Supported by UK apparel brand Kostüme, Dr Sarah Ruggins has set a new outright world record for the fastest end–to–end crossing of Europe by bike, beating the previous men’s record by over three days.
Departing Tarifa, Spain on the morning of Friday, June 5, 2026, Ruggins arrived in Nordkapp, Norway in the early hours of Friday, June 19, 2026. She completed the route in 13 days, 20 hours, 27 minutes, eclipsing the previous record of 16 days, 20 hours, 59 minutes set by Ian Walker in 2019.
During the first week of the challenge, Ruggins also set a new women’s seven–day mileage record by covering 3,360km, including 626km within the first 24 hours. The achievement comes despite battling extreme heat and a total vertical ascent of over 35,000m across the 6,000km route.
Ruggins, who only took up cycling four years ago, previously set a new outright record for the LEJOGLE route in 2025. Her cycling achievements follow a period where she was left unable to walk due to the debilitating condition CRPS.
Bristol, UK–based small–batch preorder cycling apparel brand Kostüme served as the technical apparel partner for the record attempt. Having been hospitalised for severe saddle sores during her 2025 LEJOGLE ride, Ruggins tested products from various brands before partnering with Kostüme to use its long–distance bib shorts.
According to the company, Ruggins experienced no saddle sores during the 13 days of riding, despite spending more than 20 hours per day in the saddle. The south–to–north route crossed nine countries, starting in 35°C temperatures in Spain and concluding in cold, wet and windy conditions through the Baltics, Finland and Norway.
Kostüme collaborated with Ruggins over 12 months to provide a collection of 13 different products. This included two new jerseys featuring UPF 50 UV protection and an as yet unreleased winter bib short featuring a waterproof and windproof membrane fabric. In line with the brand’s sustainability policy, all fabrics are made from recycled or regenerated materials and manufactured in small batches in Europe.
Kostüme notes that it operates on a demand–validated manufacturing model, producing its technical apparel via limited–edition, preorder–only batches to eliminate waste caused by overproduction and overstock.
Ed Bartlett, Founder of Kostüme, said “In endurance sport, comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s fundamental to success. When someone is riding 22 hours a day, even the slightest distraction or discomfort can undermine both psychological stamina and physical performance. We build all our products to solve real problems, not to sit on discount rails.
“Sarah choosing to trust a young, innovative brand like Kostüme – coupled with the performance of our products during an extreme challenge like One Way North – is the best possible validation of our unique philosophy.”
The One Way North challenge was undertaken in support of World Bicycle Relief to raise awareness around the power of mobility. Dr Sarah Ruggins said “This is more than a record attempt. It’s a way 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.”
www.kostume.cc
www.own2026.com
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