Rapha Gone Racing - Unbound Gravel XL

She started out riding her bike to work, then discovered she could get across town before eventually travelling all the way to the next city to see her sister. Now, Lael Wilcox is an ultra-distance racer renowned as a fierce competitor on the bike and one of the friendliest people you’re ever likely to meet off it. In an episode of Rapha Gone Racing that has been a long time in the making, we follow Lael to the home of gravel racing in Emporia, Kansas for Unbound Gravel, a race reborn after a year out in 2020. Only this time we’re going long…

With a 350-mile course, Unbound XL gets back to the self-supported spirit of gravel racing and requires riders to race through the night. In recent years, the event has been attracting increasing numbers of women and through her riding Lael hopes to encourage even more to take the start and believe that they can compete with the whole field, not just other women. That’s what Lael does and for any women out there watching, she has a simple message: “If I can do it, so can you.”

#GoneRacing

Cover photograph: Rugile Kaladyte

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[garyonnen]

It doesn’t matter how far in to a race it is lael always has a smile for however says hello to her. Thanks to Rapha for supporting her.

[dmv]

Rapha makes the best vids. Looking forward to lachy’s alt tour recap

[mattbibbings]

Honestly, who could give Lael a Thumbs-down?

She's a legend.

[TheYanchau]

Lael and Anton entering that shop and riding together... This would be my favorite duo to ride with !

[bashanderson]

​as soon as the music started I knew it was gonna be a good one.

[WheelsonaBike]

Lael is like the female version of Lachlan Morton or vice versa. Loves to ride, pushes herself and always comes across as grateful and giving.

[DRNeKky]

Im glad Monica Geller found something to do after Friends ended. Good for her

[gambya]

"If she could do it, I could do it."

No, Lael. You're cut from a different cloth and have a much larger ability to suffer than I do.

Awesome film and another incredible effort. Superhuman.

[coreyburglar]

Dude, Rapha Films are killing it. Can't wait for the Alt Tour movie.

[mtnbk]

Have been able to ride with Lael a bunch of times over the last 5 years. Not only is she an amazing cyclist, but she's an even better human being. Thanks for sharing her story!

[samsabu]

LAEL IS THE QUEEN OF MODERN DAY CYCLING. WE NEED MORE OF LAEL IN THE FUTURE... WE FANS COUNT ON IT!!!! WHAT A LEGEND

[thecashflowdoctor]

I love Lael's story. What a legend.

[antspage]

"i could try" thats probably the best motivation, most will not reach top 10 finishes as this is a tough grueling sport but if it gets more people out riding with friends and family's then i think we have all come out better for this ...amazing video

[FrancoMonet]

She is so awesome because she is so damn awesome, what a gem, what a beast!

[grubygość]

She is a real Terminator! Best whishes from Poland :)

[fysh]

Lael is a genuine champion in every sense of the word. Congrats on your marriage, Lael!

[Zen_Cycling]

Gravel nowadays is going back to the roots of cycling races.

[tomdavis]

Lael Is the most inspiring athlete I’ve ever followed. What a beautiful spirit!

[danfresca]

The inspiration here is off the charts! If this doesn’t make you want to ride a bike I don’t know what will 😂

[SpaceGhostLeni]

Lael seems so naturally open and warm. She’s without guile, just grateful to get to do what she loves. I’d love to meet her one day and tell her she’s been an inspiration to me.