Scottish cycling legend Christina Mackenzie aims to become the fastest woman to cycle the North Coast 500 route

Guinness World Record holding cyclist Christina Mackenzie is gearing up to attempt a new record.

She wants to become the fastest woman to cycle the North Coast 500.

Setting off from Inverness Castle in the early hours this Friday, the cyclist, who lives in Stirlingshire, will need to complete the 516-mile loop in under 35 hours to ride off with the title.

Last year, Christina caught the nation’s attention when she became the fastest woman to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats, completing the 839 miles journey in 51 hours, 5 minutes and 27 seconds.

Cruse Scotland, a charity that offers free professional bereavement support to children and adults struggling to cope with their grief following the death of a loved one, is thrilled to have been nominated as the charity for the challenge.

Christina said: “Cruse Scotland provided support to me, helping me understand the grief I was experiencing through the loss of my parents and loved ones.”

Sharing her feelings ahead of the record attempt, she said: “It has been a tough six months with training and battling the Scottish winter, but also good preparation for any conditions we may encounter.

“Now all the hard work has been done, I am looking forward to getting started and hopefully I can enjoy some of the fabulous scenery the course has to offer, but I am excited to see people roadside supporting.”

Christina will share her live tracking link on her social media pages (@Lejogmack) from 5am on Friday.

Donate: www.justgiving.com/christinamackenzienc500

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