Auto-Trail Backs Dr Sarah Ruggins for Epic 6,000km World Record Attempt

Record-breaking endurance cyclist Dr Sarah Ruggins is preparing to take on OWN2026, one of the toughest cycling challenges in the world, with support from Auto-Trail

After a decade-long recovery from a severe neurological disease that left her unable to use her limbs, former track athlete Dr Sarah Ruggins took up cycling in 2023. Since then, she has gone on to set multiple world records, including cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back again in just 5 days, 11 hours and 14 minutes, as well as recording the fastest women’s 1,000-mile ride in history.

Now part of an elite group of female athletes who have surpassed male competitors in endurance records, Sarah is preparing to take on her next world record challenge.

Dr Sarah Ruggins will be attempting one of the world’s toughest cycling challenges: OWN2026 (One Way North). Starting in Tarifa, Spain, Sarah will cycle more than 6,000km across nine countries, tackling 35,000m of elevation gain before reaching North Cape, Norway.

Ruggins will attempt to break the current outright record of 16 days, 20 hours and 59 minutes. Beating this record would make her one of the only women in history to hold two endurance world records previously held by men.

Dr Sarah Ruggins’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, equality in sport, and the growing potential of women’s endurance performance.

Alongside her world record attempt, Dr Sarah Ruggins will also be supporting World Bicycle Relief, The Times’ Charity of the Year. Sarah aims to raise £60,000, which equals 500 bike donations!

Auto-Trail is proud to be supporting Sarah’s world record attempt by suppling the Auto-Trail Imala 736G, a true home away from home whilst on the road. The OWN2026 challenge is a demanding route, with extreme temperatures and complex boarders. The Imala 736G is the perfect motorhome to provide comfort and calm on such an intense journey.

The Imala 736G combines style, practicality and comfort in one versatile design. At the rear, a transverse bed sits above a spacious garage, creating the perfect balance of sleeping and storage space. With its flexible layout and adaptable sleeping arrangements, the Imala 736G is built to suit every lifestyle and every adventure, even record-breaking ones!