Fiona Kolbinger becomes first woman to win 4,000km Transcontinental Race

The 24-year-old cancer researcher triumphs in her first ever ultra-distance event

(Image credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Cancer researcher Fiona Kolbinger has become the first woman to win the epic 4,000km Transcontinental Race, in her first ever ultra-distance challenge.

The 24-year-old was the fastest rider to cover the mammoth distance, starting in Bulgaria and finishing in Brittany in northwest France and riding for 10 days, two hours and 48 minutes.

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Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.  Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.