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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VISIT ANNAPOLIS
We’re very happy to announce our newest sponsor, Visit Annapolis, the organization that promotes the many fun things to see and do in the historic town that hosts the Race Across America finish.
There are many great reasons why we moved the finish line to Annapolis, Maryland way back in 2008. This historic colonial-era town has a history and charm like few places in the United States. It wasn’t just for the beautiful setting for the finish line and stage at the end of City Dock overlooking Chesapeake Bay—this part of Annapolis is a fascinating and fun place for our racers and crews to enjoy themselves and unwind after their epic 3,000-mile journey.
Mere steps from the finish line on City Dock are numerous restaurants along the waterfront that offer everything from hot dogs and ice cream, to some of the best seafood and high-end fare imaginable. Looking for libations? There are more pubs and taverns than even the most celebratory RAAM racers and crews will have time to visit during their stay. Most bars offer great food, and many have live music.
A popular attraction is nearby “Ego Alley,” a narrow waterway alongside City Dock that is lined with expensive boats that parade through the waterway on evenings and weekends. The walkway alongside is a great place to rest on a bench to relax and watch the boats and people go by.
Also, nearby are the Market House, harbormaster's office, work boats, tour boats, pleasure craft, and visiting ships. Sightseeing cruises and water taxis leave from the dock regularly. The Historic Annapolis Foundation (HAF) offers walking tours, all of which begin at HAF's Museum Store at 77 Main Street at City Dock. Additionally, near the City Dock visitors can tour the historic Naval Academy and learn about this historic military institution.
Whether your focus of your time in Annapolis is relaxation, nightlife, or history, you’ll find outlets for all of these, and will quickly understand why we chose this wondrous place as the final time station of RAAM.
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Race Across United Kingdom
We have been waiting for an event - a RAAM Qualifier – with a challenging “coast-to-coast” route across the UK … one which showcases the best roads and most iconic landmarks the UK has to offer. This is it!
The Race Across UK offers 4 distances to choose from:
2,500km – Inverness, Scotland (on Moray Firth, an arm of the North Sea) in the north to Hastings, East Sussex, England (on the English Channel) in the south – starts August 27, 2022
1,000km – York, North Yorkshire, England to Hastings – starts August 30, 2022
500km – Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales to Hastings – starts September 2, 2022
300km – Oxford to Hastings – starts September 3, 2022
All 4 distances are run on the 2,500km route. The 2,500km and 1,000km distances are RAAM Qualifiers. Riders will experience spectacular landscapes and unspoiled countryside, including the stunning Cairngorms, Northumberland, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Snowdonia National Parks.
The Race Across UK offers a structure similar to its sister event Race Across France. In the past 4 years, Race Across France has become extremely popular. We expect the Race Across UK will experience similar growth.
As the saying goes, the best views come after the hardest climbs, and the Race Across the UK course offers iconic climbs interspersed with fast and flowing sections. From the Lecht, Scotland’s long and leg-burning climb up to the ski centre and the highest point on the route (642mt) to the famous Whinlatter Pass (306mt) in the Lake District, and Buttertub Pass (542mt) in Yorkshire to The Tumble (482mt), a Welsh climb made famous by the Tour of Britain.
With checkpoints along the Route that offer showers (with towels), a place to rest, eat and recover, the event provides practical support right when you need it but without taking away from the sense of adventure. For the most part though, it is just you, your bike and your essentials on the challenge of a lifetime.
With Hastings - one of England’s most scenic places, the official endpoint for each distance, it promises to be a fitting finale for a spectacular event. Upon completing your chosen distance, you can sit back and rejoice in the memories, having experienced the best of the UK via bike while simultaneously learning more about yourself and your resilience.
With 4 distances and 4 separate starts, Race Across UK offers something for everyone. Whether you are racing a 2,500km or 1,000km RAAM Qualifier or one of the shorter challenges, each option promises to be unforgettable. Let’s get out and support this event!
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Mid-Summer Ultra-Racing in the Big Mountains of Europe
Here are four races that feature climbing and spectacular mountain scenery – Race Across the Alps (Austria, Italy and Switzerland), D+ Ultracycling Dolomitica (Italy), Race Around Austria (Austria) and Tortour Ultra (Switzerland).
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Race Across the Alps (RATA)
(Nauders, Austria) – June 24, 2022
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 540km (335mi) route features 14,000mt (45,932ft) 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. The 2022 race will be the 21st edition of RATA. This year’s race will be open to both solo and 2-person teams. Slots will be open to 15 2-person teams.
This year’s race will take place June 24. According to their website, RATA is offering prize money – the top 3 spots earn 3,500, 2,000 and 1,000 Euros. Prize money goes to the top 10 spots. To the best of our knowledge this is the only RQ to do so. Check it Out!
