Kuldīga ultra-cyclist rides 3,257 km in a week to raise funds for SOS Children's Villages

Ultra-marathon cyclist Arvis Sprude, from Kuldīga, was given a festive welcome in Riga's Kaļķu Street quarter on August 7 as he completed a seven-day cycling journey covering 3,257 kilometres.

While the attempt to set a new Guinness World Record ultimately fell short, the ride had another purpose that mattered more to Sprude: raising donations for the charity association SOS Children's Villages. The funds were collected to support children who have lost a parent or a sibling.

A national record on day one

Sprude spent the first day of his journey at the Biķernieki race track in Riga, where he covered 725 kilometres in 21 hours and 29 minutes, setting a new Latvian record for distance cycled in 24 hours.

After finishing, the athlete said he was pleased by how many people came out to welcome him. Addressing the crowd, he explained that this time the final result mattered less than the wish to encourage others to pursue goals that seem impossible.

Support from family and friends

Sprude's mother, Valija Sprude, said her son's achievement was hard to put into words, noting that the main goal this time was not the record but improving the lives of as many children as possible, while also stressing that her son needs to look after his own health.

The welcome event featured a musical performance by rapper Ozols (Ģirts Rozentāls), a friend of Sprude's, who said the cyclist's example had made him reflect on pursuing his own seemingly unreachable goals. Among those following the ride closely were local families, including Kuldīga Centre Secondary School pupil Henriks Jirgensons, whose mother is a member of the Bandava dance group led by Sprude — the dancers cheered him on with performances throughout the week.