TONI HELMINEN
Toni Helminen holds multiple world records in ultra-distance cycling, all achieved solo, unsupported, and on circular routes. His 48-hour record of 1,215.33 km stands as a testament to extraordinary endurance, aerodynamics mastery, and mental fortitude.
QUICK FACTS
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
48-HOUR WORLD RECORD
Set in 2024, covering 1,215.33 km completely solo and unsupported on a circular route.
12-HOUR WORLD RECORD
428 km in 12 hours, setting a new benchmark for solo unsupported cycling.
HIGH ROULEURS SOCIETY
Double Everesting achievement with 17,790 meters of elevation gain.
CAREER FOCUS
"My focus is purely on cycling since I'm really aero by nature and my legs are super strong. I do some rollerskiing. And skiing. Since it supports cycling kinda well. I don't like running but I do it a little bit to support my cycling career. I'm much better built for cycling than running."
KEY CAREER MILESTONES
First 24-Hour Race
First attempt at 24-hour racing. Completed 585km despite cold, windy conditions and equipment limitations.
First 600km+ 24-Hour
Achieved 611km in 24 hours despite rainy conditions, using the OG-EVKIN tempobike.
24-Hour World Champion
Breakthrough performance with 704.84km in perfect conditions, earning the title of Unsupported Solo 24h World Champion.
48-Hour World Record
Masterpiece performance with 1215.33km in 48 hours, setting a new World Record.
Multiple World Records
Indoor cycling world records, 300km World Championship, and continued dominance in ultra-distance cycling.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
"I do mostly kettlebells to build as strong foundation as possible. Never bench press, dumbbells or other gym nonsense. My cycling training consists of hitting 300km under 9h unsupported solo total time. As many as possible. It's a brutal training regime. But that's the only way for me to get into cycling shape."
STRENGTH FOUNDATION
Kettlebell training builds functional strength and endurance without unnecessary gym equipment.
ENDURANCE FOCUS
300km training rides under 9 hours develop the specific endurance needed for ultra-distance racing.
SPECIFICITY
All training mimics race conditions: solo, unsupported, and focused on sustained effort.
24-HOUR RACE HISTORY
First 24-Hour Race
My first 24h race. The day was cold and windy. My bike was aluminum cx bike. Not so fast on tarmac. Any other kit was not up to the task. Also massive knee pain at the end while trying to hit 600km / 24h. Got 585km. Victory but still quite bitter feeling by failing to hit 600km. Which isn't all that difficult to be honest. Gave my best, like everytime I race.
611km in Rainy Conditions
The weather was rainy partly cloudy. Not ideal. At the beginning there was nice weather. And my speed was pretty good which gave me hope. But then there was massive rainshowers and fiddling with rain gear took too much time. In the end I ended up w/ 611km @ 24h and victory. Which was pretty meh result. But in that weather it was good. First time using my own build OG-EVKIN tempobike. Which for low price was really fast bike.
World Champion Performance - 704.84km
First masterpiece on my career. The weather was perfect. And this time I finally hit 700km mark. All selfsupported and totally solo. I knew that this would be the golden chance to hit big numbers. It would be pretty easy to draft a car or other people to 900km. But when you going around 4km loop you are facing lots of nasty headwind every lap. It's a different ball game. In the end total time: exact 24h and 704.84km. And a title: Unsupported solo 24h World Champion. Took a week to recover from this one. Due to position on my bike was too aggressive.
Bittersweet Battle - 610km
This race kinda bittersweet. The autumn was cold and I couldn't get enough outdoor rides in. I didn't have a plan or anything. I just tried to improve my old 704km record. Well, the weather was cold and super strong winds. I fought like a lion for 13h. I was kinda in pace to improve a little bit. But experienced knee pain. Than pain in back. Then got rain showers addition to strong winds and cold weather. Took a long pause to be able to even continue. After a few hours of rest. I just did the rest w/ my left leg. Of course my speed wasn't up to the task. When using only one leg. Won men's category but not the overall. It was time to redeem myself.
