After 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes, Lael Wilcox has officially broken the women’s Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle, shaving 16 days off Jenny Graham’s 2018 time. Learn more about Lael’s astonishing world ride here…

Photos by Rugile Kaladyte

On May 26th, 2024, ultra-endurance athlete Lael Wilcox left Chicago, Illinois, with plans to set a new women’s Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle. Until today, the previous record was held by Jenny Graham, who in 2018 rode some 18,500 miles across four continents in around 124 days, 10 hours, and 50 minutes.

lael wilcox around the world by bike record

Lael finished her ride in Chicago, Illinois, today, riding approximately 18,130 miles in 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes, setting a new women’s Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle. Lael rode a Specialized Roubaix with the new SRAM RED groupset, Zipp wheels with a SON dynamo hub, and Specialized Mondo 700 × 35mm tires. She used a minimal bag setup from Revelate Designs, including a Spinelock Seat Pack, the new Pitchfork Aerobar System that Logan covered at Sea Otter, and a Mag Tank top tube bag. You can read more about Lael’s bike and gear setup here.

lael wilcox around the world by bike record

Lael followed several Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) routes in the lower 48, including Chicago to New York, the Pacific Coast, and the Route 66. As part of her ride, she’s been fundraising to support the ACA with a goal to reach $20,000. She’s still a ways out, and you can make a donation here. Congrats, Lael!

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