Sarah Ruggins sets record for fastest ride across Europe
Ultracyclist Sarah Ruggins set a new outright world record for the fastest south-north crossing of continental Europe, riding from Tarifa, Spain to Nordkapp, Norway in just under two weeks. Ruggins, who as a teenager battled a rare neurological disorder that left her unable to use her limbs, only started cycling three years ago. Now, she's beaten the men's record for a rugged, long-distance route, and not for the first time.
The crossing, which was fully supported and covered a route of more than 6,000 km with 30,000 meters of climbing, took her 13 days, 20 hours and 27 minutes, knocking just over three days off the previous best time, set in 2019 by Ian Walker. The mark is Ruggins' second significant outright record in as many years; in May 2025 she set the record for the John O'Groats–Land's End crossing of Great Britain, a popular mark that sees many riders per year attempt.
For her trans-Europe crossing, Ruggins spent as much as 22 hours a day in the saddle, with fueling needs of around 11,000 calories per day. Ruggins rode a Liv Enviliv with Aerocoach Bolt tri-spoke wheels and aero handlebar extensions and a Giro Aerohead helmet. Her ride raised over £8,000 for World Bicycle Relief, and donations are still open.
