OCEANSIDE, Calif., June 5, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- More than 250 men and women from 17 countries are gearing up for the rides of their lives as the start of the Race Across America (RAAM), the world's premiere ultra-endurance cycling event, approaches. The 3,000 mile bicycle race starts June 7, 2008 from Oceanside, California. The race route stretches through 15 states, across the Rockies, through the heartland of America and the Appalachians, and finishes in Annapolis, Maryland. RAAM pits competitors against each other, the ever challenging and changing American landscape, and themselves.
The major difference between RAAM and other bicycle races like Le Tour de France is that RAAM is a continuous, one-stage event, meaning that the clock starts on the west coast and doesn't stop until the racers reach the east coast. Simply put: RAAM is the toughest bicycle race on earth.
RAAM competitors face challenges beyond traditional racing including desert heat, prairie winds, rainstorms, tornadoes, altitude, dark of night, and navigational issues. Ultra-endurance cyclists race around the clock and are supported by a team of specialists who escort and provide critical support to the racers.
While RAAM is contested by professional athletes, its competitors come from all walks of life. RAAM draws elite people who strive to compete in the toughest of circumstances.
Now in its 27th year, this race's solo record was set by Pete Penseyres in 1986 (8 days, 9 hours, 47 minutes), and the team record was set by Action Sports in 2004 (5 days, 8 hours, 17 minutes). RAAM solo competitors average 250 to 350 miles daily. RAAM teams of 2, 4, and 8-people typically cross the country in 6 to 9 days, averaging 350 to over 500 miles daily. Solo women riders and men over age 60 start racing June 7; men's solo racers start June 8; and 2, 4, and 8-person teams start Wednesday, June 11.
RAAM also presents two other events, the Race Across the West which finishes in Taos, New Mexico, and the 24-Hour Team Challenge, which encompasses the first 500 miles of RAAM and finishes in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Many racers also strive for the benefit of various charities, raising more than $3 million in the past two races. This year, more than 35 organizations will benefit from these efforts.
ViaSat is sponsoring RAAM and has provided a mobile satellite broadcast system for the RAAM media crew to make this year's race the most accessible ever for its fans. This digital communication company is based in Carlsbad, just south of the starting line, with major engineering offices along the RAAM route in Arizona, Ohio, and near the finish line in Maryland.
Please visit the RAAM website at www.raceacrossamerica.org for the most comprehensive information about the route, profiles, updates, blogs, videos, and other race information.
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