Ede Harrison
The Transcontinental Race is one of the world's toughest ultra-endurance races. The annual self-supported cycling race takes riders across Europe with the winners reaching the finish line in approximately 7-10 days.
In 2018, Ede was the fastest female to finish, averaging a whopping 180 miles a day.
But Ede wasn’t new to cycling such huge distances. In 2014 she was living in Italy and when she and a friend were preparing to return to the UK they thought it would be more fun to cycle the 3000 km home instead of getting the plane. They weren’t disappointed.
After that first trip Ede was hooked, she took her bike on multi-day trips around the UK, across Europe, and even cycled from the West to the East coast of the USA.
Ede said: “I got faster, stronger, mentally tougher, and packed lighter as time went on. I didn't know many other cyclists at the time so I did most of these trips on my own.”
In 2017 she joined a local club, Liverpool Braveheart, where she learnt how to ride in a group, increase her speed, and even got some much-needed advice.
“They did a much-needed bike fit for me. Apparently - even though I'd been riding for some time my bike was set up pretty awfully.”
After completing most of the audax ride series in 2017 she is now focused on multi-day self-supported races.
Ede said: “I was lucky enough to take part in the Transcontinental Race last year which was probably the most exciting experience of my life, I've just come back from the Transatlantic Way, and later this year I'll do the Trans Pyrenees Race.
I love cycling, it's the cheapest, fastest, and healthiest way to get around on a day-to-day basis.
Ede Harrison
“I love cycling, it's the cheapest, fastest, and healthiest way to get around on a day-to-day basis. It's made me a far happier, more focused person and given me an avenue where I can set myself cool challenges.”
What is 100 Women in Cycling?
Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling is an annual list celebrating inspirational women who are encouraging others to cycle.
