Daily Wrap-Up

RAAM Daily Wrap-Up: Day 13

The RAAM is over; the last competitors reach the finish in Annapolis.

RAAM Solo Male

RAAM finishes
The 2009 Race Across America is over. After 3,021 miles, every competitor has crossed the finish line in Annapolis. The banners are being taken down, the long-awaited pints are being drunken; normality is being resumed for the mentally and physically-exhausted warriors of the road.

Sixth for solid Rees
As envisaged yesterday, nobody could knock Jim Rees out of sixth spot. The solid Briton crossed the line after ten days, twenty hours and fifty-two minutes for his best RAAM result to date, after 18th in 2007 and ninth last year. Supporting Team Inspiration, he has ridden consistently over the course, always there or thereabouts in the top ten.

Clarindo clinches seventh
One and a half hours later came Claudio Clarindo, bettering his 11th place from 2008. I will reiterate that it has been some year for Brazil in this race. Alongside Clarindo’s result, they can laud Genovesi’s solo female victory and Vencendo Desafios Team Brazil’s strong fifth in the four-up competition.

Newey fights off Popp for eighth
RAAM solo rookie Richard Newey fought off a fellow race virgin, Ben Popp, to secure a fine eighth-placed finish. The Briton crossed the line sixty-two minutes ahead of his rival, who briefly was as high as fifth after Christoph Strasser’s mid-race withdrawal. Both men have acquitted themselves superbly over the last eleven days, coping with the myriad tests this gruelling challenge has thrown at them.

Rudge and Cook finish their races
Americans Daniel Rudge and Michael Cook crossed the finish to take tenth and eleventh respectively. Both have fought the rigours of the race excellently. With his finish, Rudge banishes the disappointment of last year’s DNF, showing that he has learnt from his mistakes.

1st Dani Wyss (Swi) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 8d 05h 45m (15.28mph)
2nd Gerhard Gulewicz (Aut) 3021.10 miles – 8d 22h 54m (14.06mph)
3rd Marko Baloh (Slo) 3021.10 miles – 9d 21h 44m (12.71mph)
4th Christopher Gottwald (Usa) 3021.10 miles – 10h 12h 46m (11.95mph)
5th Kevin Kaiser (Usa) 3021.10 miles – 10d 17h 03m (11.75mph)
6th Jim Rees (Gbr) 3021.30 miles – 10d 20h 52m (11.58mph)
7th Claudio Clarindo (Bra) 3021.30 miles – 10d 22h 25m (11.51mph)
8th Richard Newey (Gbr) 3021.30 miles – 11d 0h 10m (11.44mph)
9th Ben Popp (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 11d 1h 12m (11.39mph)
10th Daniel Rudge (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 11d 5h 23m (11.22mph)
11th Michael Cook (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 11d 12d 5m (10.94mph)

DNFJure Robic (Slo) 2966.70 miles – TS #51 – 8d 2h 40m (15.24mph)
DNFPeter Oyler (Can) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 4d 22h 51m (13.58mph)
DNFTony O’Keeffe (Can) 1576.30 miles – TS #26 – 5d 3h 01m (12.81mph)
DNFChristoph Strasser (Aut) 1471.50 miles – TS #21 – 4d 6h 43m (14.33mph)
DNFFranz Preihs (Aut) 1044.10 miles – TS #18 – 3d 11h 08m (12.56mph)
DNFJulian Sanz Garcia (Spa) 934.20 miles – TS #16 – 3d 01h 02m (12.79mph)
DNFJean Marc Velez (Fra) 934.20 miles - TS #16 - 3d 5h 42m (12.02mph)
DNFBill Bradley (Usa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 22h 42m (9.34mph)
DNF Patrick Autissier (Fra) 563.00 miles - TS #9 - 2d 01h 59m (11.26mph)
DNF Scott Luikart (Usa) 396.70 miles – TS #6 – 1d 04h 39m (13.85mph)

RAAM Solo Female
Janet Christiansen was the second solo female into Annapolis, almost ten hours after her great rival Daniela Genovesi. The fatigues of 3,000 miles of racing took their toll on the hardy American, as she fell off the leading pace she had maintained for two-thirds of the race. Nevertheless, she can be proud of this finish, averaging 10.35mph.

