sports
‘Worst case I get to ride a lot’: Lael Wilcox on her quest to become the fastest human to cycle round the world
After setting the women’s around-the-world record two years ago, the Alaskan is aiming for a new mark with her next 18,000 mile journey
TL;DR
- Lael Wilcox is attempting to break Mark Beaumont's outright record of 78 days and 14 hours for cycling around the world.
- She previously set the women's around-the-world record in 110 days and has a history of winning or setting records in major ultra-cycling events.
- For this attempt, Wilcox is shifting from adventure riding to pure racing, focusing on efficiency, aerodynamics, and detailed planning.
- She will have a full support crew for the first time, managing nutrition, logistics, and bike mechanics.
- Wilcox aims to average 15 mph for longer durations each day compared to her previous record attempt.
- The record attempt requires adherence to strict rules, including covering at least 18,000 miles, crossing all lines of longitude, and traveling in a single direction.