Weather permitting, this weekend (Sunday 4th August) will see a World Record attempt as 42-year-old Christina Mackenzie aims to become the fastest woman to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Nicknamed ‘Lejog’, by those hardy enough to attempt the challenge, the current Land’s End to John O’Groats women’s cycling record has stood for 17 years and Christina will need to cover the 839 miles in less than 52 hours 45 minutes and 11 seconds to beat it.
An endurance athlete born and raised on the Isle of Lewis, Christina is a former holder of the British Women’s Veterans Time Trial Association 24hr Time Trial record and has a proven and impressive track record in even the most extreme endurance events.
She has dedicated everything to training and preparing for this attempt over the last year, all whilst holding down a full-time job, and aims to inspire more people to push themselves to achieve more from life.
Christina says: “I’m really looking forward to getting started and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve received to get me to this point.
“I think the most challenging side of it will be the uncontrollable aspects, the weather, traffic, road works and things. Those sorts of issues can be unpredictable and difficult to prepare for but can still affect the schedule.
“I’ll need to take short breaks on the ride to change of clothes, put on and remove lights etc but the clock doesn’t stop and every second is important.
“There are three main climbs that will prove really challenging; starting from Kendal, climbing Shap, then in Scotland on the A9 up the Drumochter Pass to the Slochd Summit. Then the final climb up the Berriedale Braes towards John O’Groats will be very tough. Especially so as I’ll have been riding for 50 hours by then.”
Christina is being supported on her challenge by Team Valley-based SOS Group, the copy, print and scan management company, which works with a wide range of clients within the sports and fitness industries.
SOS Group has a growing reputation in the sporting events sector and has provided digital office equipment services at competitions including the IAAF World Athletics Championships, the Special Olympics GB National Games, British Swimming Summer Championships and World Para Athletics Championships.
Andrew Skelton, director at SOS Group, says: “Christina’s absolute commitment to this World Record attempt greatly impressed us and we’re very proud to support her.
“To beat a record which has stood for so many years will be something very special indeed. We’ll be watching her progress closely and wish her the very best of luck.”
If the weather conditions are favourable, Christina will begin her ride at 8am this Sunday morning.
Her World Record attempt and preparation can be followed via the following the Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
https://twitter.com/Lejogmack
https://www.facebook.com/Lejogmack
https://www.instagram.com/lejogmack/
