Caroline Livesey Shatters North Coast 500 Cycling Record

Scottish gravel champion and ultra-endurance triathlete Caroline Livesey has achieved another remarkable milestone, setting a new record for the renowned North Coast 500 route. She completed the 516-mile (860km) journey through the Scottish Highlands in an astonishing 32 hours and 22 minutes, surpassing Christina Mackenzie’s 2022 record for supported female riders by more than four hours. This accomplishment is awaiting official verification from the World Ultra Cycling Association and Guinness World Records.

Livesey commenced her epic ride from Inverness Castle at 4 AM on a Tuesday, initially aiming for a 35-hour completion time. Despite facing challenging Scottish summer weather, including persistent rain during the initial half of her attempt and a heavy downpour upon her return to the Highland capital, she pushed through. Fortunately, minimal wind aided her progress. By skillfully alternating between her Orbea Orca Aero road bike and Orbea Ordu time trial machine, Livesey maintained an average speed exceeding 25 kph across the 860 kilometers, which included over 8,000 meters of elevation, ultimately crushing the existing record.

Reflecting on her incredible journey, Livesey expressed her gratitude on Instagram, acknowledging the overwhelming support she received. She emphasized that the achievement would not have been possible without her dedicated crew, including her husband, Mark, who meticulously provided her with nutrition, primarily consisting of rice pudding, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, and Coca-Cola towards the finish. Livesey has a distinguished career in ultra-endurance and gravel racing, having twice won the Patagonman XTRI, known as the world’s most extreme triathlon, and securing her first UCI Gravel World Series victory in Thailand, followed by a win at the inaugural Scottish gravel championships. Her husband, Mark, believes this NC500 record may be her most significant accomplishment yet, praising her stubbornness, attention to detail, and profound love for cycling. Beyond her personal achievements, Livesey’s record-breaking ride also served to raise funds and awareness for Peak Education Nepal, a charity she co-founded with Mark, dedicated to supporting educational initiatives for underprivileged children in Nepal.

Livesey's resilience is truly inspiring, especially considering a past incident in 2017 where she sustained injuries after being assaulted by a van driver while cycling. Despite the physical and emotional trauma, she continued to pursue her passion, demonstrating immense courage and an unwavering commitment to her sport and charitable endeavors. Her recent triumph is a testament to the power of human spirit, perseverance, and the invaluable support of a dedicated team. It highlights that with grit and determination, one can overcome significant obstacles and achieve extraordinary feats, all while contributing positively to the world.