One Way North! Dacia backs Sarah Ruggins' European Cycling Record attempt

• Dacia is supporting endurance cyclist Dr Sarah Ruggins as she attempts her One Way North 2026 world record, a 6,500km ride across 10 countries from southern Spain to the Arctic Circle

• The attempt will see Sarah ride up to 22 hours a day, sleeping for just 90 minutes each night over 16 days

• The challenge targets the iconic North Cape to Tarifa route, featuring extreme conditions, more than 52,000 metres of ascent and temperatures ranging from +35°C to -10°C

• Only three years after learning to ride, and after relearning how to walk following a  severe illness, Sarah is aiming to beat the outright record. If successful, she will become one of the few women to hold endurance world records previously held by men

• Dacia will provide support vehicles and training assistance, playing a vital role in the logistics, preparation and on-the-road demands of the attempt

Dacia is supporting endurance cyclist Dr Sarah Ruggins on her ambitious One Way North 2026 (OWN2026) world record attempt, which will see her ride 6,500km (4,039 miles) across Europe from southern Spain to the Arctic Circle.

During the attempt, Sarah will ride for up to 22 hours a day, sleeping for just 90 minutes each night over the course of the 16-day challenge, underlining the extraordinary physical and mental demands of the record.

OWN2026 targets the iconic North Cape to Tarifa route, widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges in long-distance cycling.

The route spans 10 countries, more than 52,000 metres of ascent, and exposes Sarah to extreme temperature variations, from summer heat in southern Europe to sub-zero conditions within the Arctic Circle. Sarah will attempt to beat the current outright record of 16 days, 20 hours and 59 minutes, set in 2019, a result that would place her among the very small number of women to hold endurance world records previously held by men.

Sarah’s journey to elite endurance sport is an unconventional one. A former academic researcher and investment professional, she only began cycling in 2023 following a decade-long recovery from a severe neurological illness that left her nearly paralysed. After relearning how to walk and use her hands, she returned to sport and has since set world records for the fastest return ride across Britain and the fastest women’s 1,000-mile time in history.

Her approach to endurance reflects a balance between pushing physical limits and making adventure accessible, aligning closely with Dacia’s focus on practical capability and enabling people to explore the outdoors with confidence.

Dacia will supply support vehicles to provide essential logistics, rest, medical support and equipment transport, as well as a vehicle during the training phase to support preparation across varied terrains and conditions. They will be behind her for the whole attempt, continually driving through all conditions for the 22 hours required to secure the record.

Dr Sarah Ruggins said: “OWN2026 is about pushing my limits over a sustained period and seeing what’s possible. Having the right support around you is essential, and Dacia’s role in helping make this attempt possible – both in training and on the road – is hugely important."

She added: "Adventure is what you make it. For me, it’s about pushing outside your comfort zone and taking on something new. We may be going after world records, but we are a group of everyday people, and we want to show people that they can take on their own adventures, too.”

Lina Ribeiro, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, said: 

The attempt will also raise funds for World Bicycle Relief, The Times’ Charity of the Year, continuing Sarah’s commitment to using endurance sport as a platform for wider social impact. To date, she and her team have raised more than £100,000 for small charities.

The One Way North 2026 attempt will begin in Tarifa, Spain, on 5 June 2026, finishing at North Cape, Norway, the northernmost point of mainland Europe.