Welcome to the RAAM Newsletter! The place for the most up to date and comprehensive information about ultra-bicycle racing and much more. | |
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6-12-24 HOUR WORLD TIME TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
REGISTRATION
IS OPEN NOW!
Register Here: https://www.24hrworlds.com/
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SILVER STATE 508 and MOTHERLODE 200
REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!
Register Here:
https://www.the508.net/
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ANNOUNCING THE MOTHER LODE 200!
Come to Nevada this September to race the inaugural Mother Lode 200, the newest addition to the Silver State 508 event.
Register here: https://my.raceresult.com/234098/
The Mother Lode 200 is a challenging “double century” - 200 miles with 10,000 feet of elevation gain. Riders will experience the scenic irrigated farm and ranch lands as well as the mountains and arid valleys that characterize the Basin and Range topography of Nevada.
Riders start and finish at the Hilton Garden Inn located in South Reno. The route climbs 2,000-foot Geiger Grade to the historic mining town of Virginia City, descends 1500 foot Occidental Grade into the Eagle Valley, past Carson City, across Jacks Valley, S through the Carson River Valley hard against the eastern foothills of the Sierra in the shadow of Duane Bliss, Genoa, East and Monument Peaks to Topaz Lake. Riders then head E through Wilson Canyon to Yerrington and N to Silver Springs.
Riders then follow The Silver State 508 route W along the Lincoln Highway through Stagecoach and Dayton, up 6-mile Canyon to Virginia City. Here they are treated to a 2,000-foot descent down Geiger Grade back to the finish.
Participants are expected to rely upon convenience stores along the route for support. The c-stores will be supplemented by three aid stations where necessary to ensure riders have access to nutrition and hydration.
The Mother Lode 200 is a classic double century set in the American West - the perfect complement to the world famous Silver State 508. Two great races – 200 and 500-miles – set in the spectacular Basin and Range country of Nevada.
The Mother Lode Route Map can be found at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42613428.
Racers under 30 years old can receive 20% off the entry fee.
Full race information can be found at the508.net.
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2023 Race Across America
Race Across America is celebrating its 41st birthday in 2023. The race field is looking to be as competitive as ever with racers from 16 different countries coming to traverse the country. Veteran and Rookie racers will be looking forward to crossing 12 states in under 12 days for solos and under 9 days for teams.
The solo women’s field is going to be as competitive a race as we may have seen. Returning champions Leah Goldstein (CAN) and Isa Pulver (SUI) should be leading the way. Veteran finisher, Dorina Vaccaroni (ITA) and rookies Heather Poskevich (USA) and Emilia Bugarin (BRA) may have something to say about it. Recumbent racer, Sandy Earl (USA), looks to become just the third woman to finish RAAM on a recumbent. Sandy also has the second longest history with RAAM, just behind Fabio Biasiolo, in this year’s field.
The men’s field appears to be wide open for the taking. With a nearly 50-50 mix of veterans and rookies the race should be interesting as it plays out across the country. Fabio Biasiolo (ITA) brings a ton of experience with 11 RAAMs and 3 RAAM podiums under his belt. Yusuke Ohiai (JAP) and BJ Almberg (USA) are coming off very strong finishes at Race Across the West in the past two years. There are a handful of rookies who have had success in the RAAM Qualifying Races, including Marek Rupinski (POL), Krzystof Fechner (POL), Christoph D’Alu (FRA), Christophe Blanchard (FRA), Fritz Geers (GER) and Claus-Henning Schulke (GER). And, as in every year, there are several racers back to avenge a previous DNF. This year Jonathan Moore (USA), Rupert Guinness (AUS), Brain Welsh (GBR), Stig Nicolaysen (DEN), Ricard Arap (BRA) and Martin Landsmann (DEN) are back to do just that.
RAAM Teams always prove to be competitive racing and always have a surprise outcome. The 4-woman team, Love, Sweat & Gears (USA), is loaded with talent and have a very experienced mentor behind them in RAAM and RAW veteran, Julie Lyons. The most experienced team in the field is Team Brazil-Skipper (BRA-USA). The team is lead by Marcio Milan (BRA) with 16 RAAMs and Tim Skipper (USA) with 20 RAAMs. The Bike Accident Attorneys Racing (USA) brings a ton of road racing experience to the start line. Can they translate it to ultra-racing? The rookie teams FinnishWithUs (FIN) and NZBLUE (NZL) have put in a whole lot of work to get to RAAM this year. Will their preparation payoff with results?
