The Race Against Time
Professional windsurfer Bob van de Burgt (FMX Racing / Point-7) will take on a new challenge this summer to break the 24 hour world record for distance windsurfing by covering at least 800 kilometres, non-stop, day and night, on the Grevelingenmeer.
Following his 2024 challenge, an extreme crossing of nearly 400 kilometres across the North Sea, 2026 marks the next step. Where that challenge was a battle against the elements and perfect timing, The Challenge Race Against Time is a test of pure endurance. For 24 consecutive hours, day and night, Bob will windsurf without stopping to reach a minimum distance of 800 kilometres.
Once again, Bob will push his physical limits to raise awareness for children with a muscle disease. Because this challenge cannot be carried out on just any day, we are working with a so called wind window. This wind window is open in week 24 and 25, with June 11 and 12 as the ideal dates. And weeks 26 and 27 as back-up dates.
This year, main sponsor Howden plays a crucial role in enabling the challenge and ensuring that funds can be raised in support of the cause.
About the Charity
‘Spieren voor Spieren’ (translation: muscles for muscles) is committed to defeating all muscle diseases in children. Proceeds from fundraising activities are used quickly and effectively to accelerate diagnosis and improve treatments for children living with a muscle disease. Under the motto “Healthy muscles support sick muscles,” the foundation is supported by many current and former elite athletes who actively contribute to its mission.
About Lucas
At the heart of the campaign is Lucas (11), the child ambassador of the challenge. Lucas lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive muscle disease that causes his muscles to become weaker over time, eventually losing their function altogether. As long as there is no effective treatment or medication, time is slowly running out for Lucas’ muscles. As his mother Debby puts it, “While time moves forward, Lucas continues to fall behind.” It is, quite literally, a race against time.