Matthew Lefthand has officially rewritten American ultra cycling history. Riding a Cruzbike V20 recumbent bike at Bike Sebring in Florida, Lefthand set a new U.S. 24-hour road record while also establishing a new course record for the prestigious event. All that last weekend on Feb 14-15, 2026

Bike Sebring

Bike Sebring is one of the most respected ultra cycling events in North America. Held annually in Sebring, Florida, the race takes place on a fast, flat course that includes long stretches of smooth pavement and a controlled environment ideal for record attempts. Riders compete in multiple formats, including 6, 12 and 24-hour races. The event has become a proving ground for elite endurance athletes aiming to set national and international benchmarks.

At this year’s edition, Lefthand delivered a breakthrough performance aboard his Cruzbike V20, setting a new American 24-hour record for a recumbent bike and simultaneously breaking the Bike Sebring course record. His achievement underscores how far recumbent performance technology has evolved in recent years.

While official final numbers from the event confirm his American record status, the broader global benchmark remains staggering. Austrian ultra cyclist Christoph Strasser holds the overall 24-hour outdoor world record on an upright bike, covering 1,026.215 km / 637.66 miles in July 2021 at Austria’s Hinterstoisser Air Base in Zeltweg. He maintained an extraordinary average speed of 42.75 km/h / 26.56 mph over the full 24 hours. Lefthand’s record adds a powerful American chapter to that elite 24-hour conversation.

Cruzbike V20

The Cruzbike V20 is no ordinary recumbent. Designed as a front-wheel-drive, moving bottom bracket performance machine, the V20 is engineered for maximum power transfer and minimal aerodynamic drag. Its laid-back seating position dramatically reduces frontal area compared to an upright bike, offering measurable aerodynamic gains, especially at sustained high speeds.

Comfort is another crucial factor. In ultra cycling, minimizing strain on the neck, wrists, and saddle area can be the difference between holding pace and fading late in the race. Lefthand has emphasized that after riding 24 hours on a recumbent, he feels noticeably better compared to completing the same effort on a time trial bike.

Interview featuring Maria Parker and Matthew Lefthand

Don’t miss the interview video below, featuring Matthew Lefthand and Maria Parker, CEO of Cruzbike and accomplished ultra cyclist herself. In the conversation, they dive into ultra cycling strategy, recumbent-specific performance advantages, and the unique demands of Bike Sebring. Lefthand also explains in detail the physical differences between riding a time trial bike for 24 hours and a recumbent bike for 24 hours. His conclusion is clear: he feels significantly better after the recumbent effort. Although kind of long, it is really worth watching.