Irish Cyclist's 5-Year Everesting Record Still Unbeaten

Five years ago, an Irish cyclist pushed his body through seven hours of pain that nobody has managed to match since.

Ronan Mc Laughlin conquered the Everesting challenge in April 2021, riding 78 brutal laps up Ireland's Mamore Gap. The climb stretches just 810 meters but angles upward at a punishing 14.2% gradient. He covered nearly 126 kilometers total to reach the required altitude of 8,848 meters—the height of Mount Everest—in 6 hours, 40 minutes, and 54 seconds.

His time smashed American Sean Gardner's record by almost 20 minutes. Gardner had previously beaten Mc Laughlin's first record attempt from July 2020, which fueled the Irishman's determination to reclaim the crown.

Looking back, Mc Laughlin credits perfect timing for his record's longevity. Professional cyclists who might challenge it returned to normal racing once pandemic restrictions lifted, leaving his mark untouched on the leaderboard.

The memory of that record day blurs together for Mc Laughlin despite the 78 laps. "I just have a memory of it being a pretty nice day," he told Escape Collective. "Decent weather conditions and just horrible pain for seven hours."

That second attempt came after months of careful planning through an Irish winter. Working with experts like Josh Poertner from Silca, Mc Laughlin optimized every detail to shave 19 minutes off Gardner's time and become one of the first riders to break the seven-hour barrier.

Why This Inspires

Mc Laughlin's story shows what happens when setbacks fuel determination rather than defeat. When COVID lockdowns prevented his autumn 2020 attempt and Gardner claimed the record first, he didn't give up—he trained harder through winter and came back stronger.

His achievement also highlights how amateur athletes can claim records typically dominated by professionals. By choosing the right moment and preparing meticulously, he carved out a place in cycling history that elite racers haven't bothered to challenge.

Now, recent Instagram posts hint Mc Laughlin might be planning another attempt. Whether he's chasing an even faster time or simply reminiscing, his five-year-old record proves that sometimes the perfect combination of preparation, timing, and sheer willpower creates something truly lasting.

The Mamore Gap still stands waiting in Ireland, its steep slopes a testament to one cyclist's refusal to accept second place.