Endurance cyclist Jasmijn Muller will attempt to beat the current Zwift Distance Record, held by Chris Hopkinson at 1010 miles in 72 hours 36 minutes.

There’s no separate men’s and women’s leader table, so Muller is targeting the men’s distance – saying: “There doesn’t seem to be a distinction between male and female records on Zwift. But that won’t stop me having a go!”

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The London based consultant will use the attempt to help her prepare for her upcoming Lands End to John O’Groats Record attempt in September this year.

Muller took up cycling in 2011 and has a reputation for being a phenomenal ultra-distance cyclist, having won Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 2013, the British Best All-Rounder title in 2014 and National 12 hour time trial in 2015. Now, she’s set her sights on Lynne Biddulph’s LEJOG record of 52 hours and 45 minutes.

The Zwift challenge will be a major milestone along the way – she says:“I would like to test in a safe, controlled environment how my body responds to sleep deprivation, nutrition and clothing when racing beyond 24 hours, an area which is currently unknown to me. Successful or not, I can gain very valuable insights from this, adjust things accordingly over the next six months, and feel better prepared for the LEJOG record attempt.”

The challenge will take place at Muller’s own home, where she’ll have support from her husband Chris, Kingston Wheelers club mate Rob Gardner, Shusanah Pillinger and performance psychologist Dr Josephine Perry.

Dr Perry has been coaching Muller in mental skills throughout her training – and said: “Jasmijn’s high levels of mental toughness put her in a great position to be able to approach this challenge with confidence.”

She added: “Success in events such as the Lands End to John O’Groats record needs to have some really stretching targets along the way and the Zwift attempt should be a great opportunity for her to build experience, confidence and momentum and for her crew to develop an understanding of how best to support Jasmijn during the challenge.”

The Zwift challenge will raise money for Jasmijn’s LEJOG record attempt and her chosen charity, Cancer Research UK. She is also offering prizes for the people who predict her final distance to the closest mile – there’s more details about this, and other ways you can support her, here. 

Jasmijn’s Zwift Distance Record attempt is supported by Zwift and Wahoo, with prizes donated by Isobar Compression, Precision Hydration and Verbatim.