Lael Rides Around the World, Faster

Lael Wilcox is back with a world record attempt to be the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle. 18,000 miles in under 78 days.

07 June 2026

Lael Wilcox is riding around the world. Again. Having beaten the women’s record by a fortnight two years ago, Lael is back to break the men’s record – aiming to ride under 78 days and 14 hours. And she’s already underway. Starting on June 7th in Chicago at 4AM local time, Lael is riding 3,225km to Halifax, Nova Scotia, before crossing to Lisbon and continuing east. All being well, she’ll finish back in Chicago on Monday, 24th August by 6:40PM, having broken the record for a second time.

If the first loop was as much about community, meeting riders where they are and spending time with them on their roads on Lael’s way round the world, this time it’s about performance. Don’t believe us? Lael shaved her head in May at Rapha San Francisco to show it, and that’s only the beginning.

Earlier this year, Lael spent time in Specialized’s Win Tunnel in California to analyse the aerodynamics of different setups. The resulting data led to a bespoke Rapha suit, engineered specifically for her global challenge. While endurance and comfort remain her baseline, Lael will switch into this custom piece for specific sections of the route where maximising aerodynamic gains matters most.

After a trial run in March with a close-knit team, including partner Rue Kaladyte – whose incredible pictures and video postcards brought Lael’s ride to life for those of us at home – Lael is gearing up to go again, and we’ll be there for every pedalstroke.

Join us in supporting her in force on her global expedition.

Real time updates on: @rapha / @laelwilcox / Wahoo

Lael's Around the World Kit

Brevet Merino Long Sleeve Jersey III
150gsm Rapha Performance Merino® (17.5-micron RWS® certified Italian merino wool blended with recycled Cationic Polyester) delivers next-to-skin softness, natural odor resistance and fast drying times. Brevet Air Pockets remove excess core heat even under full load. Lightweight, high-visibility IQseen™ reflective dots mean you can keep riding through low-light conditions.
Brevet Cargo Winter Tights
Built for all-day endurance. 250gsm Italian brushed-back fleece using a GRS® certified recycled yarn keeps your legs warm, while a 330gsm 3-layer wind- and water-resistant membrane protects the rear of the tights from spray. Features five high-capacity pockets and the Brevet Endurance Seamless Chamois.
Brevet Lightweight Insulated Jacket
Traditional insulation traps moisture during high-output efforts; zonal 65gsm Japanese active insulation uses hollow-core fibers to retain core heat while rapidly expelling sweat. Weighing 186g with a packable C0 DWR windproof shell, it functions as an outer layer on cold, dry days both on the bike and when you decide to stop for the night.
Brevet GORE-TEX Rain Jacket
Our lightest ever ultra-distance waterproof outer layer (142g, Men’s M). Engineered with 58gsm 3-layer woven ripstop GORE-TEX with a PFAS-free ePE membrane and fully taped seams. Delivers Black Diamond-certified "GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY" protection while compressing into a jersey pocket. Fitted with a two-way AquaGuard® zip and zipped essentials pocket.