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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2023 RAAM & RAW REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Register Here: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/orsnew/reg1/
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2022 Race Across America Re-Cap
This year’s RAAM and RAW were almost back to normal – racer numbers were up and the field included participants from around the world. New records were established and old records broken. There were familiar faces and a whole lot of first-time racers. We were very pleased with this year’s races. This report is the first of two – in this report we re-cap RAAM and in the next RAAM Newsletter we will re-cap RAW.
2022 was the 40th edition of RAAM – the world’s toughest bicycle race. There were 33 solo racers and 30 teams (5 – 2P teams, 16 - 4P teams and 9 – 8P teams) – a total of 179 racers. Roughly half the race field came from outside the USA - riders from 20 countries participated.
Participants experienced wide ranging weather conditions. The 20+ year drought in the American West continues. A wildfire NE of Flagstaff, AZ necessitated a re-route. We endeavored to keep the riding distance roughly the same. Riders left the normal route 45 miles NE of Camp Verde, AZ and were shuttled 55 miles to Winslow, AZ. From here they rode N across the Hopi Reservation and W across the Navajo Reservation to rejoin the normal route at Tuba City, AZ. The re-route was 122 miles with 5,190 ft of elevation gain. This replaced 132 miles with 4,975 ft of elevation gain.
The 2022 RAAM route ended up being approximately 3,031 miles – 7 mile shorter than the normal route but with 215 ft more elevation gain. The difference was negligible. Weather conditions more than offset any route differences.
All-in-all, it was a great year. The international riders were back. We all saw some great racing – intense competition.
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RAAM - Solo Race
33 Solo racers (3 women and 30 men) left Oceanside mid-day Tuesday June 14. The 2022 Solo race field featured participants from 17 countries (Australia, Austria, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Monaco, New Zealand, Switzerland, UK and USA).
Nicole Reist (SUI) put out an absolutely spectacular effort. She steadily moved up through the race field taking over the lead mid-way across Colorado. She was race leader for over 1,500 miles – from Alamosa, CO to Athens, OH. Reist was on track to break Seana Hogan’s speed record and win Solo RAAM overall. Everyone was following the young Swiss rider. The top men – Allan Jefferson (AUS) and Svata Bozak (CZE) – traded 2nd and 3rd place as they chased Reist. Unfortunately, Reist began having problems in the Appalachians. Reist and Jefferson fought for the overall lead across the Appalachians. No doubt, Reist, Jefferson and Bozak put everything they had into the effort. In the end the overall podium was Jefferson, Bozak and Reist. They put on a great show.
This year there were 11 veteran and 22 rookie racers. Six of the veterans finished along with 8 rookies. The top three American racers finished within 4 hours of each other. Veteran racer, Jim Trout, led the pack of three just besting Phil Fox and Les Crooks. Two solo finishers cut their teeth in previous RAAMs by racing on teams – Kurt Matzler (AUT) and Joff Spencer Jones (UK). Sebastien Sasseville (CAN) adds his name to the short list of people who have summited Mt. Everest and finish Solo RAAM. Dorina Vaccaroni (ITA) and Christian Mauduit (FRA) both came back and finished their second attempts. Also, looking to make amends for 2022, Valerio Zamboni (MON) , after just missing his 8th Solo finish, and Rupert Guinness (AUS), a rookie this year, are already registered for 2023.
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RAAM - Team Race
20 teams from 8 countries (Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, UK and USA) participated. Like the Solo Race, the Team Race featured some very exciting racing as well.
Team Bemer, an 8-person team from Southern California, set the overall RAAM speed record in 2018 – riding 3,069 miles in 5d:03h:43m (24.91 mph). They were back this year to break that record and, if all went well, to break 5 days. High temperatures and headwinds made that difficult. They covered this year’s course in 5d:02h:47m (24.74 mph). While they fell short of breaking their 2018 speed record, they did record the 2nd fastest time in race history.
