American ultra-cyclist Lael Wilcox is gearing up for one of the most challenging races of her career: the Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska, set for February 2025. Known for pushing the boundaries of endurance cycling, Wilcox will take on the 1,000-mile (1,600 km) Fat Bike race across Alaska’s frozen wilderness, a test she says will push her far beyond her comfort zone.
Wilcox’s reputation as one of the world’s leading ultra-endurance cyclists was cemented earlier this year when she shattered the women’s around-the-world cycling record. She completed the 18,000-mile (28,968 km) route in just 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes, beating the previous record set by Scottish rider Jenny Graham in 2018.
Despite this remarkable feat, Wilcox told Cycling Weekly that the Iditarod challenge presents a unique and intense set of hurdles. The race, which follows a historic dog sledding route from just north of Anchorage to Nome—located above the Arctic Circle—has become a popular test for cyclists in recent years.
“I’m racing the full 1,000-mile Fat Bike race this February,” Wilcox said. “It’s a huge challenge, and even just finishing would be a major achievement. It takes you from where I grew up in Alaska, all the way to Nome, through some of the harshest conditions on the planet.”
Having grown up in Alaska, Wilcox’s fascination with the Iditarod Trail is deeply rooted in her childhood. “We used to follow the dog mushers growing up, so now I get to experience that world myself,” she said. “It’s always been something I’ve wanted to try, and now I finally get the chance.”
Adapting to the Extreme Cold
One of the most daunting aspects of the race is the extreme cold. Wilcox, who now lives in Tucson, Arizona, is no stranger to heat, but the freezing temperatures of Alaska represent a different kind of challenge. During her 500-kilometer ride in the region last year, she encountered temperatures as low as -40°F, an experience she described as feeling “like a different planet.”
To prepare for the harsh conditions, Wilcox will be returning to Alaska in the coming weeks to acclimatize to the cold. She’s also made adjustments to her gear to maximize warmth and comfort. “I’ll be wearing custom kit from Rapha, designed specifically to keep me as warm as possible,” she explained. “You need a lot of natural fibers for that kind of cold—like wool for the base layers—and I’ll be wearing real fur trim on my hood this time because synthetic materials just freeze from sweat or condensation.”
Wilcox’s meticulous attention to detail extends to every aspect of her kit. “Last year, my fake fur hat froze solid. Real fur doesn’t freeze—it just shakes off the snow and still blocks the wind effectively,” she added.
Innovative Gear Choices for the Cold
In addition to the fur-lined hood, Wilcox is taking further steps to adapt her clothing. After experiencing issues with her jacket zipper freezing during a previous ride, she’s made the decision to replace it with buttons this time around. “The zippers would freeze in the extreme cold, so this year, we’re removing them entirely,” she said. “It’s all about keeping things functional and ensuring that everything stays operational in freezing temperatures.”
Wilcox also highlighted the importance of carrying electronics in insulated pockets close to her body. To address this, her base layers will be equipped with small, built-in pockets designed to keep her phone and other gadgets warm. “It’s pretty wild how every detail has to be thought through,” she said.
Training for the Challenge
Despite the extreme nature of the Iditarod, Wilcox’s approach to training remains consistent with her previous record-setting efforts. “The key to success is just putting in the hours,” she said. “I don’t change my training schedule much for big races like this. I focus on getting as much time in the saddle as possible.”
Reflecting on the enormity of the challenge, Wilcox shared her philosophy on pushing herself to the edge of her comfort zone. “When I’m a little bit scared or nervous beforehand, I know I’m onto something good,” she said. “That’s when something truly exciting can happen. If I’ve already faced a similar challenge, there’s less room for growth. But stepping into the unknown, that’s where the learning and growth really take place.”
With the Iditarod Trail Invitational on the horizon, Wilcox is poised for another monumental adventure. Her journey will not only test her physical endurance but also push the boundaries of what is possible in ultra-cycling. For Wilcox, it’s all about embracing the challenge—and the rewards that come with it.
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