September 12, 2024 - (Chicago, IL) World-renowned endurance cyclist, Lael Wilcox, has set a new official Women’s World Record for the Fastest Circumnavigation of the World by Bicycle, completing 18,125 miles (29,169 km) and 630,000 feet (192,024 m) of climbing around the world in 108 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes. The previous women’s record was held by Jenny Graham at 124 days, 10 hours and 50 minutes.
Wilcox started from Millennium Park in Chicago’s Grant Park on May 26 at 7:00 am, and finished at Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain on September 11 at 6:14 pm. She rode a Specialized Roubaix equipped with SRAM RED AXS and Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels.
Wilcox holds numerous records, including the fastest known time on the 2,745-mile Tour Divide route, a victory in the Trans Am Bike Race, and a women’s record in the 4,200-mile Transcontinental Race. Her feats have captivated the cycling world and earned her a reputation as one of her generation’s most accomplished endurance cyclists.
Fun facts
• How many cups of coffee: 200, but I really drink a lot more Coca Cola than coffee! I bet I’m somewhere between 300-600 cokes.
• Favourite day of riding: my first day back in Alaska, where I grew up. It felt incredible to be on my home terrain with daylight until 11pm after a winter crossing of Australia and New Zealand.
• Most challenging day of riding: on day 4, I was throwing up all day, it never stopped raining and I was getting multiple punctures. I still rode 139 miles, but it was a tough one.
• Number of countries: 22.
• Total miles: on day 105, I’m at 17,284. The total should be 18,140 after 110 days.
• Average daily miles: 163 miles per day.
• Average speed: 14.5 mph.
• Average daily calories: I’m probably eating between 6,000 and 8,000. I’ve lost a little weight, but not too much.
• Estimated number of people that joined me on the ride: at least 3,000.
• Nights in hotels: most – I’ve stayed with a few friends along the way too.
• Nights camping: 3 weeks.
Follow Lael’s journey on social channels:
• Lael’s Instagram: @laelwilcox
• SRAM Road Instagram: @sramroad
• Lael’s podcast: Lael Rides Around The World
