Australian cyclist Lachlan “Lachy” 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, completing the ride on October 5 at 1:54 p.m. local time. He averaged an astonishing 279 miles per day to log a new Fastest Known Time for a route known simply as “The Lap.”
Morton is no stranger to extreme ultradistance 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 8,823.5 miles 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 p.m.
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, Lachy endured more than his fair share of headwinds.
Day 16 was a major milestone, as Morton rode through the halfway point of The Lap, a touch under 4,412 miles in and 4,412 miles to go. It indicated that his pacing was intact and pointed toward a successful FKT attempt.
Morton occasionally enjoyed the support of “dot watchers” when nearing urban centers. On some days, a small group of fans would ride alongside for a bit.
The Most Interesting Day of the Around Australia Record
On day 21, on pace to break the Around Australia FKT, Morton spent time executing an act of kindness amid his month-long effort of saving time.
Morton spotted an injured bird on the road while riding. He stopped and bundled it up, moved it to a safe spot off the pavement, and contacted animal rescue to pick up the ailing bird for treatment.
Lachlan Morton’s New Around Australia FKT by the Numbers
When Morton rolled into Port Macquarie 30 days, 9 hours, and 59 minutes after he started pedaling, he shattered Dave Alley’s record by over a week. Lachy averaged a mind-bending 279.6 miles daily, clocking an actual 8,829.7 miles on his version of “The Lap.”
Along the way, Morton raised over $81,000 for Australia’s Indigenous Literary Foundation. This organization provides books for children in remote communities, focusing on those that portray stories in their respective native languages.
