New ultracycling world record: German rides 3860 kilometres and 20,898 metres in seven days

Daniel Steinhauser crossed the finish line in the centre of Bad Waldsee at 9 am and 2 minutes on Saturday morning. After seven days on his racing bike, the endurance athlete from Upper Swabia had completed 3860 kilometres. The provisional total distance is 33 kilometres more than the previous record of Alex McCormac from Scotland, who set the previous world record in the "supported" category in April 2026 with 3827 kilometres. The World Ultracycling Association (WUCA) is currently checking the documentation of the new seven-day record, which is why the result is still provisional.

World record strategy

Steinhauser rode his time trial bike for at least 20 hours a day. Because aerodynamics are a decisive factor, he rode with a rear disc wheel, high-profile rims and aerodynamically adapted handlebars. Sleep breaks were limited to less than two hours per day. At an average speed of 25 km/h, the 42-year-old covered the entire distance in 196 hours. "It was the hardest week of my life," said Steinhauser after his arrival. "I'm delighted to have achieved my sporting goal and beaten the world record." He chose a winding course around Bad Saulgau and Biberach an der Riß.

World record challenges

Only the kilometres count for the world record, but the fact that he also accumulated a huge altitude difference was already evident on the first day. In the first 24 hours, he covered 747 kilometres and accumulated 4614 metres of altitude in the process. On the seventh day at the finish line, he had a total of 20,898 metres of altitude on his speedometer. The record-breaking ride was by no means smooth. On the second day, he struggled with stomach problems. On the fourth day, he battled back and neck pain and, by his own account, felt slightly ill. The neck problems continued to accompany Steinhauser and became the biggest challenge - an understandable problem given his recumbent position on the time trial bike.

Previous successes

The racing cyclist concentrates on the discipline of ultracycling. Steinhauser won the Race Across Italy in 2025. He also holds the Guinness World Record for 24 hours of indoor cycling from 2024. The World Ultracycling Association (WUCA) is currently checking the documentation of the new seven-day record, which is why the result is still provisional. With his world record ride, Steinhauser is supporting the St. Nikolaus children's hospice in Bad Grönenbach in the Allgäu region.