There are a lot of amazing endurance races, long distance runs, and athletic challenges that take place around the globe each year, and it is difficult to spotlight all of these really great events. I try to bring some of those events to the attention of readers of this blog, but more than a few slip through the cracks from time to time. Yesterday, I was reminded that I didn’t cover the start of the Race Across America (RAAM), the annual bike race that got underway last week. I can assure you that this was simply due to an oversight on my part, as it had completely slipped my attention that the race had gotten underway.
For those unfamiliar with RAAM, it is now in its 33rd year, and it is indeed a great event. It features both solo and team riders, who are quite literally racing across the U.S. on their bikes. The solo riders got underway on Tuesday, June 10 at noon Pacific time, setting out from the Oceanside Pier in California, while the team riders took off on Saturday, June 14. The course takes them on a 3000 mile ride across the U.S., ending in Annapolis, Maryland.
This year, there were more than 90 riders taking part in the event, spread out across a variety of categories that included solo riders, and teams of both two and four. The racers are broken down into categories based on age and gender as well, with a wide variety of both well represented.
While most of the riders are still out on the course, and making their way across the U.S., the race winner, at least in one category, has actually already been decided. The 2014 solo male champion is Christoph Strasser of Austria, who completed the race in an impressive 7 days, 15 hours, and 56 minutes. Second place went to Mark Pattinson of the U.K., who finished with a time of 9 days, 2 hours, and 50 minutes. Italian rider Nico Valsesia is the only other rider to have finished at this point, claiming third place with a time of 9 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes. For more information on current standings in the race, and to follow the action out on the road, visit RideFarther.com.
The RAAM is a great cycling event, and it continues to get great support each year. For road cyclists looking for a great challenge, you can start planning for the 2015 edition now. Find out how to qualify here.
- Gear Review: The Xero Scrambler Mid is an Ultralight Hiking Shoe for Spring - March 1, 2023
- Gear Review: Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler - August 18, 2022
- Kristin Harila Continues Pursuit of 8000-Meter Speed Record - August 16, 2022
