The Race of Truth: A Record-Breaking Bike Ride Across Europe

Being the fastest cyclist in the world doesn’t mean much if your mind won’t let you reach the finish. Leigh Timmis learned that the hard way.

In 2018, he smashed the world record for cycling across Europe — 16 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes — obliterating the previous time by more than eight days. But behind the headlines was a far tougher battle. As Leigh trained for the attempt, sports scientists confirmed he had the physical engine of an elite athlete… yet something was still holding him back.

To break the record, he first had to confront the past. With the help of psychologists and performance experts, Leigh dug into the mental scars and vulnerabilities that shaped him — and discovered that the real challenge wasn’t the 14‑hour days in the saddle, the brutal weather or the endless roads from Portugal to Siberia. It was learning to understand himself.

The Race of Truth is the gripping story of a man racing the clock, his demons and the limits of human endurance. It’s about resilience, honesty and the extraordinary things we can achieve when we face our fears head‑on.

A raw, inspiring read for cyclists, endurance athletes and anyone fascinated by the power of the mind.