And it is with great regret that I must report Ann Wooldridge as a victim of the time cut-off. The Briton, a long-time member of Gloucester RC, fought tooth-and-nail to stay in the race after sustaining several injuries crashing into a drainage ditch in Montana. Unfortunately, she narrowly lost out to the time limit, being ruled an official DNF in Rouzerville, PA, a mere 140 miles from the finish.

Despite this, Wooldridge fought on to finish “unofficially” in Annapolis and to secure the fastest crossing for a 50+ woman.

In this whole race, from all the categories, her story has been one of my favourites. I admired her quiet tenacity and focus while riding, while the fact she is a fellow Brit also helped to endear her to me; I was really hoping she would make the finish, against the odds after her nasty tumble. After coming so close to an “official” finish in Annapolis, we dearly hope she returns in the future to banish any unfortunate memories from this year’s race!

1st Daniela Genovesi (Bra) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 11d 17h 08m (10.75mph)
2nd Janet Christiansen (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 12d 03h 54m (10.35mph)

RAAM Solo Female 50-59
DNF Ann Wooldridge (Gbr) 2889.90 miles – TS #49 – 12d 16h 23m (9.49mph)

RAAM Solo Male 50-59
Dominique Briand has won the solo male 50-59 category. Last man standing for France, he rode with great consistency, his average speed barely changing in the final ten days. He can be immensely proud of this performance, averaging 11.05mph.

1st Dominique Briand (Fra) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 11d 09h 24m (11.05mph)
DNF Hermann Bachmann (Swi) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 7d 03h 35m (9.41mph)

RAAM Solo Male 60-69
1st Paul Danhaus (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 11d 10h 48m (10.99mph)

RAAM Teams

RAAM 8-Person
The last eight-up team out on the course finished their race at lunchtime on Sunday. The Caledonian Chain Gang averaged 16.11mph. Consisting of a team of Scottish friends, they’ve definitely earned their pint at the finish line.

1st Team Type 1 (Usa) 3021.30 miles - FINISH – 5d 9h 5m (23.41mph)
2nd Team ViaSat (Usa) 3021.30 mles – 5d 15h 53m (22.23mph)
3rd Team Donate Life – Give Hope (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 6d 04h 48m (20.30mph)
4th Team Donate Life – Liverators (Usa) 3021.30 miles - 6d 17h 56m (18.66mph)
5th Bike M.A.D (Gbr) 3021.30 miles – 6d 21h 19m (18.28mph)
6th Team Vera Bradley (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 1h 0m (17.88mph)
7th Team Type 2 (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 7h 24m (17.23mph)
8th The Caledonian Chain Gang (Gbr) 3021.30 miles - 7d 19h 33m (16.11mph)

RAAM Open Open
1. Team JDRF (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 10h 04m (19.61mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male 50-59
1. Georgia Chain Gang (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 7d 8h 06m (17.16mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male 75+
1. Great Grand PAC Masters (Usa) 3021.30 miles- FINISH – 8d 14h 49m (14.61mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male
German quartet Equipe Schwarz were ninth into Annapolis, finishing a healthy two hours ahead of Drew’s Crew. Both will be pleased not only to finish, but to make it inside the eight-hour barrier. Last but not least were Team Can Be Venture, averaging 15.02mph.

1st Team RANS (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 03h 40m (20.46mph)
2nd Team Strong Heart (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 6d 10h 30m (19.56mph)
3rd Austria Triathlon Team (Aut) 3021.30 miles – 6d 15h 07m (18.99mph)
4th OC Quattro (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 6d 16h 25m (18.83mph)
5th Vencendo Desafios Team Brazil (Bra) 3021.30 miles – 7d 8h 07m (17.16mph)
6th Team SaveBuzzardsBay.org (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 8h 42m (17.10mph)
7th Berliner (Ger) 3021.30 miles – 7d 10h 23m (16.94mph)
8th Ari’s Angels (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 14h 35m (16.55mph)
9th Equipe Schwarz (Ger) 3021.30 miles – 7d 21h 15m (15.96mph)
10th Drew’s Crew (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 23h 18m (15.79mph)
11th Team Can Be Venture (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 8d 9h 06m (15.02mph)
DNF Team Surfing USA (Usa) 1911.70 miles – TS #32 – 3d 21h 51m (20.37mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed 50-59
1. Buchholz goes America (Ger) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 22h 46m (18.12mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed Under 50
1st All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 11h 16m (19.46mph)
2nd Team Human Science (Gbr) 3021.30 miles – 6d 23h 10m (18.07mph)
3rd Sami’s Team (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 8h 41m (17.10mph)

