If you are today years old that you learned there are world records for penny farthings, that’s OK. But now that you do know, you have to check out the incredible ride by Australian rider Lizanne Wilmot.
Wilmot broke the female world record for the fastest 1,000 m on a penny farthing. The previous record stood at 2:22.32. Wilmot destroyed it, coming in at 1:52.75.
Fastest by far(thing)
A penny farthing is an old-fashioned bike with a giant front wheel and a tiny back one, popular in the late 1800s. It was eventually replaced by the safety bicycle, which had two equal-sized wheels and a chain, making it much easier to ride. You are most likely more familiar with the latter…
Wilmot is a track sprinter based in Sydney, Australia. Originally from Brampton, Ont., she now enjoys the beaches, rides, and velodromes in Australia’s endless summer atmosphere. Wilmot’s journey into track cycling began when her speed skating coach suggested she gain more race experience. After a series of injuries, including an ankle reconstruction and a torn ACL in her right knee, she transitioned to track cycling in 2010. While she still has a passion for skating, she’s found her stride—and speed—on the track.
Former national champ on track
The two-time Canadian keirin champion took the Canadian keirin titles in 2015 and 2018 and is a five-time Australian penny farthing champion. Wilmot, who works as a spatial scienctist also set the women’s Hour Record for a penny farthing in July 2023. That record was ultimately broken in December in London.
The 38-year-old multi-disciplined cyclist broke the record at the Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals, an event featuring a variety of competitions, including track racing and criteriums. It’s eight days of events held across various cities in Tasmania.
An eclectic collection of different competitions
The event is Tasmania’s premier extreme sports competition, drawing world-class athletes from around the globe. Founded 130 years ago, it has since become somewhat of a cherished Christmas tradition. Featuring $200,000 in prize money, the event showcases fierce competition in woodchopping, cycling, and running, with world, national, and local champions vying for victory.
Wilmot’s original plan was to try and break the max speed record at Hobart and Burnie. However, high winds resulted in events being cancelled.
She did end up setting the kilo record at the Devonport Oval, however.
Check out this amazing ride below,…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…