6000KM. 1 continent. 1 record.
In June 2026 Dr Sarah Ruggins will attempt to break the record for cycling across Europe from South to North.
If she achieves this she’ll make history once again as a woman who holds multiple outright records for feats of endurance over her male competitors.
Growing up, Sarah was a promising track star, with aspirations of joining Team Canada as an Olympic hopeful.
But aged 15, she developed an autoimmune condition known as one of the world’s most painful diseases, so painful it ended her running career.
She lost the ability to walk, to use her hands or move. She was transferred abroad for urgent 24/7 care and would spend years fighting to recover.
Sarah’s story
“We must always keep going”
The record
This record is for the fastest cycle from the southernmost to the northernmost points of Europe.
Starting on 5th June in Tarifa, Spain and finishing at Nordkapp, Norway, Sarah will cover over 6,000km and climb over 35,000m.
She will cross 9 countries, riding 21+ hours per day in temperatures ranging from –10°C to +35°C.
The current record stands at 16 days, 20 hours and 59 minutes.
Raising vital funds for World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief empowers people and communities through life-changing bicycles.
By supporting them, you’ll be helping deliver specially-designed bicycles that enable people in rural communities to reach school, access healthcare, and create new opportunities.