493 kilometres by repeating the Sant Martí Sacalm climb in Catalonia 30 times, a feat she only revealed two months after finishing. Gibbons’ motivation was personal rather than competitive; she undertook the challenge for her own satisfaction, rather than public recognition, exemplifying her modest and determined approach to endurance cycling. The inspiration for Gibbons’ record attempt stemmed from her close friend and current men’s Double Everesting record holder, Alex McCormac. Their shared history from university days and mutual passion for cycling helped spark the idea, which came to fruition during McCormac’s training camp visit to Girona, Gibbons’ home. Supported by her partner Aleix and McCormac, she chose the well-known Sant Martí Sacalm climb, prized by professional riders for its consistent 7.2% gradient, as the stage for her record-breaking ride. Gibbons’ mental approach to the challenge was as methodical as her physical preparation. She segmented the ride into manageable parts, focusing on each climb and descent while maintaining a steady pace. Her analytical mindset, combined with a love for climbing, helped her endure the grueling effort, often finding joy in the process despite the fatigue. After completing the ride, she seamlessly returned to her day job as a web developer, keeping her achievement under wraps and maintaining her characteristic humility. Beyond her record, Gibbons is a passionate advocate for women in cycling, actively encouraging others to take on challenges like Everesting. She led a group of women through their first Everesting experience, emphasising the importance of camaraderie and positive energy in overcoming mental barriers. Gibbons believes that with the right support and mindset, women are “unstoppable” and capable of extraordinary feats, highlighting the broader significance of her achievement in inspiring female cyclists. Looking ahead, Gibbons is focusing on racing the Trans Pyrenees and organising future women’s Everesting events in Girona to foster greater participation. She sees these challenges as accessible yet epic stepping stones to bigger adventures on two wheels. Her story not only celebrates a remarkable athletic accomplishment but also underscores the growing momentum and inclusivity within the world of endurance cycling.