Imagine pedaling through 638 kilometers of New Zealand's rugged terrain in under 18 hours. It sounds insane, right? Well, that's exactly what Samuel Shaw just accomplished, shattering the Auckland to Wellington record and etching his name into cycling history. But here's where it gets controversial: Shaw's triumph comes on the heels of a heated debate surrounding the previous record holder, Lachlan Morton, and a documentary that left a sour taste in many mouths.
Shaw's incredible feat, completed in 17 hours and 21 minutes, surpasses Morton's 2025 record by a full hour and 5 minutes. This makes Shaw the first rider to conquer this grueling route in under 18 hours, a milestone many thought unattainable. According to Strava data, Shaw maintained an astonishing average speed of 36.8 kph, powered by a weighted average wattage of 277. It's a testament to both his physical prowess and mental fortitude.
Interestingly, Shaw credits Morton's record-breaking attempt, documented in a Rapha-produced YouTube video, as his primary inspiration. However, that very video sparked controversy by focusing heavily on Brian Fleck, who held the record briefly in the 1980s, while completely omitting Brian Lambert, whose record stood for an impressive 41 years before Fleck's challenge. Lambert's family accused Rapha of perpetuating a 'false narrative,' leading to a public apology from the company. Was Rapha's oversight a simple mistake, or a deliberate attempt to rewrite history? It's a question that continues to divide opinions.
Adding a heartwarming twist to the story, James Lambert, son of the late Brian Lambert, congratulated Shaw on his achievement. 'Brilliant ride,' James remarked, 'And to break the 18-hour mark our father always believed was possible—it’s truly exceptional.' He went on to praise Shaw's effort, acknowledging the rich history of the Auckland to Wellington route and the respect it demands from riders. This gesture bridges generations of cycling history, reminding us of the sport's enduring spirit.
While Shaw's record awaits official ratification by Cycling New Zealand, Morton's other remarkable feat—a 14,200km ride around Australia's perimeter completed in October 2024—remains unchallenged. Meanwhile, Rapha, the clothing sponsor behind Morton's EF Education team, has announced its departure from the partnership at the end of 2025, shifting focus to sponsor USA Cycling instead. Does this mark the end of an era, or a new beginning for both Rapha and the cycling world?
Shaw's record isn't just about speed; it's about pushing boundaries, honoring the past, and igniting debates about how we remember sporting achievements. And this is the part most people miss: records aren't just numbers—they're stories of ambition, sacrifice, and sometimes, controversy. What do you think? Did Rapha handle the Lambert controversy appropriately? And how do you feel about the evolving narrative of cycling records? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
