A Canadian woman with a talent for riding big-wheeled bikes broke two speed records at an Australian track while pedaling a penny farthing.
Last December, Canadian athlete Lizanne Wilmot made headlines in the cycling world by setting two impressive records on a vintage penny farthing bicycle during the Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals in Burnie, Tasmania, Australia.
A native of Brampton, Ontario, Lizanne’s adventurous spirit and love for unique sports propelled her to push the limits of this iconic Victorian-era bicycle—distinguished by its oversized front wheel and tiny rear wheel—on the challenging tracks by the Bass Strait.
On New Year’s Eve, Lizanne achieved what many thought impossible: she completed a 1 km race in just 1 minute 52.750 seconds, smashing her previous record and beating the former holder by 30 seconds. She also reached a remarkable top speed of 26 mph (41.8 km/h), surpassing average cycling speeds by more than a mile per hour.
Reflecting on her accomplishments, Lizanne shared, “The pressure was intense, especially with the wind and the challenging track conditions. But I love a good challenge, and racing on a penny farthing is always thrilling.”
Her journey to these records was not without hurdles. She faced strong headwinds and gusty tailwinds due to the nearby Bass Strait, which threatened to impede her performance. Nevertheless, her perseverance paid off.
The event was originally scheduled earlier in December but was postponed due to inclement weather, giving Lizanne additional time to prepare. Her dedication paid off as she secured her place in the record books, reclaiming titles she had previously lost during the 2024 Penny Farthing Extravaganza in London.
