Lael Wilcox to kick off Around the World Guinness World Record attempt on June 7: ‘We need more women to prove what's possible’

Lael Wilcox is preparing to embark on a new attempt to break the overall Guinness World Record for cycling around the world, with her journey set to begin on 7 June 2026. The Alaska-born ultra-endurance cyclist previously set the women’s record in 2024, completing an 18,125-mile ride in just over 108 days. This time, Wilcox aims to surpass the nine-year-old men’s record held by Mark Beaumont, which stands at 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes, requiring her to cut nearly a month from her previous time. Wilcox’s 2024 ride was characterised by a relaxed, community-oriented approach, involving frequent stops and a route that included challenging climbs for enjoyment rather than speed. However, her upcoming record attempt will be far more focused and intense, demanding an average of approximately 240 miles per day over 77 days. She has undertaken rigorous preparation, including training on steep climbs near her home in Tucson, Arizona, participating in high-speed group rides, and utilising wind tunnel testing to optimise her equipment and aerodynamics. The route for Wilcox’s record attempt is meticulously planned, covering seven major riding sections across multiple continents. Starting and finishing at Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, she will cycle through North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, crossing at least two antipodal points as required by Guinness World Records. The journey includes transatlantic and transpacific flights, with only the cycling miles counting towards the total distance. Wilcox has also emphasised the broader significance of her challenge, highlighting the need for more women to demonstrate what is possible in ultra-endurance sports. She sees breaking the men’s record as a symbolic and inspirational milestone that could encourage greater female participation and recognition in the cycling community. Her progress will be documented on social media, allowing fans and supporters worldwide to follow her pursuit in real time.