Utah ultracyclist Matthew Lefthand shatters 200-mile speed record at 30.11 mph

Matthew Lefthand, a 33-year-old endurance cyclist from South Ogden, Utah, spent ten nights in an altitude tent and conducted extensive aerodynamic and nutritional trials before targeting the 200-mile record. He traveled to Colorado’s high-altitude San Luis Valley, where thin air reduced drag, and on July 29 rode back and forth on Highway 17, covering the distance in 6 hours 38 minutes at an average of 30.11 mph on a standard upright bike.

The World Ultra Cycling Association’s records chair, Larry Oslund, confirmed the new mark, which also eclipsed existing Guinness World Records for 100 km, 200 km, 100 miles and the six-hour distance. Lefthand, who now holds 39 Guinness records, said the feat resulted from years of disciplined training and the support of his wife Bailey. Previously a 270-pound non-cyclist who turned to running before injuries redirected him to biking, he has also completed coast-to-coast rides and a 2,401-mile week on a recumbent bike. Looking ahead, he aims to challenge the 24-hour distance record held by Austrian cyclist Christoph Strasser and is planning a charity ride for World Bicycle Relief.