RAAM 2-Person
Male Under 50
1st Adventures for the Cure (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 7d 01h 33m (17.82mph)
2nd E-HUB TEAM (Slo) 3021.30 miles – 7d 9h 12m (17.05mph)

Male 50-59
1st Team Reaching Heights (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 7d 10h 36m (16.92mph)

2-Person Mixed
British pair SpinVox Adventurers have done it! Comprising of Christina Domecq and Ian Rolls, the race’s only mixed pair started slow and tapped out a smooth and steady pace throughout, keeping to their limits well. Congratulations to them.

1. SpinVox Adventurers (Gbr) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 8d 0h 46m (15.67mph)

A final thank you
So, that just leaves a final thank you to everyone in the RAAM family – and this is a huge thank you. Racers, crews, time station volunteers, media crew, sponsors, administrators, fans, families, friends: all of you have helped to make this a special race.

Let’s remember that, in the whole scheme of things, every single RAAM or RAW entrant this year is a champion – for pushing so hard, for achieving so much. Each and every one deserves our utmost credit and respect for what they have done.

RAAM Daily Wrap-Up: Day 12

RAAM Solo Male

Third for Marko Baloh
Slovenian rider Marko Baloh reached Annapolis at Saturday lunchtime to take third place. His average speed of 12.71mph meant that he was the third rider to dip under the ten-hour barrier. The ultra-cycling star enjoyed a very consistent race, starting fast and moving into third on the opening day. He only relinquished that position to Gerhard Gulewicz in the closing miles.

Gottwald is Rookie of the Year and best American
Next to finish was Christopher Gottwald. He timed his final charge to perfection. After a fast start, the Colavita road pro dropped his speed, falling to sixteenth. However, he was just riding consistently, saving his energy for a last-500-mile blitz. His time of ten days, twelve hours and forty-six minutes secures him the Rookie of the Year title.

While fellow RAAM virgins Christoph Strasser and Ben Popp were both higher-profile in the opening week, Gottwald can celebrate, as the man taking away the title after showing his superior staying power. Moreover, he is the quickest American this year. What a ride by Gottwald, who has done the 3,021-race supporting Miles for Mentoring.

Kaiser in fifth
Kevin Kaiser crossed the line just over four hours later for a deserved fifth. He took a similar tactic to Gottwald, sitting near the bottom of the classification and riding a steady-paced race. Though he dropped to fifth late on, mild-mannered pharmacist Kaiser can be immensely-proud of his achievements this year. Hopefully, he’ll be back for another pop in 2010.

Rees and Clarindo duel for sixth
Back to the race. With 70 miles to go, Brit Jim Rees and Brazilian Claudio Clarindo are locked in a close scrap for sixth place. At Mt Airy, the two were only fifty-nine minutes apart. It may be too late for the South American to rally, but he will be squeezing every last bit of energy out of his fatigued body in an attempt to make up the difference.

Another tight battle down the road
Just forty miles back down the Maryland road, Richard Newey and Ben Popp are fighting it out for eighth. The Briton led his rival by just twenty-four minutes at TS #50. It will be very close in Annapolis, rest assured.

Rudge and Cook close on the finish
Daniel Rudge lies tenth, 250 miles from the finish, with Michael Cook a few hours down. The last two male soloists, both have ridden superbly and should reach the finish in Annapolis inside the time limit.

