Leah Goldstein – The Unstoppable Force of Ultra Endurance Cycling

A Legend on Two Wheels

In the elite world of ultra endurance cycling, there are names that echo with respect and admiration. Among them, Leah Goldstein’s name shines brightly. Born on February 4, 1969, in Vancouver, Canada, Goldstein has dedicated her life to pushing boundaries, breaking records, and proving that limits are not fixed points but challenges to be overcome. From her beginnings in martial arts to conquering the most gruelling cycling events in the world, her journey is a testament to determination, preparation, and the belief that the human spirit can accomplish the extraordinary.

Early Athletic Brilliance

Leah’s sporting career began in a fiercely competitive environment. At only 17 years old, she became the World Bantamweight Kickboxing Champion in 1989. This achievement announced her arrival on the international stage and demonstrated the fearless drive that would define her future endeavors. Transitioning from martial arts to multi-discipline sports, she won Israel’s national duathlon title in 1998, showing her versatility and exceptional physical conditioning.

Rising to the Top in Competitive Cycling

Goldstein’s dedication to cycling quickly paid off. She claimed Israel’s national championship titles in both the time trial and road race disciplines in 2008 and 2009. These victories reflected not only her natural talent but also her tireless work ethic, her attention to training, and her ability to adapt to the demands of high-level competition.

Making History in the Race Across America

The year 2021 marked a historic moment in endurance sports. Leah Goldstein became the first woman ever to win the overall solo division of the Race Across America (RAAM), a 3,000-mile race from coast to coast across the United States. Known as one of the most challenging cycling events in the world, RAAM tests every aspect of an athlete’s endurance, strategy, and resilience. Goldstein completed this monumental race in 11 days, 3 hours, and 3 minutes. It was a performance that combined physical power with extraordinary mental focus, earning her a place in the record books and in the hearts of cycling fans worldwide.

The 2025 Trans Am Bike Nonstop Record Breaker

In June 2025, at the age of 56, Leah set her sights on another extraordinary challenge: the Trans Am Bike Nonstop Race, a self-supported cycling race spanning more than 6,500 kilometers from Astoria, Oregon, to Yorktown, Virginia. This event offers no support crews and no roadside comforts—only the rider, the bicycle, and the open road.

Goldstein approached the race with meticulous preparation. Every piece of equipment was selected for reliability and performance, from puncture-proof tubeless tires to precise gear adjustments. She studied the route extensively to identify the most efficient path and avoid potential hazards. Her sleep strategy was also finely tuned. Rather than losing valuable hours searching for accommodations, she rested wherever she could find safety and quiet—sometimes in churches, sometimes beside the road—allowing her to maximize her time in the saddle.

The results were spectacular. Leah finished the race in 15 days and 6 hours, setting the fastest overall time ever recordedfor the route, regardless of gender. Even more impressively, she crossed the finish line more than 1,200 kilometers ahead of her nearest competitor, a gap almost unheard of in races of this magnitude.

Beyond the Bike: Motivator and Role Model

Leah Goldstein’s influence extends well beyond competitive cycling. As a motivational speaker, she shares her powerful life story with audiences around the globe. Her signature mantra, “You shouldn’t stop”, resonates with anyone facing a seemingly impossible challenge. Her talks inspire people from all walks of life to approach obstacles with courage and persistence.

In 2025, her career and her contributions to sport and inspiration were recognized with her induction into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. This honorreflects both her exceptional athletic achievements and her impact as a role model.

The Legacy of Leah Goldstein

Leah Goldstein’s career is more than a list of victories. Her triumphs are living proof that age is just a number, that limits are negotiable, and that the human spirit has no boundaries when fueled by passion and preparation. She continues to inspire athletes, dreamers, and anyone determined to push past their perceived limits.

Her victory at the 2025 Trans Am Bike Nonstop Race was not simply another win. It was a symbol of possibility—a reminder that with vision, planning, and unshakable willpower, incredible achievements are within reach. Leah Goldstein rides not only for herself but for everyone who believes that the road ahead is always worth traveling.