Record-Breaking Adventure: Dacia Supports Dr Sarah Ruggins to New Endurance Cycling World Record

Dr Sarah Ruggins has written her name into the record books after setting a new outright record on the gruelling 6,000km Tarifa to North Cape route, completing the epic journey in an astonishing 13 days, 20 hours and 27 minutes.

Supported throughout the challenge by Dacia Bigster and Dacia Duster support vehicles, Sarah beat the previous record by more than three days, cementing her place among the world's leading endurance cyclists.

Covering nine countries, climbing over 52,000 metres and battling everything from the intense heat of southern Europe to Arctic temperatures in Norway, the challenge demanded exceptional physical and mental determination.

Dacia Supporting Every Mile

While Sarah conquered one of the world's toughest endurance cycling routes, the Dacia support team undertook an endurance challenge of their own.

A Dacia Bigster and Dacia Duster Hybrid travelled almost continuously alongside Sarah, carrying vital equipment, spare parts, food, medical supplies and the support crew responsible for keeping the record attempt moving safely around the clock.

The vehicles became far more than transport—they acted as mobile headquarters throughout the two-week challenge, providing a safe place to rest, transport equipment and ensure every stage of the attempt ran smoothly.

The Dacia Bigster serving as Sarah's follow vehicle was stationary for less than 30 hours during the entire record attempt, while the Dacia Duster Hybrid completed the journey with just five fuel stops, highlighting its impressive efficiency over thousands of miles.

From Recovery to World Record

Sarah's achievement is even more remarkable considering she only took up cycling in 2023, after recovering from a severe neurological illness that had left her almost paralysed and forced her to relearn how to walk and use her hands.

Reflecting on her achievement, Dr Sarah Ruggins said:

"To me, this record proves that women can compete alongside men at the elite level – and I hope it's a powerful statement to every woman who wants to try."

Adventure Starts with Saying Yes

Lina Ribeiro, Brand Director for Dacia UK, praised Sarah's remarkable accomplishment:

"Sarah's achievement is awe-inspiring, but what makes it so powerful is where it started. She only began cycling a few years ago and has now ridden further than most of us would dream of driving. That's a reminder that adventure doesn't begin with a world record. It begins with saying yes to something new, getting outside and seeing where the road can take you."

Raising Funds for a Worthy Cause

The record attempt also supported World Bicycle Relief, The Times' Charity of the Year, helping provide bicycles that improve access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities for communities across the world.

Discover Dacia at John Banks Dacia

At John Banks Dacia, we're proud to celebrate adventures that demonstrate the durability, practicality and reliability of the Dacia range. Whether it's supporting a world-record cycling attempt across Europe or helping families enjoy everyday adventures closer to home, vehicles like the Dacia Bigster and Dacia Duster are designed to go further with confidence.

Visit John Banks Dacia in Cambridge, Colchester or Ipswich to explore the latest Dacia range and discover why more drivers are choosing Dacia for exceptional value, capability and everyday practicality.