1st Dani Wyss (Swi) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 8d 05h 45m (15.28mph)
2nd Gerhard Gulewicz (Aut) 3021.10 miles – 8d 22h 54m (14.06mph)
3rd Marko Baloh (Slo) 3021.10 miles – 9d 21h 44m (12.71mph)
4th Christopher Gottwald (Usa) 3021.10 miles – 10h 12h 46m (11.95mph)
5th Kevin Kaiser (Usa) 3021.10 miles – 10d 17h 03m (11.75mph)

6. Jure Robic (Slo) 2966.70 miles – TS #51 – 8d 02h 40m (15.24mph)
7. Jim Rees / Team Inspiration (Gbr) 2966.70 miles – 10d 16h 33m (11.56mph)
8. Claudio Clarindo (Bra) 2966.70 miles – 10d 17h 32m (11.52mph)
9. Richard Newey (Gbr) 2928.30 miles – TS #50 – 10d 16h 31m (11.42mph)
10. Ben Popp (Usa) 2928.30 miles – 10d 16h 55m (11.40mph)
11. Daniel Rudge (Usa) 2841.00 miles – TS #48 – 10d 16h 20m (11.08mph)
12. Michael Cook (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 10d 17h 16m (10.87mph)

DNFPeter Oyler (Can) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 4d 22h 51m (13.58mph)
DNFTony O’Keeffe (Can) 1576.30 miles – TS #26 – 5d 3h 01m (12.81mph)
DNFChristoph Strasser (Aut) 1471.50 miles – TS #21 – 4d 6h 43m (14.33mph)
DNFFranz Preihs (Aut) 1044.10 miles – TS #18 – 3d 11h 08m (12.56mph)
DNFJulian Sanz Garcia (Spa) 934.20 miles – TS #16 – 3d 01h 02m (12.79mph)
DNFJean Marc Velez (Fra) 934.20 miles - TS #16 - 3d 5h 42m (12.02mph)
DNFBill Bradley (Usa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 22h 42m (9.34mph)
DNF Patrick Autissier (Fra) 563.00 miles - TS #9 - 2d 01h 59m (11.26mph)
DNF Scott Luikart (Usa) 396.70 miles – TS #6 – 1d 04h 39m (13.85mph)

RAAM Solo Female
Daniela Genovesi is the RAAM solo female champion. The Brazilian crossed the finish line after eleven days, seventeen hours and eight minutes, conquering this epic race in her very first attempt. She took the lead after nine days of riding, and kept her speed much better than former frontrunner Janet Christiansen over the tiring closing quarter. This is a huge accomplishment by the South American, who has also won fans for her cheery approach to racing.

In the coming day, Christiansen will cross the line for second. Although perhaps disappointed by losing the lead after coming so close, she will be pleased to reach the finish after DNF’ing in the final 300 miles last year. Overall, she has ridden with great pluck and skill this year.

Ann Wooldridge is still on the brink of the time limit, averaging 9.69mph. Her finish would be particularly heroic, after crashing into a drainage ditch and sustaining several injuries a few days ago.

1st Daniela Genovesi (Bra) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 11d 17h 08m (10.75mph)
2. Janet Christiansen (Usa) 2889.90 miles – TS #49 – 11d 16h 33m (10.30mph)

RAAM Solo Female 50-59
1. Ann Wooldridge (Gbr) 2706.80 miles – TS #45 – 11d 15h 24m (9.69mph)

RAAM Solo Male 50-59
Just one more day to go for the sole male 50-59 competitor Dominique Briand. His speed has been dampened little by the growing fatigue, as he homes in on Annapolis and a well-deserved rest.

1. Dominique Briand (Fra) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 10d 15h 32m (10.95mph)
DNF Hermann Bachmann (Swi) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 7d 03h 35m (9.41mph)

RAAM Solo Male 60-69
What a ride by Paul Danhaus! The 60 year-old vet, nicknamed “the Doc” by the media crew, crossed the finish line early yesterday morning to complete an awe-inspiring ride, as the oldest solo finisher. What is more, he even upped his average in the closing two hundred miles.

1st Paul Danhaus (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 11d 10h 48m (10.99mph)

RAAM Teams

RAAM 8-Person
British squad Bike M.A.D. were fifth to cross the line, dipping under the seven-day mark. Behind them came Team Vera Bradley – rolling over on seven days and one hour exactly - and Team Type 2, riding their first RAAM. All the teams have ridden strongly and cohesively over the last week.

Tomorrow, the last eight-person team to finish will be the Caledonian Chain Gang, who are just seventy miles from Annapolis. They should dip under the eight-day mark.

