World Record Attempt
Last updated 11/9/2020 at 12:40pm
Jen Orr, 43, a physical therapist from Murrieta, California, will attempt to break the World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA) 24-hour Solo Female World Record of 439.65 miles. The current record is held by Nancy Raposo, which was set almost three decades ago on September 22, 1992.
A newcomer to the ultra-cycling community, Orr entered her first 24-hour time trial in November 2017. Her results: an impressive 392.8 miles and an entry card for SOLO RAAM.
In 2018, she won the 24 Hour World Time Trial Championships setting a new female course record of 456 miles.
In 2019, she not only won the overall female division of the 928-mile, non-stop Race Across the West, she also beat the entire men's field. An extraordinary accomplishment. In just two short years, Orr had developed into an elite ultra racer.
Orr was originally scheduled to ride in the Race Across America (RAAM), a non-stop, 3,000-mile race, but when RAAM was canceled due to COVID-19, she redirected her training to compete in the 24-Hour WTTC. When WTTC was later also canceled, undeterred, she then set her sights on breaking the WUCA Solo Female 24-Hour World Record.
Her attempt will take place on a 10-mile (on-road) loop in Borrego Springs, California, and will start at 9 a.m. (PST) on Nov. 7. A limited number of spectators are permitted and welcomed, provided they follow local public health guidelines. Supporting and officiating Orr's attempt will be a crew of nearly 20 people, including representatives from the WUCA necessary to certify her results.
"The last three years have been amazing. I have never felt stronger, more determined, and better prepared for such an extreme challenge. I look forward to emptying everything I have on the course and seeing where I end up," Orr said.
Marko Baloh, who set the Men's 50 – 59 age group 24-Hour Solo World Record at 532.021 miles on July 25, 2020 said, "The 24-hour World Record is a different kind of beast. You have to push the pedals hard from start to finish. There can be no let up, you have to be prepared to suffer every minute of it."
Bob Babbitt, Ironman Hall of Fame inductee, USA Triathlon Hall of Fame inductee Host of Babbittville Radio Bob Babbitt stated, "The record was set over 30 years ago and it's about time it was broken. Good luck, Jennifer."
