Australian cyclist Lachlan Morton, 32, just broke one of the more difficult records in long-distance biking. He circumnavigated Australia in 30 days, 9 hours, and 59 minutes. He averaged an astonishing 450km per day to log a new Fastest Known Time for a route known simply as “The Lap.”
Morton is no stranger to extreme ultra-distance cycling events. He famously completed the “Alt Tour” in 2021, riding the entire Tour de France course, including all the motorized transfers, unsupported, and beating the pro peloton to Paris.
In his new FKT, the former WorldTour pro broke a 13-year-old record of 37 days, 20 hours, 42 minutes for Around Australia set by Dave Alley.
‘The Lap’ FKT Standards
According to the Road Record Association of Australia (RRAA), cyclists must complete at least 14,200km to earn an FKT for “The Lap.” Additionally, the rider must pass through at least six of these cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Broome, Darwin, Esperance, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
Morton began and ended his quest in his hometown of Port Macquarie, New South Wales. To make the most of prevailing winds, his route circled the “Great Southern Country” counterclockwise. He planned on starting most days around midnight to avoid the heat and riding until 5 or 6 pm.
Unlike his other solo record attempts, this time, he had a support crew. This team included his wife, Rachel Peck, and his brother and former pro cyclist, Angus Morton. His childhood coach, Tom Hopper, and friends Karter Machen and Athalee Brown were also along for support.
Lachlan Morton’s journey around Australia
Morton, who is sponsored by EF Pro Cycling, started turning the pedals on September 4. The EF Pro Cycling website carried a live feed where fans could follow Morton’s “dot” around Australia and daily updates. Morton also authored Instagram posts describing the day’s events.
The daily feeds described Morton riding through every conceivable condition, from bitter cold to blistering heat, through rain, over massive climbs and poor road surfaces, into smoke from controlled fires, and nursing a nagging Achilles tendon injury.
On day 7, Morton had to bunny hop over a kangaroo. Although the route was planned to take advantage of tailwinds, he endured more than his fair share of headwinds.
The most interesting day of the around Australia record
Lachlan Morton’s new FKT by the numbers
This article first appeared on GearJunkie.