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D+ Ultracycling Dolomitica
(Sarmede, Italy) – July 8, 2022
The 9th edition of D+ Ultracycling Dolomitica will take place July 8. 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 694km (431 miles) with 17,400mt (57,086 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 has more climbing as measured in mt/km (ft/mi) than any other RAAM Qualifier.
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. There are 3 distances – 700km, 380km and 180km. The 700km race is the RAAM Qualifier.
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Race Around Austria
(St. Georgen im Attergau, Austria) –
August 8, 2022
The Race Around Austria starts August 8 in St. Georgen im Attergau, Austria. The Race Around Austria is one of the longest RAAM Qualifiers at 2,200km (1,364 miles) and one of the more challenging with 30,000m (98,400 ft.) of climbing.
The race starts and finishes at St. Georgen Im Attergau, northeast of Salzburg. Racers circumnavigate Austria passing very close to the borders of eight countries – Germany, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Race Around Austria is comprised of 3 races: the Race Around Austria Extreme - the RAAM Qualifier; the Race Around Austria 1500 - 1,500km with 17,500m climbing; and the Race Around Austria Challenge - 560km with 6,500m climbing.
The Extreme is open to solos as well as 2 and 4-person teams; the 1500 is open to solos only and the Challenge is open only to 2-person teams. The idea is to provide a progression. Challenge is what we refer to as a “gateway” event – a race where those new to the sport of ultra-bicycle racing can get a taste of the sport. From there they can move up to the more difficult “ultras” like the 1500 and the Extreme. The Extreme Race Around Austria is the RAAM Qualifier.
Many RAAM veterans have raced the Race Around Austria. The race has produced 6 Solo RAAM winners: 3 men - Christoph Strasser, Severin Zotter (both Austria) and Pierre Bischoff (Germany); and 3 women – Trix Zgraggen, Isabelle Pulver and Nicole Reist (all Switzerland).
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Tortour
(Zurich, Switzerland) –
August 18, 2022
Tortour starts August 18 in Zurich, Switzerland. Organized in 2009, this year will be the 14th edition of Tortour. The event features 3 races – Tortour Ultra, Challenge and Sprint. The Tortour Ultra – the RAAM Qualifier - is 1,036km in length with 12,863mt of elevation gain. Tortour Ultra is open to solo racers as well as 2 and 4-person teams. There is also an open category which accommodates teams of 5-8 riders.
Tortour is structured with 15 time stations, located approximately every 50 km. Teams cannot make exchanges between time stations – all exchanges must be done at the time stations. Riders are required to check in and sign-off at each time station. The Tortour route circumnavigates Switzerland in a clockwise direction. The route is characterized by low traffic roads, farms and villages, and spectacular mountain scenery.
The event attracts over 500 participants. Tortour has become an important step in the road to RAAM. Since inception 5 Tortour winners have won Solo RAAM – 3 women (Nicole Reist, Trix Zgraggen and Isabelle Pulver – all Swiss) and 3 men (Dani Wyss and Reto Schoch, both Swiss, and Slovenian Jure Robic). Nicole Reist will be racing Solo RAAM this year.
The Challenge is shorter – 588km with 6,102mt of elevation gain. The Sprint is 262km with 3,829mt of elevation gain.
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NO STAGES PODCAST with Team Aligned Alliance A2
Welcome to the No Stages podcast hosted by Rick Boethling, RAAM Executive Director and George Thomas, RAAM Announcer, Racer and RQQ Director.
Almost every Monday at 7pm Mountain Time we do a live Zoom interview, which we encourage people to join and ask questions. The recorded podcast is also posted on the RAAM website the next day.
NO STAGES PODCAST WITH
TEAM Aligned Alliance - A2
Monday May 30, 2022
7:00 pm US Mountain Time
Learn about Team Aligned Alliance's mission to raise funds and awareness in the fight against veteran & first responder suicide. And, what their approach will be to RAAM as a rookie team - goals, strategy, etc.
Join our hosts Rick Boethling and George Thomas as they introduce our friends at home to this year’s team. It all happens as a Zoom Meeting. Viewers are asked to mute their microphones. Questions can be asked using Zoom’s chat feature. The Link and passwords appear below.
Can’t make that time? The interview will be recorded and a link will be shared here on the following day.
Topic: No Stages - Aligned Alliance - Team A2
Time: May 30, 2022 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 889 9767 6018
Passcode: 401801
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Annapolis Volunteers Wanted! |
Finish Line Volunteers
City Dock, Annapolis, MD
June 23rd - June 27th, 2022
We are looking for volunteers for the Race Across America finish line. These racers are traveling over 3,000 miles from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD in 12 days or less! The earliest finisher is expected to arrive Thursday, June 23rd, and the latest, Monday, June 27th. Please join us in guiding them to the finish line, congratulating them on their great accomplishment, and experiencing the action first hand!
