Cyclist Shaves Head to Save 13 Hours in World Record Bid

When you're trying to cycle around the entire world in 78 days, every minute counts—even the ones you spend brushing your hair.

Lael Wilcox, a 39-year-old ultra-endurance cycling champion from Alaska, is preparing to attempt Mark Beaumont's around-the-world cycling record of 78 days, 14 hours, and 40 minutes. Her secret weapon? A buzz cut that saves 10 minutes daily, adding up to 13 hours over the journey.

"It's more about time savings: not having to wash and brush it," Wilcox told Cycling Weekly. For someone who needs to ride 240 miles every single day for nearly three months, those hours matter enormously.

This attempt marks a dramatic shift from Wilcox's 2024 ride, when she took a more relaxed approach. Last year, she rode with friends, stopped to play tourist, and added massive hills simply because she loves climbing.

This time, she's all business. Wilcox spent a full day at Specialized's headquarters undergoing wind tunnel testing to squeeze every possible second out of her equipment and position.

The results surprised even her. An aero bar bag turned out faster than riding without one, and her riding position alone could save her 30 minutes per training route.

Why This Inspires

What makes Wilcox's story special isn't just the numbers—it's watching someone reimagine what's possible. She's not a WorldTour time trialist obsessed with marginal gains; she's known for her contagious giggle and drinking milk mid-ride.

Yet here she is, combining her laid-back personality with laser focus. She'll ride a comfort-focused Specialized Roubaix instead of a time trial bike because after 16 hours in the saddle, comfort becomes speed.

To break the record, Wilcox needs to maintain 15 mph for 16 hours daily, or ideally 16 mph for 15 hours to gain more recovery time. The math leaves zero room for inefficiency.

She's been training with 230-mile days since January, carefully monitoring her resting heart rate to avoid overtraining. The testing revealed that even hairstyle choices matter: a bun proved faster than a ponytail, but a buzz cut beats both.

"A mile an hour faster saves me a whole hour every day," Wilcox explained. When you're chasing 30 days off your previous time, those hours add up to possibility.

Starting June 7, Wilcox will pedal at least 18,000 miles across continents, proving that with enough creativity and determination, even the impossible becomes a matter of minutes saved.