1st Team Type 1 (Usa) 3021.30 miles - FINISH – 5d 9h 5m (23.41mph)
2nd Team ViaSat (Usa) 3021.30 mles – 5d 15h 53m (22.23mph)
3rd Team Donate Life – Give Hope (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 6d 04h 48m (20.30mph)
4th Team Donate Life – Liverators (Usa) 3021.30 miles - 6d 17h 56m (18.66mph)
5th Bike M.A.D (Gbr) 3021.30 miles – 6d 21h 19m (18.28mph)
6th Team Vera Bradley (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 1h 0m (17.88mph)
7th Team Type 2 (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 7h 24m (17.23mph)
8. The Caledonian Chain Gang (Gbr) 2966.70 miles – TS #51 – 7d 16h 19m (16.10mph)

RAAM Open Open
1. Team JDRF (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 10h 04m (19.61mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male 50-59
The Georgia Chain Gang have finished! The sole 50-59 four-person male participants had a fine ride, clocking seven days, eight hours and six minutes. The highly-impressive time would have placed them fifth in the under-50 competition.

1. Georgia Chain Gang (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 7d 8h 06m (17.16mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male 75+
1. Great Grand PAC Masters (Usa) 3021.30 miles- FINISH – 8d 14h 49m (14.61mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male
Vencendo Desafios Team Brazil rode across the line in the middle of the night to take fifth. With solo women’s victory for Daniela Genovesi and a strong ride by Claudio Clarindo in the men’s competition, it has been a bumper year for Brazil in the RAAM.

Behind, Team SaveBuzzardsBay.org held off the challenge of Berliner to maintain sixth come Annapolis; they rode so well in the last 24 hours that they only finished thirty-five minutes behind Team Brazil.

Berliner and Ari’s Angels finished to take seventh and eighth after excellent rides. This leaves Equipe Schwarz, Drew’s Crew and Team Can Be Venture still riding in the East. They will all reach the finish tomorrow.

1st Team RANS (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 03h 40m (20.46mph)
2nd Team Strong Heart (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 6d 10h 30m (19.56mph)
3rd Austria Triathlon Team (Aut) 3021.30 miles – 6d 15h 07m (18.99mph)
4th OC Quattro (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 6d 16h 25m (18.83mph)
5th Vencendo Desafios Team Brazil (Bra) 3021.30 miles – 7d 8h 07m (17.16mph)
6th Team SaveBuzzardsBay.org (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 8h 42m (17.10mph)
7th Berliner (Ger) 3021.30 miles – 7d 10h 23m (16.94mph)
8th Ari’s Angels (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 14h 35m (16.55mph)
9. Equipe Schwarz (Ger) 2966.70 miles – TS #51 – 7d 17h 27m (16.00mph)
10. Drew’s Crew (Usa) 2889.90 miles – TS #49 – 7d 15h 26m (15.75mph)
11. Team Can Be Venture (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 7d 17h 36m (15.07mph)
DNF Team Surfing USA (Usa) 1911.70 miles – TS #32 – 3d 21h 51m (20.37mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed 50-59
German foursome Buchholz goes America have finished their RAAM, scoring a highly impressive average of 18.12mph for the record. They blitzed the closing fifteen miles between the penultimate time station and Annapolis, averaging 24.16mph! They have ridden superbly this last week, belying both age and gender in obtaining a time that would be very competitive in the male four-up under-50 competition.

1. Buchholz goes America (Ger) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 22h 46m (18.12mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed Under 50
British Team Human Science took second in the category, upping their pace late on to ensure that they dipped under the seven-day barrier. Sami’s Team, who rode impressively on a conservative strategy, took third ten hours later.

1st All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 11h 16m (19.46mph)
2nd Team Human Science (Gbr) 3021.30 miles – 6d 23h 10m (18.07mph)
3rd Sami’s Team (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 7d 8h 41m (17.10mph)

RAAM 2-Person
As expected, Patrick Driscoll and Adam Blair – who make up Adventures for the Cure – have won the RAAM 2-Person competition. Despite slowing in the closing 750 miles, they still hit the race finish eight hours in front of rivals E-HUB TEAM.

However, the runners-up can be content that they fended off a last-day challenge from male 50-59 winners Team Reaching Heights.

