A 38-year-old ultra-endurance cyclist from Alaska, Lael Wilcox, has set a new world record for the fastest female circumnavigation globally by bike. She completed the 29,169 km (18,125 miles) journey in 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 124 days set by Jenny Graham in 2018.
Wilcox, who began her journey on May 28, crossed 21 countries and four continents, cycling up to 14 hours daily. Her journey began and ended in Chicago, and she travelled through destinations including New York, Portugal, Amsterdam, and Australia.
Cycling Weekly editor Anne-Marije Rook praised Wilcox’s resilience: “She just has such incredible physical stamina, mental toughness, and sheer determination.”
The previous record holder, Jenny Graham, cheered Wilcox’s achievement: “It’s amazing to see women pushing their sport the way they want to. I’m just a massive fan.”
Wilcox documented her journey with social media videos and a podcast alongside her wife, filmmaker Rugile Kaladyte. Her new record is set to be verified by Guinness World Records. Still, it may soon face a challenge from 25-year-old Indian cyclist Vedangi Kulkarni, who is pursuing breaking the same record.
