Danish ultracyclist completes 5,000km Zwift ride inside shopping centre
Michael Knudsen undertook the challenge as he trains for next year's Race Across America
The Race Across America is one of the world's toughest cycling events. Riding from one side of the United States to the other means pedalling 400km a day is the bare minimum needed to make it inside the 12-day time limit.
Training to undertake such a feat takes hard work, dedication and resilience. It also apparently involves practicing a run-through of the endurance event inside a shopping centre.
>>> How soldier-cyclists use their military training to become better riders
This is at least according to Michael Knudsen, who spent 10 days completing 5,000km on Zwift inside a Danish shopping centre.
Knudsen slept next to his bike throughout his effort, and planned to not leave the Copenhagen shopping centre until he had reached 5,000km. The data of the first half of Michael's ride shows he achieved 15,700m of elevation, burning 36,600 calories in the process.
https://www.facebook.com/LevelupLifeTV/videos/592946804847395
The 31-year-old has an FTP of around 324 watts, putting him in the 4.6w/kg range according to Zwift Insider, and is a level 50 Zwift rider having ridden over 150 races.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The monster ride also set a new Zwift distance record, and Michael posted regular updates during his effort on Facebook, showing him getting up and on the bike at 5am to log vital kilometres.
He did venture outside once to get some fresh air once, saying he had otherwise "lived non-stop in dry aircon", which Michael says had gave him a cold, with headaches and a snotty nose his symptoms.
Michael added he'd barely moved a centimetre during the 10-day ordeal, despite virtually travelling the width of America. "I'm sitting on my trainer. Going down to the bathroom. Going back to my trainer. It can make you go crazy," he said.
After reaching his goal within the 10-day limit, Michael said: "Over a year ago, I got the crazy idea to do something crazy in a large mainstream shopping centre to reach a far larger and different part of the population than what you typically achieve by doing these sorts of virtual cycling events.
"I just wanted to say a thousand thanks for the massive support I have received over the last 10 days. It's been absolutely amazing.
"5000 miles is in the bank. You can't complain about that! We've done the best we could, I love doing these crazy events and I love the way you guys take them in."
His partner, Kathrin Fuhrer, who rode 850km with him, shared the reasons as to why Michael had undertaken the challenge. Not only did he want to get the word out about his Race Across America (RAAM) attempt next year, he also wanted to educate and engage with people who wanted to learn more about ultra-cycling and what it involves. Lastly, RAAM isn't cheap, costs can rise to around $35,000, and Michael hopes to attract some sponsorship money with his effort.
Ultracycling isn't a new endeavour for Michael, who has virtually ridden the height of Everest on Zwift, and also finished second in the 2018 Red Bull Trans-Siberian Extreme, a 9,105km race with 77,000 metres of altitude across eight time zones to be completed in 25 days.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Hi. I'm Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor. I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
Tweets of the week: Pogačar can be beaten, Pidcock meets the royals, and Remco's an Arsenal fan
Sadly for Tadej Pogačar, serial winning doesn't seem to apply to go karting
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Friday roundup: Rapha does sportswear, Oakley meets PNS and Restrap makes a vest
Two new clothing lines, some hi-tech smart glasses and a hydration vest to inspire you to ride further
By Luke Friend Published
-
I've packed away my Zwift trainer - it's farewell until winter
We'll meet again, indoor cycling, but summer is for the outdoors
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Zwift might be about to add a new map, leaked pictures suggest
Zwifters might soon be able to compete in a virtual Omnium, or take on the Hour Record
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Introducing: the Zwift Games, the largest virtual racing event ever held
The inaugural Zwift Games in March 2024 is set to become the largest virtual racing event ever held, complete with sponsors like Oakley, Wahoo and Adidas.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Zwift axes more jobs as Co-CEO resigns in efforts to become a 'leaner' business
Despite challenges, Zwift remains committed to its sponsorship of women’s Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
How Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio is using virtual cycling to change the narrative for African girls
WorldTour cycling pro Ashleigh Moolmna-Pasio is using the tail end of her career to build virtual cycling and computer learning centers in Cape Town to educate and empower women
By Christopher Schwenker Published
-
Zwift cyclist climbs equivalent of 138 Everests in a year
Keith Roy has broken an unofficial climbing record, totting up over 4 million feet this year
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Zwift avatars will no longer be dependent on athlete's profile gender in latest update
New faces for avatars will be available across this winter, along with updates to the Zwift Companion App and a return of the Tour de Zwift
By Adam Becket Published
-
Zwift Academy reopens for 2023 -two professional contracts are on the line
The six-ride, two-race series will run from November 6 through December 17. Contracts with CANYON//SRAM Generation and Alpecin-Deceuninck Development Team on offer
By Kristin Jenny Published