Meanwhile, SpinVox Adventurers are the last pair still on the course. The British duo are just 120 miles away from their triumph, still keeping a steady pace.

Male Under 50
1st Adventures for the Cure (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 7d 01h 33m (17.82mph)
2nd E-HUB TEAM (Slo) 3021.30 miles – 7d 9h 12m (17.05mph)

Male 50-59
1st Team Reaching Heights (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 7d 10h 36m (16.92mph)

Mixed Under 50
1. SpinVox Adventurers (Gbr) 2889.80 miles – TS #49 – 7d 16h 47m (15.64mph)

RAAM Daily Wrap-Up: Day 11

More riders and teams cross the finish line in Annapolis.

RAAM Solo Male

Gulewicz finishes second
Seventeen hours after race winner Dani Wyss, Gerhard Gulewicz was the next RAAM male soloist to cross the finish line. With his 14.06mph average speed, he also managed to do it in just under nine days, a sublime ride. He moved into second after passing Jure Robic, who (while officially still in the race) has been stationary at TS #51 for the last day.

Gulewicz’s good pace really paid dividends this year: the Austrian sat in sixth for the opening two days before really coming into his own in the race’s second half. It is much in contrast to his 2008 race, where he tailed Robic closely for the first two days, before having to abandon at the halfway point after a bad crash.

Marko Baloh approaches Annapolis
Third-placed-to-be Marko Baloh is just 70 miles from the finish, having passed through Mt Airy. The Slovenian has been in the top four for virtually all the race and despite being passed by Gulewicz a few days ago, he has ridden an uber-consistent race and utterly deserves a podium finish.

Gottwald makes his move
Behind, the race for fifth is still on. Kevin Kaiser dropped his pace, allowing Colavita road pro Chris Gottwald his opportunity to make a move. With 400 miles left, he leads Kaiser by 48 minutes. Yet, Gottwald has collected sixty minutes of penalty time, for late attendance at a mandatory race meeting.

Therefore, in effect, he is still behind his rival. This is more than just a battle for fifth place: they are also vying for Rookie of the Year and fastest American titles.

Still close behind
As for seventh and beyond, it’s still up in arms. Jim Rees has a three-and-a-half hour buffer on compatriot Richard Newey, who has enjoyed a strong twenty-four hours. Just behind, Ben Popp is still in the mix. Claudio Clarindo seems to have gone off the boil recently, with Michael Cook riding steadily in the eleventh. Still, let’s bear in mind that in the last 36 hours, a lot can happen.

1st Dani Wyss (Swi) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 8d 05h 45m (15.28mph)
2nd Gerhard Gulewicz (Aut) 3021.10 miles – FINISH – 8d 22h 54m (14.06mph)
3. Jure Robic (Slo) 2966.70 miles – TS #51 – 8d 02h 40m (15.24mph)
4. Marko Baloh (Slo) 2966.70 miles – 9d 16h 55m (12.74mph)
5. Christopher Gottwald / Miles for Mentoring (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 9d 20h 05m (11.85mph)
6. Kevin Kaiser (Usa) 2751.30 miles – TS #46 – 9d 16h 56m (11.81mph)
7. Jim Rees / Team Inspiration (Gbr) 2706.80 miles – TS #45 – 9d 16h 19m (11.65mph)
8. Richard Newey (Gbr) 2706.80 miles – 9d 19h 45m (11.48mph)
9. Ben Popp (Usa) 2642.00 miles – TS #44 – 9d 11h 21m (11.62mph)
10. Claudio Clarindo (Bra) 2642.00 miles – 9d 15h 22m (11.42mph)
11. Michael Cook (Usa) 2575.40 miles – TS #43 – 9d 18h 19m (10.99mph)

