It usually takes seasoned cyclists a grueling week to finish the iconic BC Bike Race, featuring stunning terrains and steep climbs across 234 kilometers. But Winkler, Manitoba's own Russell Thiessen shattered expectations by completing the entire race in an astonishingly quick time of less than 24 hours!

Why did he attempt such a Herculean feat? Thiessen was bidding farewell to the West Coast as he prepared to move back home to Manitoba. This epic ride served as his ultimate send-off.

No Sleep, Just Determination

Kicking off at dawn on Vancouver Island, Thiessen dove straight into the first two stages amidst the picturesque landscapes of Cowichan Valley. Navigating the challenging terrains of Maple Mountain and Mt. Tzouhalem without course markings, he focused on staying on track and avoiding any costly mistakes.

But he wasn't entirely on his own. Friends joined him for support, although the transition times were supposed to be non-existent. A hiccup occurred when it took him four extra minutes to load his navigation app, which prompted concerns about losing precious time.

Pushing Through Pain and Fatigue

By the time he reached Nanaimo, fatigue set in hard. "That one hurt," he confessed. Yet, after some much-needed pizza pops, Thiessen found a second wind and powered through to Cumberland, his old riding grounds. There, he tackled the notorious Queen stage, climbing over 1,700 meters before heading to Campbell River and circling back to Cumberland for one last push.

A Record-Breaking Achievement

Clocking in at 12:30 a.m., a staggering 20 hours into his journey, Thiessen finally conquered his final ascent. "I’m done," he breathed, collapsing into a camp chair, overwhelmed by the magnitude of his accomplishment. "That’s probably my biggest ride of the year. Of the decade, I think."

Traditionally, the BC Bike Race is a test of endurance spread over several days, allowing riders time to recover and refuel between stages. Thiessen, however, had an exceptional one-day journey, pushing himself beyond the limits.

Breaking Records and Making Memories

Meanwhile, the official BC Bike Race champions took the scenic route, with Sean Fincham clinching the men's title in just over 10 hours and Sandra Walter leading the women's division with a remarkable 12 hours and 25 minutes. Yet none could rival Thiessen's extraordinary single-day achievement.

So, why did Russell push the boundaries in such an unforgettable farewell ride? It's a story etched in the hearts of his friends and fellow cyclists — proof that true determination can surpass even the wildest of expectations!