Congratulations to Stefano Pellegrini for setting a new Capita-to-Capital record from Rome to Edinburgh in the following categories: Solo, officiated, 18-49 age group, upright bike

Record attempt: Rome (Italy) – Edinburgh (UK) [Capital-to-Capital] 

Rider: Stefano PELLEGRINI [WUCA MEMBERSHIP 14077] 

Date and time: 30th July 2025 – 06:00 AM (Local Time – UTC/GMT +2) 

Starting point: In front of the “Altare della Patria” (National Memorial to the Unknown  Soldier), Piazza Venezia (Venezia Square), 00187, Rome, Italy, MGRS  coordinates: 32T TG 91171 41241 (Datum WGS84). 

Weather conditions: Sunny and warm at the time of the start, temperatures: 18°C/64° F,  humidity: 74%, tendency for the day: hot, sunny and dry with highest  peak at 28°C/82°F in the afternoon. Wind: W/NW 5 to 10 mph.  Sunrise / Sunset time: 06:02 AM / 08:32 PM. 

Reasons that led to wanting to set the record: 

1. As an ultra-cyclist but also an oncology patient my n.1 priority and main reason to pedal  was to raise public awareness about the importance of pancreatic cancer prevention by  advertising the activities of the “Policlinico G.B. Rossi” Hospital in Verona (Italy) and  promoting a solidarity campaign to raise money for the preventive research (Raccolta fondi  di stefano pellegrini : PEDALANDO PER SOSTENERE LA RICERCA). Gofundme.com link; 

2. Testing myself on an interesting route never done before aiming to train me and my staff  on a 2.500 Km route; collecting valuable data and stats as part of a preparation process  for a possible Trans AM Bike Race 2026 second attempt (already completed in 2023);  

3. Making more and more people knowing about ultra-cycling using my social media pages  to post record attempt-related contents. I’ve hired 2 social media managers / cameramen  for all the attempt. The shootings will be part of a documentary film on ultra-cycling that  will be released in November 25 by the italian film director Enrico Botta; 

4. Enjoying myself practicing my favourite sport pedaling across Europe on a very  spectacular and panoramic path which approximately follows the maximum extension  towards the north that the Roman Empire had in past history. 

Equipment: 

The bike used for this record attempt was a ParkPre bicycles model “K1” equipped with  Vittoria Italia model “Ride Armour” wheels. Small items were stored on the bike inside a ready-handy Givibike mini travel bag while navigation and sensors data collection were granted by a Garmin device model “Edge 1040 GPS” and related ANT+ sensors. All the  bike back-up spare parts, rain and night-ride equipment along with the back-up bicycle  were transported and ready available in the Follow Vehicle. Folding military camp beds  and MREs rations were available in the Follow Vehicle in order to guarantee team full self sustaining capability in case of prolonged performances and eventual lack of motels / B&Bs  along the route.

Nutrition:  

For the attempt an on-line 24/7 ready available nutritionist was hired that provided the  team with constant consulting and a list of good-to-go foods for the daily grocery and meals  preparation. The range of food went from ham or turkey sandwiches, salads, nuts, fruit to parmesan cheese small chops; then mainly 3 kind of supplements by Cetilar supplements  company as: Hydrogel Race Carbs with caffeine, Hydrafast magnesium and potassium  sticks and energy protein bars with BCAAs. For most of the time of the attempt meals were  consumed while pedaling or during planned breaks and random stops for bike check.  

Best and worst moments:  

The best part of all this adventure was sharing an amazing sportive experience with an  amazing team of people and professionists that supported me every single mile, but above  all there was knowing that every single pedal was made to raise awareness and funds for  an ethical project and cause. This last point had a double value considering that me myself 

I am also an oncology patient.  

No really worse parts because I enjoyed the hardships as well, maybe the hardest moment  was the Gran San Bernardo mountain pass ascent (Italy / Switzerland border) due its tough  D+ and steepness.  

Special mention has to be made for storm Floris that hit the UK during the attempt causing  constant opposite winds during the French leg of the route and the final shoot to Edinburgh  on the last day. Many bike competition were canceled in those days in England due to the  storm passing but the team decided that we would have continued the attempt with caution.  

Finish point: Front of Edinburgh Castle at the Castlehill / Lawnmarket / Johnston Terrace  / Upper Bow roundabout (440 ft. / 134 mt. from the castle gate), MGRS  coordinates 30U VH 87858 00427 (Datum WGS84). 

Finish time: 08th August 2025 – 10:00 PM (Local Time – GMT/BST) 

Total duration of the attempt: 9 days and 16 hours.

Starting point:  

30th July 2025 – h. 06:00 AM (LT) 

“Altare della Patria” (National Memorial to the Unknown Soldier), Piazza Venezia (Venezia  Square), 00187, Rome, Italy – MGRS coordinates: 32T TG 91171 41241 (Datum WGS84).

Finish point:  

08th August 2025 – h. 10:00 PM (LT) 

Front of Edinburgh Castle at the Castlehill / Lawnmarket / Johnston Terrace / Upper Bow  roundabout (440 ft. / 134 mt. from the castle gate), Edinburgh (UK) – MGRS coordinates  30U VH 87858 00427 (Datum WGS84).

Rider:  

Stefano PELLEGRINI [WUCA Membership n. 14077] 

Signature