INTRODUCTION
On June 27, 2027, I will set off from the Vigorelli Velodrome in Milan to attempt to set the women’s world record for circumnavigating the Earth by bicycle.
A journey across completely different continents, cultures, and climates, undertaken alone and following the rules of the World UltraCycling Association (WUCA).
A sporting feat, but also a way to demonstrate that limits shouldn’t be set by stereotypes.
THE NUMBERS OF THE CHALLENGE
- Departure: June 27, 2027
- Start and finish: Vigorelli Velodrome, Milan
- Minimum distance to be covered by bicycle: 28,970 km
- Total journey distance: over 40,075 km
- Discipline: ultracycling
- Goal: Women’s world record
- Reference organization: WUCA
The rules for traveling around the world
My attempt is registered with the World UltraCycling Association (WUCA), the organization that sets the rules and verifies ultracycling records. To obtain official recognition, I will have to meet some basic requirements.
1. Departure and arrival
The World Tour must start and end in exactly the same place.
2. A prevailing direction
The journey must be in one predominant direction, from east to west or from west to east.
Significant movements in the opposite direction are not counted in the total valid distance.
3. Minimum distance
I will have to cycle at least 28,970 km.
The total distance of the journey, including permitted transfers, must exceed 40,075 km, equivalent to the Earth’s circumference at the Equator.
4. The antipodal points
The path must pass through two approximately opposite points on the Earth’s surface.
My project includes Madrid, Spain, and Wellington, New Zealand, with the exact points on the route still to be defined.
5. Crossing the oceans
To cross oceans and obstacles that cannot be crossed by bicycle, I can use public transport, such as planes, ferries and buses.
Private or chartered transportation is not permitted for these transfers.
6. The clock doesn’t stop
Time includes everything: pedaling, stops, rest, flights, waiting and transfers.
The stopwatch will start in Milan and will stop only upon my return.
7. No slipstreaming
I will not be able to ride in the slipstream of other cyclists or vehicles.
If I am cycling with other people, I will have to keep at least five bike lengths apart.
8. Record documentation
Each day must be documented through GPS data, activity files, geolocalized photographs, and heart rate or power data, according to WUCA guidelines.
This data will be used to verify the route and certify any record.
MY CHOICE: UNSUPPORTED
The WUCA rules don’t require you to tackle the Round the World Tour without support. This is a personal choice I made.
I decided to cycle around the world alone, without a support vehicle or team to accompany me along the way.
I will independently manage navigation, nutrition, accommodations, bike maintenance, and unforeseen events.
I will have a team of professionals behind me to help me prepare and monitor the project remotely.
The professionals at my side
An undertaking of this magnitude cannot be built alone.
Even though I will be tackling the World Tour without direct assistance, preparation requires a variety of skills: training, nutrition, mental preparation, health, and optimizing your position on the bike.
This is why I chose to surround myself with professionals who accompany me on the path to departure.
Please include six cards with your photo, name, profession, and a brief description of your contribution.
My Team
Simone Zoadelli
Athletic Trainer
Veronica Gritti
Nutritionist
Marco Pellegrini
Nutritionist
Federica Fazzini
Psychotherapist
Nicola Cosmo
Mental Coach
Filippo Rocchetti
Bikelab bike fitting
Simone Zoadelli – Athletic Trainer
He helps me with my physical preparation and training planning to tackle the very long distances of the World Tour.
Veronica Gritti – Nutrition Biologist
It supports me in nutritional preparation and in managing the energy needs related to ultracycling.
Marco Pellegrini – Nutrition Biologist
He supports me in food preparation and the nutritional aspects necessary to face a challenge of this duration.
Federica Fazzini – Psychologist and psychotherapist
It accompanies me in my psychological preparation, helping me face a challenge that will require adaptation, balance, and difficulty management.
Nicola – Mental Coach
He helps me with mental preparation, concentration, and managing the psychological aspects of performance.
Filippo – Bike fitting
It focuses on studying and optimizing my position on the bike, with the aim of improving comfort, efficiency, and sustainability of my posture over long distances.
The world, one pedal stroke at a time
I will leave from Milan, crossing Europe and continuing towards the East.
The journey will touch Asia, Oceania, and America before returning to Europe and arriving back in Milan.
The route will cross very different climatic conditions, territories and cultures.
The route is still being defined and will be progressively updated with confirmed routes.
Insert an indicative map of the World Tour that can be updated later.
Official WUCA Rules
See the official WUCA rules: https://ultracycling.com/record-rules/