Team Bemer (USA ) was the fastest 8-person team. They finished first overall with a time of 5d:02h:47m (24.74 mph). The Brasil airrelax Team (BRA) was the fastest 4-person team, finishing in 6d:01h:04m (20.94 mph). Team Intelligent Cycling (DEN) was the fastest 2-person team finishing in 7d:21h:37m (16.02 mph).
There was an epic battle in the 4-person Male under 50 category. While the Brasil airrelax Team won the category, UKS-GOES-AMERICA (GER), Team Aspect (IRE) and Team Sunshine (USA) fought for podium spots. After more than 6 days of racing, roughly 4 hours separated the 3 teams. The remaining podium spots went to the German and Irish teams.
Category winners among 2-person teams include the following: Male 60-69 Team Intelligent Cycling, Mixed under 50 DVAG GOES RAAM (GER) and Mixed 50-59 Dos Amigos (USA). Category winners among 4-person teams include the following: Female 50-59 Love Sweat & Gears (USA), Male under 50 Brasil airrelax Team, Male 50-59 Team Sonoma Creamery, Male 60-69 VENCENDO DESAFIOS TEAM BRASIL, Mixed under 50 4Cyclists4kids (USA), Mixed 50-59 4Children (DEN), Mixed 60-69 Team Steinberg Coaching and Mixed 70-74 Seniors Tom, Jim, Beau & Babe (USA).
This year one record was broken - Seniors Tom, Jim, Beau & Babe (USA) broke the Mixed 70-74 4-person Team record set in 2014 by Fuzzy’s Friends (USA). Seniors Tom, Jim, Beau & Babe finished in 8d:04h:17m (15.48 mph).
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AWARDS
Allan Jefferson won the men’s race and Pete Penseyes Award finishing in 10d:00h:15m (12.64 mph) and the. Svata Bozak (CZE) finished second in 10d:03h:6m (12.50 mph) and Jim Trout (USA) finished third in 11d:04h:24m (11.32 mph).
Nicole Reist won the women’s race and Seana Hogan Award finishing in 10d:04h:13m (12.44 mph). Dorina Vaccaroni (ITA) finished second in 12d:08h:04m (10.26 mph).
Phil Fox (USA) won Male Rookie of the Year. There were no Female Rookies. Bozak won both the King of the Mountains and King of the Desert Awards. Reist won both the Queen of the Mountains and Queen of the Desert Awards. Since Bozak was the fastest on the section with the most climbing as measured in ft/mile - TS 48 Cumberland to TS 49 Hancock, he also won the Jure Robic Award. Donna Vaccaroni (LAT) was the last Solo RAAM finisher – she takes home the Lanterne Rouge. The age category winners among men were Bozak (under 50) and Jefferson (50-59) and among women were Reist (under 50) and Vaccaroni (50-59).
Team Bemer won the Jim Kennedy Award, given to the fastest team overall. Decode XY won the Jim Pitre Award, given to the fastest team from a single organization, with a time of 6d: 4h: 40m (20.43mph). Allan Jefferson won the Emergency Services Award, given to the fastest solo or team representing police, fire, EMTs and other first responders, with a time of 10d: 0h: 15m (12.64mph).
The Fuzzy Mitchell Award, given to the best support crew (solo or team), is invariably the most difficult to decide. Every year there are so many deserving support crews. This year was no exception. Every support crew had to deal with very difficult race conditions. The winner of this year’s the award will be announced in the next newsletter.
Finally, the Lon Haldeman Award goes to the solo or team and their support crew who raise the most money for a charitable cause. This year’s award will be announced in the next newsletter.
This year was a great year – the international riders were back. There were familiar faces and a whole lot of first-timers. We were treated to some exciting racing. We love this race and nothing pleases us more than watching all of the racers and support crews giving their best to successfully complete Race Across America – The World’s Toughest Bicycle Race. We are really looking forward to 2023.
We will re-cap the Race Across the West in the next RAAM Newsletter.
