A Lewis woman who is preparing for a world record cycling attempt next month came to Inverness yesterday as part of her preparations.
Christina Mackenzie, originally from Stornoway, is training to become the fastest female of all time to cycle the Land’s End to John O’Groats route, a distance of 839 miles.
She wants to beat the current record of 52 hours, 45 minutes and 11 seconds set in 2002.
Ms Mackenzie, a swimming development officer, is an experienced endurance eventer, holding national 12 and 24 hour time trial records for extreme triathlons like the Celtman, along with five Ironman finishes.
Inverness-based business Williamson Foodservice is helping sponsor Ms Mackenzie’s attempt.
Managing director Gary Williamson said: “Christina’s mum worked in our Stornoway depot for around 25 years so when we heard about the attempt, I was delighted to get involved.
“Several of our staff are keen cyclists and a significant part of the route Christina will take will pass near to many cafés, restaurants and hotels that we service in the north of Scotland.”
Ms Mackenzie said: “I am fortunate to have a great team around me and we aim to inspire people to believe that anything is possible.
“Although the organisation and cost of this world record attempt is pretty substantial, we hope there will be enough left over to make a decent contribution to the Cancer Research UK committee in Lewis.
“Several businesses like Williamson Foodservice have shown great commitment and enthusiasm to help put me on the start line in a few weeks’ time and for that I am so grateful.”
Wind and weather will dictate when Ms Mackenzie starts her record attempt, but she hopes it will be around August 1.
She has a Go Fund Me page at gofundme.com/f/Lejogmack