Positions needed:
Flagger Volunteer - two flaggers are needed to wave and guide in the racers along the finishing course. Responsibilities may also include monitoring the parking lot and guiding the racers and support vehicles to designated areas and helping with traffic flow.
Parking Volunteers – the City of Annapolis leases a block of parking spaces at the finish line to be used by RAAM staff, volunteers, and race participants. Responsibilities of the parking volunteer include monitoring the parking area, distributing parking passes, and directing traffic.
Ram's Head Volunteer - The official race time ends at the Rams Head Roadhouse. This person's job is to record the racers' official finishing times, and conveying them to the Finish Line Manager.
In addition, All RAAM finishers require a vehicle escort to guide them safety the last several route miles through downtown Annapolis to the finish line at City Dock. Volunteers are needed to perform this task. Volunteers must provide their own vehicle, be familiar with Race Across America, and be an experienced cyclist. Please contact RAAM at the email address below for more information or to express interest.
Volunteer shifts will be generally 6 hours - 12am-6am, 6am-12pm, 12pm-6pm, and 6pm-12am. The greatest need will be starting Friday morning through Sunday evening.
Volunteers will receive a RAAM t-shirt to wear during the event, and get to work with the racers first-hand and experience their amazing accomplishments up-close.
For more information, please contact Jeff Magnuson at jeff@raceacrossamerica.org.
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Time To Get Some Style...
You know you want some new gear to kick off your new year right. Many of the items have been recently marked down! 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!
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.
Deals from our Sponsors:
Rudy Project VIP:
HERE’S HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN ACCOUNT TO GET UP TO 35% OFF OF RUDY PROJECT GEAR (including single vision prescriptions):
- enter your info + code: RAAM
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
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NIMBL - Percussion Massager
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
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News
Race Around Niederosterreich – 2022 Race Field is Set Christoph Strasser, 6-time RAAM Champion and RAAM speed record holder, headlines the 2022 solo race field. Strasser won last year’s event in record setting time. This will be the 4th year for Race Around Niederosterreich (Race Around Lower Austria). The 600km event with 11,736m of elevation gain has quickly become a very popular event.
Inspire India - Website is Back Up Earlier this year Rutvik Khare took over the management of Inspire India. The organization operates 3 RAAM Qualifying events in India. Among other things, they have been updating their website. We are happy to report the website is back up and better than ever.
The Great Himalayan Ultra – Start Date is Set The 2022 Great Himalayan Ultra will take place August 28, 2022. Riders will start and finish in Leh, Ladakh, located in the foothills of the Himalaya. Look for a feature article in a future RAAM Newsletter.
Race Across United Kingdom – Details Released We’ve been looking forward to more information regarding the new Race Across UK - sister event to the Race Across France. Please see separate article in this RAAM Newsletter.
Race Around Czechia & Slovakia - Postponed Libor Prochazka, RACAS organizer, has just informed us the 2022 event will be postponed. Look for RACAS to return in 2023.
Helnaes 24 - Cancelled We were recently informed of the decision to cancel the Helnaes 24. Uggi Kaldan, Race Director for both the Helnaes 24 and Race Around Denmark, told us they decided to focus their effort on the Race Around Denmark.
Results
Joe Barr 500 (Derry/Londonderry, Ireland) – May 7, 2022 Karol Mc Nern (IRE) won the Joe Barr 500, covering the 498.2-mile (802km) course in 32h:14m – 15.46mph (24.88 km/hr). Rounding out the podium were Eddie Dillon (IRE) – 35h:27m (22.6 km/hr) and Paride Miglio (ITA) – 36h:26m (22.0 km/hr). Congratulations gentlemen!
Events Coming Up
Following are the events coming up in the next 8-10 weeks:
Road Race RQs
Race Around Denmark (Aarhus, Denmark) – May 22, 2022
Race Around Belgium (Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium) – May 26, 2022
Race Around Neiderosterreich (Weitra, Austria) – May 27, 2022
Race Across Germany W-E (Aachen, Germany) – June 10, 2022
B-Hard Ultra (Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina) – June 10, 2022
Race Across America and Race Across the West (Oceanside, CA) – June 14, 2022
Race Across France (La Touquet, France) - June 18, 2022
Race Across the Alps (Nauders, Austria) – June 24, 2022
Germany N-S (Flensburg, Germany) – July 1, 2022
Ultracycling Dolomitica (Sarmede, Italy) – July 8, 2022
Time Trial RQs
24 Hours in the Canyon (Canyon, TX) – June 4, 2022
24hr del Montello (Volpago del Montello, Italy) – June 4, 2022
Midt 24 (Snejbjerg, Denmark) – June 18, 2022
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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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