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Bristol cycling apparel brand powers record-breaking ride across Europe
A Bristol-founded cycling apparel brand has supported a record-breaking ride from the base of Europe to the top.
Kostüme provided cycling gear for Dr Sarah Ruggins during her gruelling ride from Tarifa in southern Spain to Nordkapp in Norway, covering more than 6,000km across nine countries.
Ruggins broke the men’s record outright set by Dr Ian Walker in 2019 by three full days, completing the route in extreme conditions ranging from 35C heat to freezing temperatures.
For the ride, Ruggins partnered with the Bristol brand after testing products from major apparel companies following earlier endurance rides where she developed severe saddle sores.
During the near two-week challenge, which saw her spend up to 20 hours a day in the saddle, she completed the journey without suffering saddle sores.
Kostüme provided 13 products designed to handle the extreme conditions, including winter bibs, waterproof and windproof tights and two new jerseys.
The inaugural Bristol Legends winner in the Global Impact category, Kostüme uses recycled and regenerated materials produced in made-to-order small batches.
Ed Bartlett, founder of Kostüme working with Dr Sarah Ruggins in preparation for the gruelling ride
Founder Ed Bartlett called the collaboration the “ultimate validation” of Kostüme’s products.
He said: “In endurance sport, comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s fundamental to success.
“We build all our products to solve real problems. Sarah choosing to trust a young, innovative brand like Kostüme during an extreme challenge like One Way North is the best possible validation of our philosophy.”
Ruggins only took up cycling four years ago after previously being left unable to walk because of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
The Bristol-founded cycling apparel brand Kostüme has supported a record-breaking ride from the base of Europe to the top
“This is more than a record attempt,” she said.
“It’s a way to show what’s possible when life doesn’t go to plan.”
Main photo: James Busby
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