Early Registration for 2023 RAW opens July 15 - register here …
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3 Domestic Summer Ultra Road Races
Here are 3 exciting domestic RAAM Qualifiers from 3 experienced event operators. The Mann Powered 380, brought to you by Relentless Events, is a new race; the Cascade Ultra brought to you by George Thomas, is the re-launch of an existing race; and the HooDoo 500, brought to you by Planet Ultra, is a well-established event.
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Mann Powered 380 (Cumming, IA) – August 12, 2022
The Tour of Central Iowa is a multi-distance, multi-surface bicycle event that takes place in beautiful south central Iowa. Riders will start and finish at the Cumming Tap, a popular restaurant/pub in the small town of Cumming, IA, southwest of Des Moines. The event will take place August 12-14, 2022. The event is brought to you be Relentless Events, comprised of RAAM veteran, Sarah Cooper, Steve Fuller and Dori Jansma.
There will be something for everyone serious about cycling - a steep, rocky hill climb, 40-mile fun ride, 100km and 200km gravel races and the ultimate challenge, the Mann Powered 380. The Mann Powered 380 is a RAAM Qualifier. The race is a mixed surface 380-mile non-drafting race with a 38-hour time limit. The route is roughly 70% gravel and 30% pavement. The race can be ridden with or without a support crew. The race honors Joe Mann, an endurance racer, a friend to many in the RAAM community, and a member of Cooper’s support crew on her 2017 Solo RAAM win. Mann passed away in 2019.
In addition to the Tour of Central Iowa, Relentless Events operates Iowa Wind and Rock, Spotted Horse Gravel Ultra and Iowa Gravel Classic. We have great respect for Cooper as both a racer and event operator. The Mann Powered 380 is the first mixed surface RAAM Qualifier. We are really looking forward to this event.
We have long sought an RQ located in the Midwest. Come experience the small town charm of Cumming and no traffic roads of south central Iowa.
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Cascade Ultra (Arlington, WA) – August 27, 2022
The Cascade Ultra has history – several years ago the event was shut down. More recently, RAAM veteran, George Thomas, took over with plans to re-launch the event. But, before he could do so, the COVID Pandemic intervened. This year, with COVID in the rear view mirror and travel restrictions lifted, Thomas is re-launching the event.
The Cascade Ultra will take place August 27. The weather is great this time of year, high temps in the 80s and lows in the 50s. Rain is rare. Riders will start and finish in Arlington, WA. The Best Western Plus will be the host hotel. The event will be open to solo riders as well as 2 and 4-person teams.
The 2022 edition of the race will feature a 530-mile course with 43,000 ft of elevation gain. The course will cross the Cascade Range, passing through the North Cascades National Park into the Okanogan River Valley and back. This will be Pacific NW cycling at its best. The event will be open to solo riders as well as 2 and 4-person teams. The Cascade Ultra will be part of the Northwest Ultra Cup Series. The Series is comprised of the Cascade Ultra and Race Across Oregon RQs, Deschutes River Valley Time Trials, Deschutes Double Century and Ring of Fire, all events operated by Thomas.
The Cascade Ultra is back and better than ever. The scenery is truly spectacular - the northern Cascades are among the most beautiful mountain terrain in America. We are very pleased Thomas is re-launching this event.
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Hoodoo 500 (St. George, UT) – August 26, 2022
The Hoodoo 500 will take place August 26, 2022. The Hoodoo 500 is a challenging race set amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in the American West. Racers will start and finish at the Best Western Abbey Inn, St. George, Utah, 90 minutes from Las Vegas and only a 5-6 hour drive from most of Southern California. The event is operated by Planet Ultra.
There are 2 distances – 300 and 500 miles. The 500-mile race is a RAAM Qualifier. The 511–mile course features 30,700 feet of climbing. The route goes through, around or by 3 National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef) and 3 National Monuments (Pipe Springs, Grand Staircase-Escalante and Cedar Breaks) as well as countless Utah State Parks. The course is truly spectacular.
