Cyclist Lael Wilcox Aims to Beat Men's World Record in 77 Days
Ultra-endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox is attempting to shatter the overall around-the-world cycling record, taking on a challenge no woman has tried. She'll ride 240 miles daily for 77 days starting June 7.
Lael Wilcox isn't content with being the fastest woman to cycle around the world. Now she's coming for the men's record too.
The 39-year-old from Alaska will attempt to break Mark Beaumont's nine-year-old record of 78 days, 14 hours, and 40 minutes when she sets off from Chicago on June 7. That means shaving 30 days off her own 2024 women's record of 108 days.
"Everyone's been asking, 'What man is going to go after this record?'" Wilcox told Cycling Weekly. "And none are asking, or even considering, that a woman could do it. And I think I can."
Her first attempt last year was a joyful community celebration. Wilcox rode just 12 hours a day, spending the other half stopping to chat with people, play tourist, and even add massive hills just because she loves climbing.
This time, it's all business. Wilcox has been training relentlessly in Tucson, Arizona, charging up Mount Lemmon and gaining speed at America's fastest group ride. She spent time in Specialized's wind tunnel, optimized every piece of equipment, shaved her head for aerodynamics, and will be fully supported for the first time in her career.
The challenge is enormous. Wilcox must cycle roughly 240 miles every single day for 77 days straight, covering a minimum of 18,000 miles across seven riding sections. Her route starts in Chicago, crosses the Atlantic to ride Europe from Lisbon to Istanbul, then continues through Kazakhstan, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and finally Alaska back to Chicago.
She needs to return to Buckingham Fountain by 6:40 p.m. on August 24 to claim the record.
Why This Inspires
Wilcox's attempt goes beyond personal achievement. In a sport where people automatically assume the next record challenger will be male, she's proving that assumption wrong through preparation and determination.
"We need more women to prove what's possible," Wilcox said in her announcement. "Breaking this record would be inspiring for women and communities all around the world."
Her journey shows that the ceiling we think exists often disappears when someone simply decides to reach higher.
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Based on reporting by Google News - World Record
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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