[DVBC] RAAM Upcoming

[Bob LaDrew]

                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact:

                  Jodi Hall
                  +1-415-990-1324
                  news at raceacrossamerica.org

                  Epic Transcontinental Bicycle Race Welcomes Largest Field 
in History





                  BOULDER, Colo. (June 4, 2007) -- More than 220 courageous 
athletes are set to attempt the Race Across America (RAAM) later this month, 
in a non-stop, coast-to-coast race that will pass over two major mountain 
ranges, through the desert and across the American plains, and into the face 
of the severest weather patterns on the North American continent.



                  Now in its 26th year, the legendary event, known as the 
"world's toughest endurance race," inspires men and women of all ages, who 
spend a year out of their mostly ordinary lives training for the monumental 
challenge of pedaling across the United States to test the utmost limits of 
their physical strength, mental spirit, resilience and commitment.



                  This year's notable field includes 46 men and women over 
the age of 50, cyclists living with diabetes and transplanted organs, and 
one man with a prosthetic leg.   "The Race Across America represents a 
victory over fear, weakness, hardship and even disease," said Fred 
Boethling, a cancer survivor who, at 61, became the oldest man to finish 
Solo RAAM in 2006.  "It offers racers the opportunity to work towards an 
ambitious personal goal, while drawing in others to give back to the 
community."



                  Time stations spaced every 50 miles along the 3,043-mile 
route offer a spot for racers to check in, teams to switch riders on the 
road, support crews to regroup, members of the media to gather interviews, 
and spectators to cheer on these incredible athletes.



                  This year's Solo division promises an especially dramatic 
race with the return of three former RAAM winners: 2006 champion Daniel 
Wyss, 2004 and 2005 winner Jure Robic, and 1997, 2000 and 2002 winner 
Wolfgang Fasching, who has taken no less than third place every year since 
his Rookie of the Year honor in 1996.  This year also sees the largest Solo 
Women's race category in RAAM history, with five women going for gold, one 
of them at the age of 60.



                  Team categories will also offer up their share of 
suspense, as men and women, aged 18-74, join up as teams of two, four or 
eight, to share the pedaling across the country and attempt to finish in 
five to seven days (compared with the 8-12 days of a Solo effort).



                  Their experience, and RAAM itself, is made possible by 
hundreds of volunteers around the country who staff time stations and work 
on racer support crews.  Each support crew includes 8-12 people and two 
vehicles, one to follow the rider on the road and the other to check the 
route, track the competition, run errands, and provide sleeping quarters.



                  For those inspired by the challenge but lacking the time 
off, RAAM offers a 24-hour race on its first 500 miles, from Oceanside, 
Calif. to Flagstaff, Ariz.  Competition for first place will be fierce among 
this year's four teams of eight, who must maintain high speeds for a "short" 
but grueling course that includes 22,000 vertical feet of climbing.



                  The end result is millions of dollars raised for more than 
30 charities around the world, chosen by racers who fundraise as 
passionately as they train, incorporating publicity events into their 
training schedule, naming an honorary pedal partner (often a child) and 
setting serious goals of raising more than $100,000.



                  Follow the route and the action on the RAAM website's 
"live coverage," an exciting, new feature launching Sunday, June 10.  This 
online report will be updated every 30 minutes -- 24 hours per day -- with 
news and photos: http://www.raceacrossamerica.org.



                  About the Race Across America (RAAM)



                  The Race Across America, known as the "world's toughest 
bicycle race", will set over 215 competitors on a 3,043-mile route 
stretching from Oceanside, California to Atlantic City, New Jersey. 
Athletes race continuously day and night, on their own power or sharing the 
challenge with a team, and a crew of 8 -15 people following in support cars 
with food and supplies for the race.  These courageous adventurers brave 
heat, wind, thunderstorms, altitude, the dark of night, fatigue, and sleep 
deprivation, cross two major mountain ranges, and raise hundreds of 
thousands of dollars for charity.  The race is under new ownership in 2007. 
The new management team is comprised of long-time veterans of past RAAMs who 
have demonstrated a heartfelt commitment to the race via their years of 
racing, crewing, officiating, and volunteer leadership.  For more 
information and race updates, see http://www.raceacrossamerica.org.



                  ###


                        CONTACT:

                        Jodi Hall
                        415.990.1324
                        news at raceacrossamerica.org





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