New Zealander Sets New FKT on 100-Mile Utah Route

New Zealander Cameron Jones has set a new fastest known time (FKT) on the White Rim trail in Utah, surpassing a record that had stood for five years. Riding for Scott Sports USA-RCC, Jones completed the 100-mile unsupported route in 5:23:27 on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The performance shaved 4 minutes and 54 seconds off the previous mark established by American rider Keegan Swenson on March 3, 2021. According to reporting from Velo, Jones maintained an average speed of 18.7 miles per hour to secure the record.

Overcoming Early Deficits

The record attempt was not without challenges, as Jones faced significant wind conditions throughout the ride. Cyclingnews reports that a headwind during the first half of the loop left Jones trailing Swenson’s pace by nearly four minutes at the halfway point.

Jones tracked his progress using timing notes written on his top tube handle. Despite the early deficit, he was able to make up the time in the second half of the ride to trim nearly five minutes from the previous record.

It’s about five minutes of it [the record]? It’s a hard thing to race around. The bike was so good.

Cameron Jones to Scott Sports USA videographer

Route and Technical Details

The White Rim challenge is a 100-mile (160.70km) off-road loop located in remote desert terrain outside Moab, Utah, with a significant portion of the route passing through Canyonlands National Park. The course features 7,414 feet of elevation gain and consists of rugged jeep roads.

To qualify for an FKT, whether supported or unsupported, riders must proceed in a counter-clockwise direction. The start is located where Mineral Bottom Road intersects with Island in the Sky Road.

Preparation and Motivation

The attempt was part of a larger road trip across the United States. Jones traveled from his base in Virginia to Oklahoma for Mid South, then to Kansas for Unbound Testing, and eventually to California for Sea Otter, with the Utah loop serving as a key objective along the way.

Jones utilized a special bike for the route and collaborated with filmmaker Danny Awang to document the attempt. His motivation for the ride stemmed from a Trainer Road podcast featuring Keegan Swenson that aired five years ago.

Jones told Velo that while the podcast did not initially mean much to him, he became interested in the trail after moving to the United States two years ago and learning about the history of riders competing for the record on the iconic loop.

Broader FKT Context

Jones now joins professional cyclist Hannah Otto as a White Rim FKT record holder. Otto established the benchmark for women on May 2, 2025, completing the route in 6 hours, 36 minutes, and 51 seconds.

Otto’s record was part of her self-created Triple Crown challenge, which included setting records on the Whole Enchilada trail in 2022 and the Kokopelli Trail in 2024. While the Kokopelli Trail focuses on endurance and the Whole Enchilada on technical skills, the White Rim is recognized for rewarding power and pacing.