The 8-Person division can be the most dynamic division. Team Viasat is back for their 11th RAAM. Viasat (USA) has been the prime example of a corporate team with all of the racers being employees as well as many of the crew. ZOE International (USA) is returning for their third RAAM after having not only an excellent race in 2022, but also did an incredible job raising money for their charity. The rookie teams Japan Randonneurs 8 (JAP), Tutapona International (USA) and Third Coast Cycling (USA) are coming in as unknown talents but rookie teams have fared quite well in this division.
A special nod to mixed 2-person Team Figgy (USA). The team of Sylvia Maas and George Thomas are racing in an unusual situation this year. They will be starting with the solo racers, not because they are getting extra time, or that they need it, but because George is the RAAM finish line announcer. George wanted to celebrate his 30th anniversary of his first RAAM. He has raced and finished, 4-person team, 2-person team, solo tandem and solo. He really wanted to give RAAM one more shot but only if he was able to be there to announce the finishes. Yes, George loves RAAM and all of the racers that much!
We look forward to seeing everyone soon!
More information about RAAM … https://www.raamrace.org/
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DO GOOD THINGS...
Life Sports Foundation - Official Charity Partner of RAAM
We are excited to be working with Life Sports Foundation again this year. Please donate to help support their mission.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/RAAM?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=one_page&utm_content=campaign/RAAM&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=d98bb029e60e43ffbf14db46db70e385
Our Mission is the enhancement of Life "through" Sports.
Life Sports Foundation is dedicated to helping people of all abilities who are facing physical, situational, or medical challenges to enrich their lives through sports. We provide opportunities for enhanced athletic lifestyles through endurance events, specialized equipment, training, competition expenses, and education. We also fulfill our mission by supporting programs and other non-profit organizations that help others live their lives to the fullest. We believe that ALL Lives are made better through healthy exercise and event comradery.
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VOLUNTEER AT THE RAAM OR RAW FINISH LINE
Want to be part of the race and see the action up close? Race Across America and Race Across the West are looking for volunteers to help out at the finish lines in Annapolis, MD and Durango, CO. Duties can include assisting with set-up/tear-down, helping guide racers to the final finish line, handling out metals, and communicating with Race HQ. Volunteers will receive a RAAM t-shirt and also be eligible for a discount in other select RAAM-produced events.
Full details and links to sign-up can be found on our websites:
RAAM - Annapolis, MD (June 23rd-26th): https://www.raamrace.org/finish-line-volunteers
RAW - Durango, CO (June 15th-17th): https://www.raceacrossthewest.org/finish-line-volunteers
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Four Great Early Summer Road RQs in Europe
Here are 4 more great early summer RAAM Qualifiers … all road RQs and all in Europe.
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Race Across France (June 22, 2023 – La Touquet, France)
The 2023 Race across France will be the 6th year for this event. The 2,500km race is a point-to-point route, beginning in La Touquet, located in the north of France on the English Channel, and finishing in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, located in the south of France on the French Riviera southwest of Cannes. Highlights of the route include the D-Day beaches, the roads of Nord Pas de Calais, Loire castles, Mont Ventoux, Lautaret, Galibier, Le Cormet de Roselend and La Colombiere.
Participants can choose from 4 distances – 2,500km (with 35,000mt elevation gain), 1,000km (with 21,000km elevation gain), 500km (with 8,000mt elevation gain) and 300km (with 7,000mt elevation gain). All 4 races use the same route and all 4 races finish in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. But each race starts at a different location. The 2,500k starts in La Touquet, the 1,000km in Megeve, the 500km in St. Jean en Royans and the 300km at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
The event is open to solo riders as well as 2 and 4-person teams. Both the 2,500km and 1,000km distances are RAAM Qualifiers. In order to Qualify for Solo RAAM, solo riders must finish the 2,500km course in 7 days (with support) or 8 days (without support) and the 1,000km course in 3 days (with or without support).
The Race Across France is one of four ultra-races in the “Race Across Series” organized by 2015 Solo RAAM finisher, Arnaud Manzanini. His events are exceptionally well organized. Every ultra-racer should experience ultra-racing in France and there is no better way to do it than at a Manzanini organized event!
More information … https://france.raceacross.cc/
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Race Across the Alps (June 23, 2023 – Nauders, Austria)
The Race Across The Alps (RATA), with the start and finish in Nauders, follows a roughly clockwise loop. Riders leave Austria, head across the Alps into Italy, through Switzerland and back to Austria. The 525km (326mi) route features 14,500mt (47,600ft) of elevation gain.
