Ottawa cyclist breaks Guiness World Record with 812 km stationary ride

A 21-year-old from Ottawa is the new Guiness World Record holder for greatest simulated distance on a static cycle in 24 hours by a woman.

Lucy Hempstead rode 812 km, as part of a mental health fundraiser called CRUSH COVID: Ride for Mind. Her ride started at 6 p.m. on March 12, and lasted until 6 p.m. on March 13.

The existing world record was 680 km.

Hempstead's ride was a signature feature of the online cycling event that raised more than $400,000 for the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation in Toronto. The hospital provides care for low-income and racialized individuals and families.

“I knew the world record attempt was going to be a challenge, but I wasn’t expecting the incredible outpouring of support, not only for my ride, but for CRUSH COVID: Ride for
Mind – raising over $400,000 for the Michael Garron Hospital and mental health resources,” says Hempstead. “Thank you to everyone that has supported me along the way and those who donated to this important cause. I’m so proud to have smashed this record!”

Hempstead is a rising Canadian talent in women's cycling with a strong background running track, where she has stood on podiums at the provincial and national levels. An RBC Training Grounds athlete, she has been identified as having the potential to represent Canada at the 2024 Olympics. 

No stranger to long rides, this summer Hempstead rode her bike from Ottawa to Toronto in a single day.

She currently balances training and her studies at the University of Ottawa where she studies women’s issues and criminology.