The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a gel spun UHMWPE fiber comprising the steps of providing an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene composition having an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of at least 8 dl/g, a co-monomer content (CBR) of a least 0.05 SCB/1000TC, a mass averaged distribution of the co-monomer (CMAD) of at least 0.05, wherein the co-monomer has at least 4 carbon atoms, dissolving the composition in a solvent to form a polymer solution having a UHMWPE concentration of between 2 and 40 wt %, spinning the polymer solution through a multi orifice die plate to form a solution fibers, cooling the solution fiber to below 80° C. to form a gel fiber, drawing the fiber in at least one step to form a drawn fiber, removing at least a portion of the solvent before, during or after the drawing, wherein the ratio CMAD to CBR is greater than 1.0. The invention further relates to a gel-spun UHMWPE fiber obtainable by the process and products comprising said gel-spun UHMWPE fiber.