The race features 10 passes, including both Stelvio (2,757mt) and Gavia (2,652mt). In 2008 RAAM executives, Fred and Rick Boethling, were among a small group of cyclists lucky enough to ride both Stelvio and Gavia, among others, with Andy Hampsten in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Hampsten’s 1988 Giro d’Italia win.
When asked about the experience, Rick quickly responds, “What an experience - awesome!” Fred adds, “Absolutely. If you haven’t ridden in the Alps, you need to and RATA offers a great way to experience the best of the Alps while qualifying for RAAM.”
RATA is the oldest of the European RQs. After a brief hiatus, RATA has returned. Thank you Kurt Folie for putting RATA on the RAAM radar screen. The 2023 race will be the 22nd edition of RATA. This year’s race will take place June 23. Spectacular mountain scenery, Gavia and Stelvio, the oldest RQ in Europe … you have to do this race!
More information … https://raceacrossthealps.com/de
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D+ Ultracycling Dolomitica (July 14, 2023 – Sarmede, Italy)
The 10th edition of D+ Ultracycling Dolomitica will take place July 14. Racers will start and finish in Sarmede, Italy, a small town located at the foot of the Dolomites, roughly an hour’s drive north of Venice. Participants will be treated to absolutely spectacular mountain scenery.
The race was the brainchild of Roberto Pico. The race is dedicated to the memory of local cycling legend, Vito Favero. Racing as a professional from 1956 to 1962, he recorded a number of wins, including stages in the Giro d’Italia and a 2nd place finish in the 1958 Tour de France.
At 704km (437 miles) with 17,050mt (56,000 feet) elevation gain, Dolomitica has the most climbing – 25mt/km (132 feet/mile) - of any RAAM Qualifier. Racers must climb 20 mountain passes. Dolomitica is extremely challenging!
Dolomitica finishers have gone on to post Solo RAAM finishes. After winning the inaugural Dolomitica in 2014, Ralph Diseviscourt (LUX), recorded two Solo RAAM finishes (2016 and 2018). Many Solo RAAM finishers have subsequently raced Dolomitica, including Edward Fuchs (AUT), Martin Bergmeister (ITA), Valerio Zamboni (ITA/MON), Hansi Nyfeler (SUI), Dani Genovesi (BRA) and Angela Perin (ITA).
Dolomitica is open to Solo racers as well as 2 and 4-person teams. Solo racers may race with or without support. There are 3 distances – 700km, 380km and 180km. The 700km race is the RAAM Qualifier. Thank you Roberto Pico for this great race! Dolomitica should be on every ultra-racers bucket list!
More information … https://www.ultracyclingdolomitica.com/
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Race Around Poland (July 15, 2023 – Warsaw, Poland)
This year will be the 3rd edition of the Race Around Poland. Riders have multiple options - solo unsupported, solo supported, as well as 2 and 4-person team. The race route is a clockwise loop which follows the Polish border. The course is 3,600 km (2,237 mi) with 33,100 mtr (108,600 ft) of elevation gain. Time stations are spaced approximately 300km apart. Riders experience a “finish line” at each time station. So, first-time ultra-racers have a wide range of distance options. Participants who finish RAP will have passed by 7 countries. The RAP had its origins in the Baltic-Bieszcady Tour. The race was developed by a team of dedicated cyclists, including 2014 Solo RAAM finisher Remek Siudzinski and Jakub Szalaty.
In the 2021 race, Arvis Sprude (Latvia) qualified for Solo RAAM by winning the solo semi-supported division. The 34-yearold rider finished 18th in the 2015 and 16th in the 2016 Latvian National Road Championships and 7th in the 2016 National TT Championships. In 2022 Sprude became the first Solo RAAM finisher from Latvia as well as the first who qualified for Solo RAAM at Race Around Poland.
Race Around Poland has quickly become a favorite among ultra-cyclists, attracting some of the top ultra-racers in the world. The 2023 race field features Solo RAAM finishers Joe Barr (IRL) (2014 and 2019) and Nicole Reist (CHE) (2016, 2018, 2022). Many consider Reist the top female ultra-race in the world today. This is a great course and Poland is a fascinating country.
2014 Solo RAAM finisher Remek Siudzinski and his partners have done a great job with Race Around Poland. If you are not already following this race and thinking about entering, you should be!
More information … https://racearoundpoland.pl/
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THE RACE SEASON IS HERE...
TIME TO GEAR UP!
Get your NEW MERCH for RAAM, RAW the 508, the WTTC and TEXAS. All of the new gear from this year is now live on the Store. Pick up your 40th Anniversary RAAM swag! Take a look at the many great items we have in the on-line RAAM Store. We have jerseys, clothing, DVD's, books, posters and so much more!