Dream of 800km Dashed by Rain - 662.50km
This time the weather awful. Cold and massive rainshowers. I was dreaming about hitting 800km/500 miles @ 24h. And "finishing" my 24 career in high note. Also using my new bike: Tideace R053D with ICAN Aero 52mm. Also using latex innertubes for the first time in this race. The bike is superfast. I did the first hour at 38km/h. I was thinking about crushing 800km @ 24h pretty easy. Then got massive rainshowers and fiddling w/ rain gear took too much time. Not to mention the affect on cdA of such flappy clothes. Ended the misery w/ 662.50km @ 24 and victory.
48-HOUR & 12-HOUR RACES
48-Hour World Record - 1215.33km
My first ever 48h race. The strategy was to aim 1000km+, which I thought would be pretty easy. In the end got big hallucinations due to extreme wear. Ended up w/ 1215.3km @ 48h. And a title 48h unsupported solo World Champion. My career's second masterpiece.
12-Hour World Record - 428km
I decided to ride unsupported solo on round about and ended up w/ world record 428km @ 12h. Avg. speed: 36.4 km/h. Legs were just super strong. Carried all food. Only took water 2 times. Super hard ride.
12-Hour Personal Record - 424km
I hit 400km @ 12h for the first time. Total 424km @ 12h. Super hard ride. Avg. speed: 35.9 km/h.
OTHER RACES & ACHIEVEMENTS
300km World Championships
I organized a 300km unsupported solo World Championships in Parkano. I announced the race on twitter. The total time must be under 9h to be worth of title World Champion. Massive problems the whole time. In the end I ended up with: 9h unsupported solo ITT WCH @ 301.25 km.
300km Roller Ski
Hit 300+ km sub 20h on rollerskis. The route wasn't very good. Hilly and bad obstacles. But that's the best I could find.
Double Everesting
I decided to try double everesting since I already have many 10k's. The hill is too small thus too many turns. But in the end got the job done.
Indoor Cycling World Records
I decided to ride indoor 1000 miles and 1000 nautical miles records. Indoor cycling kinda sucks, but it's good training. Indoor cycling: 1000 mile sub 24h and 1000+ nautical mile @ 25h 25m / New World Records.
View on StravaIndoor Handcycle World Record
I decided to make new handcycle world record. 100+ miles sub 2h. Indoor handcycle: 101 mile @ 2h : World Record.
View on Strava24-Hour Walk #1
My first try was 129K steps + ~100 km. All kind of issues all the way.
View on Strava24-Hour Walk #2
My seconds try was 131K steps + ~102 km. My leg was full of blisters. Improvement was minimal. Was it worth it? Absolutely. This is just mental toughness training for cycling.
View on StravaCOMPLETE RECORD LIST
All achievements performed solo, unsupported, on circular routes
ULTRA ENDURANCE RECORDS
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
HIGH ROULEURS SOCIETY
Super randonneur series + 1000K Brevets completed. Double Everesting/HRS/Trenching reaching a total elevation of 17,790 meters.
RollerSki
Exceptional performance in cross-training discipline, demonstrating remarkable endurance across sports.
24-Hour Walk
Ultra-endurance walking achievements showcasing exceptional stamina beyond cycling.
GET IN TOUCH
For inquiries about my races, training methods, sponsorships, or media requests, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always interested in connecting with fellow endurance athletes, sponsors, and the cycling community.
CONTACT INFORMATION
RACE INQUIRIES
Information about race participation, organization, or rules
TRAINING CONSULTATION
Questions about ultra-endurance training methods and preparation
SPONSORSHIPS & PARTNERSHIPS
Brand collaborations and sponsorship opportunities
FOLLOW MY JOURNEY
RESPONSE TIME
I typically respond to emails within 2-3 days. Please note that during training blocks or around major races, response times may be longer. For urgent matters, please indicate "URGENT" in your subject line.