The 511-mile RQ is open to solo racers as well as tandems, 2 and 4-person relay teams. The distance may be raced non-stop or as a 3-day stage race. The 300-mile race is open to solo racers, tandems and 2-person relay teams. The 295-mile course features 17, 000’ of climbing. The 300 may be raced non-stop or as a 2-day stage race.
In addition to the Hoodoo 500, Planet Ultra operates six California Double Centuries (200-mile rides), as well as other events in the American Southwest. The doubles are great stepping stones into ultra-racing. They are part of the California Triple Crown series.
The Hoodoo 500 is a well-established, very popular RAAM Qualifier.
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Two Summer Ultra Time Trials – One in Europe and One in the USA
The 24-hour time trial is a great way to qualify for Solo RAAM. They are relatively inexpensive and they do not require a support crew and vehicle. Here are 2 summer ultra time trials.
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Mid-Atlantic 12/24 (Washington, NC) – August 13, 2022
Riders will start and finish in Washington, NC. All race-related activities take place at Washington High School. The town is located on the Pimlico River in a predominantly agrarian coastal area known as the “Inner Banks.”
The Mid-Atlantic 12/24 offers a range of possibilities: 24-hour non-drafting RAAM Qualifier; 12-hour drafting race; a 100-mile race; and a non-competitive century ride. No support vehicles are allowed on the course. Support is from a central location adjacent to the start/finish. In order to qualify for Solo RAAM, men must ride 400 miles and women 370 miles in 24 hours.
The Mid-Atlantic 12/24 has quickly become one of the most popular ultra-cycling events on the East Coast. Come race the Mid-Atlantic 12/24 and while you are here, take time to visit Bath, 10 miles east of Washington. The 300-year old town was briefly home to Edward Teach, better known as history’s most notorious pirate, Blackbeard. And if you have time, visit the Outer banks.
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Helnaes24 (Ebberup, Denmark) – August 20, 2022
The Helnaes24 is Denmark’s most popular 24-hour event. Riders start/finish in Ebberup, located in the southwest of the big island of Funen. Helnæs is a classic 24-hour time trial, utilizing 2 loops, one long (34 km) and one short (7.5 km). Participants ride the 34km loop for 22 hours and the 7.5km loop the final 2 hours. The route is flat and fast.
The event is open to solo racers as well as 2-person teams. The 2P teams ride relay style. There are drafting and non-drafting divisions. There is also a 12-hour race. The non-drafting solo 24-hour race is a RAAM Qualifier. Solo men must ride 644km and women 595km in 24 hours to qualify for Solo RAAM.
Participants range from elite riders to those who are there simply to enjoy themselves and have a great time. The race is known for its great atmosphere and laid back attitude among the riders. It’s a beautiful route, you can’t help but enjoy yourself. RAAM veteran Peter Sandholt (2015 Solo RAAM finisher) organized the Helnaes 24. Today race director, Uggi Kaldan makes it all happen.
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RE-STOCKED AND READY...
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.
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
Helnaes24 (Ebberup, Denmark) – August 21, 2022 - Back on RQ Calendar We were recently informed by race director, Uggi Kaldan, that the 2022 Helnaes24 is back on. Earlier this year we were told the race would be cancelled. But, after a strong response from the cycling community requesting the race be put back on the calendar, the race was re-instated. That is very good news! We will keep you informed as we learn more. See separate article in this RAAM Newsletter.
Great Himalayan Ultra (Leh, Ladakh, India) – August 26, 2022 – Changes to World’s Highest RQ There are some changes in the works for this year’s Great Himalayan Ultra. The event is one of 3 operated by Inspire India. We received information on the 2022 Great Himalayan Ultra from executive director, Rutvik Khare, as we were making final preparations for 2022 RAAM. So, unfortunately, we were unable to complete our review. But, we liked what we saw. Look for an article in the next RAAM Newsletter.