Once items are sold out, they are likely sold out for good, so don't wait.
We also have a limited number of past years RAAM & RAW finisher's jerseys (2007-current). Of course, we'll only sell them to verified finishers. All of the years and sizes available are available on the Store.
Visit the Official Store Here
Deals from our Sponsors:
NIMBL: 20% Off of the Best Percussion Massager on the Market!
Use the Code: RAAM for a great discount on the lightest, quietest percussion massager on the market. It is an amazing tool for pre- and post-race massage. It is the ultimate piece of gear missing from your race kit.
Visit their website from more details: NIMBL
Spiegel Bikes: RAAM, RAW or WTTC SPECIAL EDITION CUSTOM FRAMES
And now YOU can get one too! We’ve worked closely with Spiegel to take the personalizing even further, along with their names, past RAAM finishers, or category winners can also have “Finisher” or “Winner” plus the year and their finish time on the top-tube too. “Winner” or “Finisher” status is subject to verification.
Check them out on the RAAM Store: SPIEGEL FRAMES
Infinity Seat: $50 Off
Use Code: RAAM$50
Infinity Bike Seats are based in Southern California – the largest market for all forms of world class cycling - road, mountain, triathlon and gravel. They offer a complete and innovative line of bike seats for all types of riders with innovative design and superior customer service.
For More Information: https://infinitybikeseat.com/
For a $50 discount use code: RAAM$50
D-CURVE OPTICS: 50% Off
Use Code: RIDES50
Headquartered in the music and outdoor mecca Denver area since 2016, D•CURVE creates and markets original, premium, great-looking outdoor eyewear and gear at a modest price. The company utilizes creativity, ingenuity, and exacting detail in crafting unique products, while promoting a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle. Known for its dedication to innovation, D•CURVE provides active sport and outdoor lifestyle consumers a superior product that matches their personality, taste, and needs.
For more Information: https://dcurve.com/
For a 50% discount use code: RIDES50
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INFINITY SEATS
The Official Seat of the Race Across America
The Infinity Seat has now allowed thousands of cyclists around the world to Focus on the Ride™, and is quietly revolutionizing our earlier conception of the bicycle seat. The revolutionary seat completely relieves sit-bone pressure and protects your sensitive perineum/pubic-bone area as well. The Infinity Bike Seat eliminates pain and discomfort, and allows you to Focus on the Ride.™
Learn more at : https://infinitybikeseat.com/
Use code:RAAM$50 for $50 off a new seat
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News
New Start Date for Bessie’s Creek 24 Race Series The Bessie’s Creek Series has been long delayed by road construction in the area. Our understanding is the race will take place later this year. The website indicates October 27, 2023 will be the start date.
More … https://www.bessiescreek24.com/
Results
Race Across Paris (Chantilly, France) – April 20, 2023 Thomas Hemelsdael (FRA) was the overall winner, completing the 1000km route in 42h:01m (23.7 km/hr). Rounding out the podium was Regis Courtelle (FRA) finishing 2nd in 44h:00m (22.7 km/hr) and Rodolphe Trabaries (FRA) 3rd in 44h:26m (22.5 km/hr). There were 3 races – 1000km, 500km and 300km. The 1000km was the RAAM Qualifier. Over 200 riders from France and 10 other countries participated in this year’s race.
More about Race Across Paris … https://paris.raceacross.cc/
For complete results … https://my.raceresult.com/237246/results
Events Coming Up
Following are the events scheduled for the next 10 weeks of the 2023 racing season:
Race Across Belgium (Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium) – May 11, 2023
Race Around Denmark (Aarhus, Denmark) – May 15, 2023
Niederosterreich (Weltra, Austria) – May 19, 2023
Joe Barr 500 (Derry/Londonderry, Ireland) – May 20, 2023
Race Across Germany W-E (Aachen, Germany) – May 26, 2023
24 Hours in the Canyon (Canyon, TX) – June 3, 2023
B-Hard Ultra (Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina) – June 9, 2023
RAAM-RAW (Oceanside, CA) – June 13, 2023
Midt 24 (Snejbjerg, Denmark) – June 17, 2023
Race Across France (La Touquet, France) – June 22, 2023
Race Across The Alps (Nauders, Austria) – June 23, 2023
For the complete 2023 RQ Calendar: https://www.raamrace.org/qualifying-races
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Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter! If you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact us at -info@raceacrossamerica.org
Tailwinds,
Race Across America Staff
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