Lael Wilcox Nearing Round-the-World Cycling Record

Wilcox is expected to finish at Buckingham Fountain in Chicago’s Grant Park on September 12.

Lael Wilcox, world-renowned endurance cyclist, is rapidly approaching her goal of setting the official women’s world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bike. Lael departed from Chicago’s Millennium Park at 7:00 AM on May 26, 2024, and has since traversed the world on her bike (a Specialized Roubaix equipped with Sram Red AXS and Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels).

Lael’s goal is to cover more than 29,000 km in 110 days. Jenny Graham holds the current women’s record with 124 days, 10 hours, and 50 minutes.

As of September 7, Lael had only 1,600 km left to ride before arriving in Chicago. She plans to arrive on the evening of Thursday, September 12, averaging 273 km per day on this final stretch and finishing at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park.

Lael Wilcox holds numerous records, including the fastest known time on the 4417 km Tour Divide route, a victory in the Trans Am Bike Race, and a women’s record in the 6760 km Transcontinental Race. Her achievements have captivated the cycling world and earned her a reputation as one of the most accomplished endurance cyclists of her generation.

Some figures

How many cups of coffee: “200, but I actually drink a lot more Coca Cola than coffee! I bet I’ve had between 300 and 600 Cokes.”
Favorite riding day: “my first day back in Alaska, where I grew up. It was amazing to be on my home turf with daylight until 11 PM after a winter crossing of Australia and New Zealand.”
Hardest riding day: “on day 4, I was throwing up all day, it wouldn’t stop raining, and I had several flats. I still rode 223 km, but it was a tough day.”
Number of countries: 22.
Total kilometers: “as of day 105, I’m at 27,815. The total should be 29,193.5 km after 110 days.”
Average daily mileage: “262 km per day.”
Average speed: “23.33 km/h”
Average daily calories: “I probably eat between 6,000 and 8,000. I’ve lost a little weight, but not too much.”
Estimated number of people who joined her on this adventure: “at least 3,000.”
Nights in hotels: “most – I also stayed with a few friends along the way.”
Nights camping: “3 weeks.”