Results
Race Around Denmark (Aarhus, Denmark) – May 22, 2022 There were 2 RAAM Qualifying distances: Extreme (1,607.03 km and Challenge (809.66 km). There were unsupported and supported divisions in each race. Marek Polacek won the Extreme (unsupported) race in 77h:28m (20.74 km/h) and Anna Friborg (SWE) was the top female, finishing in 97h:54m (16.41 km/h). Michael Gafner (DEN) won the Extreme (supported) race, finishing in 76h:35m (20.98 km/h). Kristian Madsen (DEN) won the Challenge (unsupported) race, finishing in 33h:48m (23.95 km/h) and Morton Stjernholt Nielsen (DEN) won the Challenge (supported) race, finishing in 35h:34m (22.7 km/h). We understand the weather was a bit rough this year. Congratulations to all!
Race Across Belgium (Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium) – May 26, 2022 Ralph Diseviscourt (LUX) won the Race Across Belgium, covering the 1,070 km distance in 43h:31m:55s (24.08 km/h). Congratulations Dizzy on another great ride!
Race Around Neiderosterreich (Weitra, Austria) – May 27, 2022 Christoph Strasser (AUT) won Race Around Neiderosterreich, covering the 600 km distance in 16h:36m (36.14 km/h). Elena Roch (AUT) was the fastest woman, finishing in 21h:15m (28.24 km/h). Congratulations!
24 Hours in the Canyon (Canyon, TX) – June 4, 2022 Andrew Willis was the top male and overall winner, accumulating 387.6 miles in 24 hours and Brandy Zimmer was the top female with 357 miles. Congratulations!
Race Across Germany W-E (Aachen, Germany) – June 10, 2022 This year’s W-E Race Across Germany, from Aachen on the border with Belgium to Goerlitz on the border with Poland, had a strong race field. David Rihtaric (SLO) won, completing the 800km course in 28h:34m (28 km/hr). Michael Adam (GER) and Mike Thieme-Zwipp (GER) rounded out the podium finishing in 32h:48m (24.4 km/hr) and 37h:32m (21.3 km/hr) respectively. Congratulations!
Germany N-S (Flensburg, Germany) – July 1, 2022 This year riding 1,100km from Flensburg on the border with Demark to Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the border with Austria, riders “enjoyed” 500km of headwind plus 280km of rain. Jimmy Ronn (SWE) finished first completing the course in 38h:42m (28.4 km/hr). David Rihtaric (SLO), winner of the RAG W-E in June, finished second in 44h:57m (24.4 km/hr). Rounding out the podium was Stefan Hermann (GER) in 47h:31m (23.1 km/hr). Congratulations to all who finished! Special congratulations to David Rihtaric for completing both races – and with 1st and 2nd place finishes!
Race Across the Alps (Nauders, Austria) – June 24, 2022 Robert Muller (GER) placed first among the men, completing the 525km course in 21h:54m:27s (24 km/hr) and Anna Kofler (AUT) was first among the women in 29h:38m:19s (17.7 km/hr). Congratulations!
Events Coming Up
Following are the events coming up in the next 8-10 weeks:
Road Race RQs:
Race Across Oregon (The Dalles, OR) – July 16, 2022
Race Across Poland (Warsaw, Poland) – July 23, 2022
Race Around Austria (St. Georgen im Attergau, Austria) – August 8, 2022
Mann Powered 380 (Cumming, IA) – August 13, 2022
Race Around Czechia & Slovakia (Vsetin, Czechia) – August 13, 2022
Tortour Ultra (Zurich, Switzerland) – August 18, 2022
Race Around Aomori (Shim Aomori Station, Japan) – August 20, 2022
Great Himalayan Ultra (Leh, Ladakh, India) – August 26, 2022
Hoodoo 500 (St. George, UT) – August 26, 2022
Cascade Ultra (Arlington, WA) – August 27, 2022
Race Across UK (Inverness, Scotland) – August 27, 2022
Time Trial RQs:
Mid-Atlantic 24 (Washington, NC) - August 13, 2022
Helnaes24 (Ebberup, Denmark) - August 20, 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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