Lachlan Morton has been busy lately—this time rewriting history on New Zealand’s North Island. The EF Pro Cycling rider and ultra-endurance legend took on a 40-year-old record, hammering out an eye-watering 648 km from Auckland to Wellington in 18 hours and 28 minutes.
Chasing Legends
The record was initially set in 1983 by Brian Fleck. A New Zealand postman who put in a year of before-and-after-work training to make the ride happen. At 43 years old, Fleck completed the journey on a steel-framed bike, relying on a humble support van for time checks.
But for Lachlan, this was never just about the numbers. “This wasn’t just chasing a new record; it was chasing a legend,” he said. “A pure test. To see how far and how fast we can go on a bike in one day.”
What about Previous Record Holder Brian Lambert?
While the film focuses on Fleck’s record and Morton’s attempt to recreate that ride over 40 years later, Lambert’s ride went unmentioned—a key part of the history that deserved recognition. The ride between these two cities is no small feat, and the legacy of those who have tackled it should be told in full.
Telling this story, one name was overlooked—Brian Lambert. Acknowledging the past isn’t just about celebrating records but respecting the riders who’ve pushed the limits before us.
Rapha Apologizes for the Omission
“Thank you to those who have highlighted an error in this narrative. In this film, we focused on Brian Fleck’s story due to Hayden McCormicks’ connection with him and his personal memory of that record. However, in hindsight we regret not recognizing Brian Lambert’s record-breaking rides and the place he holds in this history.
“Brian Lambert broke the Auckland to Wellington record twice, first in 1982 and again in 1984. Fulfilling his ambition of breaking the 20-hour barrier by finishing the 650km ride in an incredible 19 hours, 59 minutes, and 27 seconds. He held this record for over 40 years, until Lachlan’s ride in January 2025 in 18 hours, 26 minutes, and 56 seconds.
“Challenges like this are life-defining, and we have the utmost respect for all who go out to set them and shape what true human endeavour looks like.
“We would like to sincerely apologise to Brian Lambert’s family, friends, and fellow riders for this omission.
“Thank you to those who brought this to our attention.”
Modern Tech Meets Old-School Grit
Unlike Fleck, who had nothing but raw determination and a heavy steel rig, Morton rode with cutting-edge equipment, including Rapha’s new Pro Team Bib Shorts III—the brand’s latest evolution in high-performance comfort. After all, when you’re spending nearly 19 hours in the saddle, comfort matters.
This isn’t Morton’s first ultra feat—he’s built a cult following through his alternative race calendar and long-distance exploits, including a recent record-breaking ride around Australia.
Want to get your hands on the bibs that powered Lachlan’s latest effort? Rapha’s Pro Team Bib Shorts III drop on February 24, 2025, available at rapha.cc and Rapha Clubhouses worldwide.
What’s next for Lachlan? If history tells us anything, he’s probably already planning his next ultra-distance adventure.
