Illi takes on Everest-sized challenge to break cycling world record

Cyclist Illi Gardner, who has just graduated from the University of South Wales (USW) with a first class honours in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics , broke a world record in cycling at the weekend – taking nearly 20 minutes off the previous fastest time.

The 21-year-old, who lives in Cardiff, has become the fastest woman in the Everesting records – a race which involves cycling up and down a hill until the total elevation gain is the same height as Mount Everest. Illi joins Olympic medallists and Tour de France winners among the illustrious list of previous record holders, finishing 19 minutes and 49 seconds faster than world champion cyclist Emma Pooley.

Choosing the climb of Bwlch y Groes in Snowdonia for the feat, Illi climbed the required 8,848 metres in a time of 8 hours, 33 minutes and 47 seconds. The hill is less than a kilometre long and is second highest public road mountain pass in Wales, with a summit altitude of 545m (1,788 ft).

Having grown up swimming and running, and doing sprint triathlons at school, Illi decided to add cycling to her list of hobbies and started racing in 2016.

She said: “I’ve wanted to attempt an Everesting for years -- I've always loved climbing and when I first heard of the challenge back in 2015, I thought it sounded like a great thing to attempt one day.

“Everesting became widely popular last year during lockdown, but it wasn’t until this year that I had the time and fitness to give it a proper go. 

“Breaking the world record feels amazing, especially as there were lots of moments where I didn't think I'd even finish! I did a half-Everesting last month but didn’t know if getting the record would really be possible until the day.”

Illi is currently working at BBC Wales, in a visual effects role on Doctor Who, and combines cycling with her job.

“I like being able to balance cycling with everything else as it is ultimately a hobby that I really enjoy,” she said.

“My current plans are just to continue riding and racing this year; I've never really allowed myself to consider cycling as a potential career, but I’m enjoying seeing how things go!

“I’m so excited to be working in the visual effects industry. I really enjoyed studying at USW; the course has not only prepared me for industry but has also provided me with fantastic opportunities such as the role I’ve recently started at BBC Wales.

“I was really happy to find a course that allowed me to pursue a career in what was a hobby of mine for years, and being located in Cardiff, where there are amazing productions taking place, is a great bonus.”