In the twilight hours of September 11, 2024, Lael Wilcox became the unofficial new world record holder for the Fastest Circumnavigation of the World by Bicycle (female).

In September, endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox crushed a world record, biking 18,000 miles around the globe, but it didn’t crush her—not even close.

Lael Wilcox bikes through Spain on June 4, 2024. (Courtesy Rue Kaladyte) Wilcox started the journey in Chicago and biked to New York City.

Lael Wilcox is an ultra-endurance bike rider and racer. Her many accomplishments include records on routes around the world, including the women’s Guinness Around the World record.

American cyclist Lael Wilcox rode more than 18,000 miles in 108 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes. She's claiming the record for the fastest woman to ride around the world.

American Lael Wilcox has broken the world record for the fastest woman to cycle around the world, traversing 21 countries and 18,125 miles in three and a half months.

Long before endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox became the fastest woman to ever ride around the world, men at the bar she worked in used to tell her she was lying about her achievements.

Lael Wilcox is the fastest woman to ride her bike around the world. The Tucsonan traveled over 18,000 miles in three months to break the record.

Celebrated endurance bicyclist Lael Wilcox finished a 108-day journey around the world at Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain.

American cyclist Lael Wilcox rode more than 18,000 miles in 108 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes. She's claiming the record for the fastest woman to ride around the world.