06/07/2026
PART 1 of 2: So I had this show up in my feed a few days ago and thought WOW!
Lael Wilcox is set to ride around the world once again, this time in pursuit of the overall Guinness World Record. She will set off on June 7.
In 2024, the Alaska native set a new women’s record, completing her 18,125-mile journey in 108 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes.
That year, Wilcox had approached the record-setting ride in classic Lael fashion: fun-first and community-driven. She rode with people. She stopped often. She played tourist and added massive hills to her route simply because she loves climbing.
But come 7 June 2026, it’ll be all business.
The 39-year-old aims to take on the nine-year-old record of ultra-endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont: 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes.
That means cutting 30 days from her 2024 time, and she has left no stone unturned in preparation.
She spent time in the wind tunnel at Specialized’s headquarters in Morgan Hill, optimised her equipment and even shaved her head. And, for the first time in her ultra-endurance career, she’ll be fully supported.
The goal: completing roughly 240 miles (386km) every day for 77 days.
Visit CyclingWeekly to learn about her route and more.
