RAAM 2008 - Another Great Success!

The 27th Race Across America (RAAM) 2008 finished in Annapolis, Maryland June 20, 2008. This year's race was another winning installment in this one-of-a-kind, epic ultra-endurance bicycle race.

250 racers from 17 countries supported by close to 1,000 support crew and staff competed in the three different races and divisions of RAAM 2008. In addition to the 24-hour challenge and the coast-to-coast RAAM race, the inaugural 1,000 mile "Race Across the West" race ending in Taos, New Mexico was a great success and RAAM anticipates a much larger field for this race in RAAM 2009.

A number of records and firsts were shattered this year, including:
 
· RAAM solo racer John Schlitter become the first person to finish the solo race on a recumbent cycle
· Jure Robic (pictured below) won his 4th solo RAAM race, a new men's record
· New time record for a team, the 8-person Byggkjøp/BMC Cycling Team, finishing the RAAM race in 5 days, 9 hours, 56 minutes
 
While pedaling the 3,014 miles, other competitors had different aspirations, some to finish the race, others to beat personal goals. The women's solo division had no official finishers. Of the solo men competitors,17 of the 25 racers finished the race, and 38 of the 40 teams finished. Many racers also raised funds and awareness for 35 different charities.

RAAM would like to thank its many sponsors, including ViaSat, Inc., KVH Industries, Inc., The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE,) Hincapie Sportswear, Hammer Nutrition, TitanFlex Bikes, PMC, Kenda Rubber Industrial Company, and MyAthlete.

The RAAM organization also thanks its partners including the cities of Oceanside, California, Taos, New Mexico, and Annapolis, Maryland for their hospitality and cooperation during the race. Along the race route public officials, local businesses, and residents alike embraced RAAM and its competitors, and we thank them for their continued support.

Dates and registration information for RAAM 2009 will be announced soon. For complete race details and more information, please visit www.raceacrossamerica.org.