One Way North! Dacia backs Sarah Ruggins' epic European record 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. Her 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. 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, added: “Sarah’s determination and resilience are what make this challenge so inspiring.
“At Dacia, we’re proud to support her by providing the practical backing needed to take on something of this scale, both in training and throughout the journey itself.” 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.
Born in 1968, then relaunched by Renault Group from 2004 across Europe and Mediterranean countries, Dacia has always offered the best value for money cars by constantly redefining the essentials. As a gamechanger, Dacia proposes simple, multi-purpose, reliable cars in tune with customers’ lifestyles. Dacia models have become a reference on the market, including Sandero, the best-selling retail car in Europe each year since 2017 and the best-selling car in Europe in 2024, full stop; Duster, the best-selling SUV to European private customers since 2018 and the second most sold car to customers in 2024; Jogger, the C-segment versatile family car; Spring, the UK’s most affordable electric car; and Bigster, offering buyers of larger, family-friendly cars the robust, well-equipped, great value for money that they have been longing for.
Present in 44 countries, Dacia has sold more than 10 million vehicles since 2004. Dacia launched in the UK in January 2013 and enjoyed the most successful start ever for a new car brand. More than 260,000 Dacia vehicles have been sold in the UK to date.