On 5th June 2026, Dr. Sarah Ruggins will attempt One Way North (OWN2026) — a solo ride from Tarifa in southern Spain to Nordkapp in Norway, aiming to set a new fastest known time for cycling the length of mainland Europe.
The route covers over 6,000km across nine countries with around 35,000 metres of climbing. To break the current record of 16 days, 20 hours and 59 minutes, Sarah expects to ride an incredible 22 hours a day, navigating extremes of heat, cold, fatigue and constant decision-making.
From 35°C in Spain to -10°C in Scandinavia, success will depend not only on endurance, but on thousands of small choices made under pressure, when to eat, when to sleep, and how to keep moving forward when everything becomes difficult.
One Way North is not just a physical challenge, but a sustained test of resilience: long climbs, remote roads, traffic, navigation, weather shifts and extreme fatigue — all while continuing to make clear decisions hour after hour.
But for Sarah, that is the point. Not perfection, but persistence.
Sarah’s journey to the start line is as remarkable as the challenge itself. As a teenager, she developed a rare neurological condition that left her unable to use her limbs and dependent on full-time care. Recovery took years, and cycling eventually became the way she rebuilt both movement and ambition.
In 2025, she set a new outright record on the 2,700km John O’Groats–Land’s End–John O’Groats route, completing it in 5 days, 11 hours and 14 minutes — joining the small group of athletes who have held overall records in endurance cycling events.
Throughout OWN2026, Sarah will be raising funds for World Bicycle Relief, supporting access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity by tackling mobility poverty through durable bicycles in communities where distance is a daily barrier.
“This is more than a record attempt,” Sarah says. “I want to show what’s possible when life doesn’t go to plan. We can use what’s given to us to raise awareness around the power of a second chance.”
All images courtesy of James Busby Images.