55,747 vertical metres in 24 hours: New downhill world record

Back in January, mountain biker Annie Ford set a new Guinness World Record for the most metres of ascent and descent on a mountain bike in 24 hours. With 133 downhill descents, she significantly exceeded her original target of 50,000 metres in altitude. At the Coronet Peak Bike Park in Queenstown, New Zealand, Annie completed a total of 55,747 metres in altitude and covered a distance of 412 kilometres. For her record attempt, the biker used a Santa Cruz V10 downhill bike. In addition to the sporting performance, the focus was also on a charitable cause: Ford's campaign raised over 35,000 US dollars in donations for reforestation projects in the region around Coronet Peak.

Preparation and realisation of the downhillWorld record

Preparing for such a record attempt requires meticulous planning. Ford not only had to maximise her physical fitness, but also master the logistical challenges. This included coordinating with the bike park to ensure a 24-hour lift operation, as well as organising a support team for catering and technical assistance. The Santa Cruz V10 downhill bike was specially prepared for the extreme conditions. According to Annie's Instagram posts, three brake discs and three sets of brake pads had to be changed during the record attempt.

Physical and mental challenges

The physical demands of such an endeavour are enormous. Not only did Annie have to battle fatigue and muscle exhaustion, but she also had to find the mental strength to stay focussed for 24 hours. The repeated descents on the same course require a high level of focus to avoid mistakes and potential crashes. On social media, Ford reported on massages during the lift rides to counteract tension. She also showed pictures of tapes on her arms, indicating the heavy strain on her forearms.

Significance for sport and the environment

Annie Ford's record probably sets new standards in the endurance sector of mountain biking. With a total distance equivalent to more than six ascents of Mount Everest (Keyword Everesting). At the same time, the downhill athlete uses her platform to draw attention to environmental issues. Annie, who is also a marine biologist and environmental activist, shows how athletes can use their reach for important social causes.

The world record could serve as inspiration for similar projects in the mountain bike scene. The combination of sporting challenge and fundraising for environmental projects shows a way in which extreme sport and social commitment can be linked.

For Ford herself, the question is what challenges she will tackle next. Her previous projects, such as the cycle tour from Mexico to Whistler, show that she is always looking for new ways to combine her sporting skills with environmental activism.