“American Cyclist Lael Wilcox Sets 18,000-Mile World Record, Inspiring Future Generations of Women”

American cyclist Lael Wilcox has etched her name in history by becoming the fastest woman to cycle around the globe, completing an astonishing 18,000-mile journey in just 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes. This remarkable achievement not only shattered the previous record by over two weeks but also served as a powerful statement against the skepticism she faced throughout her career.

Before embarking on her record-setting ride, Wilcox often encountered disbelief from men in the bar where she worked, who doubted her cycling accomplishments. “It infuriated me,” she recalled in a CNN Sport interview. “They didn’t believe I did the rides! It’s crazy.” Now, there is no denying her extraordinary feat, which began and ended in Chicago, taking her across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand before returning to her hometown of Anchorage, Alaska.

The idea for her epic journey sparked in 2016 during the TransAm Bike Race, where she became the first woman and first American to win. “It was a light bulb moment,” Wilcox said, reflecting on that pivotal experience. “I thought, ‘What do I need to do that?’ The only thing I did was get a new passport!”

Eight years later, she fulfilled that dream. “It was the ride of my life. I loved it,” she shared, even as the memory felt distant just a month after her return.

Part of Wilcox’s motivation stemmed from her desire to prove doubters wrong. “It lights a fire under me,” she explained. “I want them to see that we can do this. Maybe they won’t doubt the next woman who says she did a ride.”

During her journey, she engaged with women from Komoot’s Women’s Rallies, a movement she co-founded to inspire female cyclists. “I would almost always be the only woman at events,” she noted. “Can we change that? Can we encourage more women to be out there?” The rallies have attracted hundreds, with participants ranging from ages 19 to 70, fostering a supportive community.

Despite her determination, the journey was fraught with challenges. “Day four, I was throwing up all day,” she recalled, describing relentless rain and multiple bike punctures. She also faced a skin infection and food poisoning, yet these obstacles only reinforced her commitment. “To me, these setbacks are all part of the journey,” she said.

Wilcox also reflected on the broader challenges posed by climate change. “The first week from Chicago to New York City was filled with thunder and lightning storms every day,” she noted, pointing out the increasing severity of weather patterns over the years. “In Europe, it was way hotter than usual,” she added, emphasizing how quickly things are changing.

As she neared the conclusion of her journey, the emotional weight of her achievement began to surface. “Coming through San Francisco, I had about 200 riders with me and my family. It was so cool,” she recalled. After passing through several states, she was mentally focused on completing each leg of the trip without dwelling on the finish line.

However, just days from her final destination, she allowed herself to consider the possibility of breaking the record. “I started doing the math in my head,” she explained. “At first, I thought four days. But then I thought, if I push it a little, I could finish in three.”

Her determination paid off as she rode faster than ever before, fueled by the excitement of nearing her goal. The finish line came at sunset in Chicago, the same route she had taken months earlier. “It was the most beautiful time of day,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion. Surrounded by supporters, she cried, feeling a profound sense of accomplishment: “I did it.”

Wilcox’s record, however, may soon face a new challenge. Indian cyclist Vedangi Kulkarni, who previously held the title of the youngest woman to cycle around the world, is currently attempting to break Wilcox’s time. Yet, rather than feeling threatened, Wilcox welcomes the competition. “Records are meant to be broken,” she affirmed.

“I had a good ride, I’m happy with it. I’d love for someone else to go out and smash it,” she said, contemplating the possibility of another attempt herself. “My muscles are tight, my immunity is low, but I still just want to ride my bike.”

With her groundbreaking journey, Lael Wilcox has not only set a record but also inspired countless women to pursue their own cycling dreams, challenging perceptions and paving the way for future athletes.