US cyclist sets new world record for fastest global circumnavigation
American "ultra-endurance" cyclist Lael Wilcox has shattered the world record for the fastest woman to cycle around the globe, setting a new benchmark with her remarkable achievement. Wilcox completed her 29,169 km journey in 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes, starting and ending in Chicago. She crossed the previous record set by Scotland's Jenny Graham in 2018 by nearly 16 days.
Wilcox's journey: 21 countries, 4 continents, 1 record
Wilcox, a 38-year-old Alaskan native, embarked on her record-breaking journey on May 28. She traversed through 21 countries across four continents before returning to Chicago around 9:00 pm local time (2:00 am GMT) on Wednesday. Her daily routine involved cycling up to 14 hours, demonstrating the extreme dedication required for such an "ultra-endurance" feat.
Wilcox's feat: A testament to stamina and determination
Anne-Marije Rook, North America editor at Cycling Weekly magazine, praised Wilcox's "incredible physical stamina, mental toughness and sheer determination." She highlighted the cyclist's ability to maintain such an intense effort "day in and day out for 108 days straight." Experts estimate that ultra-endurance cyclists like Wilcox can burn between 6,000 to 10,000 calories a day during their rides.
Wilcox's previous achievements and Guinness World Record rules
Wilcox is no stranger to cycling triumphs. She was the first female rider to win the TransAm, a 4,000-mile race across the US, and has also set records in the Tour Divide, a challenging race along the American continental divide in the Rocky Mountains. Despite her latest record being termed as a "ride around the world," Guinness rules only require riders to start and end in the same place while always traveling in one direction.
Wilcox's route: From Chicago to New York and beyond
Wilcox's journey began in Chicago, from where she headed to New York before flying to Portugal. Her route took her north to Amsterdam, through Germany and the Alps, into the Balkans, and across Turkey to Georgia. She then flew to Australia, cycled along its southern coast from Perth to Brisbane, before taking a flight to New Zealand. After covering both islands of New Zealand, she returned home via Anchorage and Los Angeles before finally reaching Chicago again.
Praise and support from the cycling community
Jenny Graham, the previous record holder, expressed her admiration for Wilcox's achievement, noting it was inspiring to see women pushing their sport in such a significant way. Anne-Marije Rook echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how athletes like Wilcox and Graham are "pushing the boundaries" not only in cycling but also in women's sports overall.
Wilcox's journey documented through social media and podcasts
Wilcox, together with her filmmaker wife Rugile Kaladyte, captured her journey through a series of social media videos. The couple also produced a daily podcast, providing listeners with an intimate look into the ups and downs of the trip. This digital chronicle allowed fans to follow Wilcox's progress in real-time, adding another layer to her remarkable achievement.
