A Race Option for Everyone, RAAM Races Take Endurance Cycling to the Next Level
BOULDER, CO (December 23, 2014) — For 33 years the Race Across America (RAAM) has brought thousands together from around the world to compete in the legendary “Worlds Toughest Bicycle Race”. After an incredible 2014 with names like Dave Mirra, multi-time X Games winner, Dave Zabriskie, Tour de France competitor competing as a part of the 4-man winning team, and Pippa Middleton, English socialite, in the 8-person team category, competition ran deep.
Endurance cycling is comprised of a large international contingency that gathers together for the incomparable race on American soil. Media coverage through ridefarther.com and live athlete tracking provided by Tractalis makes it easy to follow the Race from anywhere in the world. Due to the caliber of talent and new racers in 2014 (plus a record –setting performance from Christoph Strasser), 2015 is expecting to see an increase in the international field.
RAAM placed an indelible stamp on toughness with the solo division, which remains the soul of the Race and continues to grow. For 2015, RAAM is expecting the 2-, 4-, and 8-person teams to continue their expansion with the involvement of corporate teams. The team aspect of RAAM has evolved into an incredible platform to compete while raising awareness and support for the philanthropy of their choice. RAAM builds camaraderie among co-workers, takes competition to a new level, and ultimately is an experience no one will forget. Team racing has the attainability for any group of cyclists to race in RAAM without the same cost and time commitment as a RAAM soloist.
Without making the 3000-mile commitment of RAAM, cyclists can enter into endurance cycling through the Race Across the West (RAW), the first 860 miles of RAAM. Here racers can gain experience while competing on the toughest and possibly the most scenic portion of the RAAM course. RAW is a great way for athletes looking to transition into endurance cycling and a stepping-stone to the ultimate race, RAAM. Achievable as a solo or team (2- or 4-person) racer, RAW is accessible, less expensive, less time consuming, and with the finish in beautiful Durango, it is a race to remember. Registration is open now.
Returning for its 4th year, the RAAM Challenge Series is a five state series offering two challenging distances. With the options of 200 or 400 miles, solo and 2- or 4-person teams, this series is next benchmark for any fit cyclist or triathlete. The 400-mile routes are a RAAM qualifier for those daring to race solo, and the 200-mile routes are within reach of cyclists already completing Gran Fondos (100+ miles). The series also provides athletes with the perfect training ground for endurance cycling and a great way for crews to hone their skills. Registration opens January 1.
Lastly, 2014 was an epic year for the 6/12/24 Hour World Time Trial Championships. With its new home in Borrego Springs, California, a new live-timing system and a new flat, fast and spectator-friendly course, it’s a unique event where racers can test themselves against the clock without support crews or follow vehicles. The new course features an 18-mile long loop finishing with a 4.8-mile short loop. There is no better way to enjoy the captivating desert landscape. Racers come from around the world to experience this great event. Whether you are a criterium specialist, a triathlete or an experienced endurance racer, make sure to add this event to your 2015 race calendar.
Complete 2015 Race Calendar: (Registration is open)
RAAM Solo Start (Oceanside, CA) – June 16
RAAM Team Start (Oceanside, CA) – June 20
RAW Solo and Team Start (Oceanside, CA) – June 16
RAAM Cycling Challenge Series: (Registration opens Jan. 1, 2015)
Texas (Marble Falls) – March 28
Southern California (Oceanside) – May 2
Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul) – July 18
Colorado (Steamboat Springs) – August 15
Ohio (Columbus) – October 3
6/12/24 Hour World Time Trial Championships: (Borrego Springs, CA) – November 13-14
More About RAAM
RAAM and SOUL EVENTS are world leaders in the sport of endurance bicycle racing. The team is responsible for the Race Across America (RAAM), the world’s premier ultra-endurance bicycle race, a 3000-mile coast-to-coast race across the USA, as well as the Race Across the West (RAW), an 860-mile race across the Western US, the RAAM Cycling Challenge Series, and the 6-12-24 Hour Endurance Time Trail World Championships. In addition, they offer seminars on endurance bicycle racing and sanction endurance races worldwide. www.raceacrossamerica.org
