Scottish ultra-cyclist tackles five cycling classics in record bid

LONDON — Ultra-cyclist James MacDonald is exchanging the confines of the velodrome for the open road in pursuit of a fresh endurance record. Beginning on Sunday, the Scottish cyclist will attempt to complete all five of cycling's Grand Monuments — the sport's most storied one-day races — in one sustained effort.

MacDonald's track record in ultra-cycling is well established, with previous accomplishments involving extended sessions on indoor velodromes where riders circle the same surface repeatedly for hours on end. His latest venture represents a significant shift in approach, taking him through some of Europe's most challenging and iconic cycling routes.

The five classics — traditionally held across different seasons and countries — present a formidable test of endurance and determination. Completing them sequentially will require MacDonald to traverse varied terrain and weather conditions across multiple nations in a compressed timeframe.

The record attempt underscores the growing diversity within ultra-endurance cycling, a discipline that pushes athletes to their physical and mental limits. MacDonald's effort adds another dimension to the sport beyond traditional velodrome challenges, combining the demands of extreme distance with the unpredictability of road racing.