“Goldstein completed the race in just over 11 days despite dealing with Shermer’s Neck, a painful condition that afflicts many ultracyclists who spend upwards of 22 hours a day hunched over their bikes and makes it difficult to keep their head up. Eight days into the race, Goldstein’s team kept her on the road by braiding tape in her hair and tying it to her heart-rate monitor or bra to keep her head pulled back.”

“Whether it’s nature or nurture, Leah, a former world kickboxing champion and professional cyclist, is using her gifts to inspire others.”

“Despite becoming a world champion kick-boxer in 1987 at age 17, Leah Goldstein was really just starting her career as an athlete and all-around bad-ass.”

“Goldstein had at least 50 miles on 60+ men leader David Jones and on second place woman Caroline van den Bulk. Goldstein’s stated goal is to beat the average speed record held by 6-time winner Hogan — a tall order — she’ll need to do better than 13.22 mph, a speed that would beat most of the male solos!”