Signet Bank supports Arvis Sprude for the fourth consecutive year on his journey to reclaim a Guinness World Record and raise awareness for the SOS Children's Villages programme "Over the Mountains"

For the fourth consecutive year, Signet Bank is proud to support ultra-endurance cyclist, sports teacher, and founder of the social initiative “Be the Example” (“ESI PIEMĒRS”), Arvis Sprude, as he pursues new challenges, world records, and meaningful social impact.

Arvis Sprude is one of Latvia’s leading endurance athletes. He is a two-time Guinness World Record holder, European Champion in the 500-mile ultra-cycling race, World Championship medallist, and recipient of the 2025 Three Stars Award for Sports Teacher of the Year. Through his achievements, Arvis not only pushes the limits of endurance sport but also inspires children and young people to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and overcome adversity.

On 31 July 2026, Arvis will begin a new attempt to reclaim the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance cycled in seven consecutive days. Over the course of one week, he aims to ride more than 4,000 kilometres and bring the world record back to Latvia.

Arvis first set this Guinness World Record in 2022 by cycling 3,559 kilometres in seven days. After the record was later surpassed by 60 kilometres, he reclaimed it for Latvia in 2024 by covering an impressive 3,816.94 kilometres.

This year’s challenge, however, is about much more than setting a record. Arvis aims to raise awareness of children and young people who have experienced the loss of a parent or another close family member and are facing one of life’s greatest hardships. His record attempt is dedicated to the SOS Children’s Villages Latvia programme “Over the Mountains” (“Kalniem pāri”), which provides professional emotional support to children and young people, helping them regain a sense of security and confidence as they move forward with their lives.

After my previous record, I promised myself that I would only do something like this again if it truly had a meaningful purpose. Breaking another record simply for personal achievement was never my motivation. When I learned about the “Over the Mountains” programme, I realised I had the opportunity to do something that once again seemed impossible. This is not a story about me. It is not a story about kilometres. It is a story about children who have had to overcome far greater mountains in life. My hope is that after this challenge, we will not be talking about the record itself, but about how many children we have been able to help,

tells Arvis Sprude, ultra-endurance cyclist, sports teacher, and founder of the social initiative “Be the Example” (“ESI PIEMĒRS”).

The Guinness World Record attempt will take place in three stages. The first stage will be a continuous 24-hour ride at the Biķernieki Motor Racing Circuit in Riga. This will be followed by an Everesting challenge in Sigulda, where Arvis will repeatedly climb and descend the same hill until he has accumulated the elevation gain equivalent to Mount Everest – 8,848 metres. In the final stage, he will cycle towards Kuldīga to complete the remaining distance and attempt to reclaim the Guinness World Record for Latvia.

The challenge begins on 31 July at 7:00 p.m. on the forest circuit of the Biķernieki track in Riga. The finish is expected on 7 August at 7:00 p.m. on the Skrunda highway in Kuldīga, followed by an official welcome celebration at 7:30 p.m. in Kaļķu Quarter.

Arvis’ challenge this year reminds us that true endurance is not only about pushing physical limits – it is also about supporting those who have experienced profound loss and need encouragement to believe in the future again. This is precisely why Signet Bank has proudly stood alongside Arvis for the past four years. During this time, we have witnessed his determination, courage, and ability to inspire others through his example. We believe that the greatest achievements gain their true value when they create an opportunity to help others,

emphasizes Ineta Done, Member of the Management Board of Signet Bank.

Signet Bank invites everyone to join Arvis’ initiative and support the SOS Children’s Villages Latvia programme “Over the Mountains”. Every donation helps provide professional emotional support to children and young people who are learning to rebuild their lives after the loss of someone close and to believe in the future once again.

Donations can be made here: https://www.sosbernuciemati.lv/lv/kampanas/parvaresim-kalnus-kopa