An American ultra-endurance cyclist has set a new world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the World by a woman in bicycle.
Lael Wilcox left Chicago's Grant Park on May 26, and returned 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes later, having completed 18,125 miles (29,169 km) across four continents and 22 countries, according to the Cycling Weekly magazine.
The 38-year-old Alaskan has broken the record held by Scot Jenny Graham since 2018 after completing her unsupported journey in 124 days, 10 hours and 50 minutes.
The new timing needs to be verified for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records.
"I had so much fun — felt like I could've just kept riding forever," Wilcox commented at the finish at the Buckingham Fountain, where she was welcomed by family, friends and the Chicago cycling community.
Wilcox traveled the world aboard a customized Specialized Roubaix and tackled North America first, followed by Europe. She then flew to Bangkok to ride across Thailand and Malaysia, finishing in Singapore. From there, she flew to Australia and New Zealand, before flying back to her home state of Alaska, and riding back to the starting point.
On her around-the-world journey, Wilcox completed 18,125 miles with 630,000 feet of climbing. She averaged approximately 170 miles a day, the Cycling Weekly magazine says.
Wilcox accomplished the ambitious task after battling illness, flat tires, mechanical glitches and adverse weather.
Wilcox began ultra distance racing in 2015 and holds the women's records in the Tour Divide and Trans Am.
In 2016, she became the first American to win the Trans Am Bike Race.
by Joji Xavier
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