DNFPeter Oyler (Can) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 4d 22h 51m (13.58mph)
DNFTony O’Keeffe (Can) 1576.30 miles – TS #26 – 5d 3h 01m (12.81mph)
DNFChristoph Strasser (Aut) 1471.50 miles – TS #21 – 4d 6h 43m (14.33mph)
DNFFranz Preihs (Aut) 1044.10 miles – TS #18 – 3d 11h 08m (12.56mph)
DNFJulian Sanz Garcia (Spa) 934.20 miles – TS #16 – 3d 01h 02m (12.79mph)
DNFJean Marc Velez (Fra) 934.20 miles - TS #16 - 3d 5h 42m (12.02mph)
DNFBill Bradley (Usa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 22h 42m (9.34mph)
DNF Patrick Autissier (Fra) 563.00 miles - TS #9 - 2d 01h 59m (11.26mph)
DNF Scott Luikart (Usa) 396.70 miles – TS #6 – 1d 04h 39m (13.85mph)

RAAM Solo Female
As long-time leader Janet Christiansen falls out of contention, Daniela Genovesi is set to become the first South American woman to win the RAAM. 220 miles from the finish, she leads her erstwhile rival by seven hours. She just has to make it safely and speedily through Maryland to the finish.

Meanwhile, Ann Wooldridge is still on course to reach Annapolis within the time limit, though her average of 9.84mph means she is teetering on the brink of elimination. 500 miles out, fingers crossed that she makes it.

1. Daniela Genovesi (Bra) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 10d 16h 33m (10.90mph)
2. Janet Christiansen (Usa) 2706.80 miles – TS #45 – 10d 16h 43m (10.54mph)
DNFMichele Santilhano (Rsa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 14h 01m (10.28mph)

RAAM Solo Female 50-59
1. Ann Wooldridge (Gbr) 2516.30 miles – TS #42 – 10d 15h 45m (9.84mph)

RAAM Solo Male 50-59
Similarly, Dominique Briand is just sixty miles up the road from Wooldridge. He too needs to keep tapping out a good rhythm and pedalling – about all the RAAM competitor is able to do ten days in. He is on course to becoming France’s only finisher in 2009.

1. Dominique Briand (Fra) 2575.40 miles – TS #43 – 9d 16h 34m (11.07mph)
DNF Hermann Bachmann (Swi) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 7d 03h 35m (9.41mph)

RAAM Solo Male 60-69
Barring a major collapse, Paul Danhaus is going to be the oldest solo finsher in this year’s race. The 60 year-old is a day from relief in Annapolis, still boasting a healthy average of 10.95mph.

1. Paul Danhaus (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 10d 15h 32m (10.95mph)

RAAM Teams
More and more teams are crossing the finish line in Annapolis at the end of their 3,021-mile races.

RAAM Open Open
Open team JDRF crossed the line in six days, ten hours and four minutes for a fine average of 19.61mph. A big well done to them.

1. Team JDRF (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 10h 04m (19.61mph)

RAAM 8-Person
The Team Donate Life teams of Give Hope and Liverators finished their races in the last twenty-four hours. Liverators fought off Bike M.A.D.’s penultimate-day challenge to claim fourth relatively comfortably.

Behind, the last day has served to break the pack up significantly. The remaining four octets should all finish tomorrow, with positions unlikely to change.

1st Team Type 1 (Usa) 3021.30 miles - FINISH – 5d 9h 5m (23.41mph)
2nd Team ViaSat (Usa) 3021.30 mles – 5d 15h 53m (22.23mph)
3rd Team Donate Life – Give Hope (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 6d 04h 48m (20.30mph)
4th Team Donate Life – Liverators (Usa) 3021.30 miles - 6d 17h 56m (18.66mph)
5. Bike M.A.D. (Gbr) 2928.30 miles – TS #50 – 6d 16h 46m (18.21mph)
6. Team Vera Bradley (Usa) 2889.90 miles – TS #49 – 6d 16h 56m (17.96mph)
7. Team Type 2 (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 - 6d 16h 50m (17.39mph)
8. The Caledonian Chain Gang (Gbr) 2642.00 miles – TS #44 – 6d 18h 03m (16.30mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male 50-59
There’s not long left for the Georgia Chain Gang to race. They will be gunning to maintain their 17.39mph average over the closing miles.

1. Georgia Chain Gang (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 6d 17h 02m (17.37mph)

RAAM 4-Person 75+

1. Great Grand PAC Masters (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 8d 14h 49m (14.61mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male Under 50
Team RANS are winners of the four-person male RAAM race. They crossed the line late yesterday morning after six days, three hours and forty minutes – the only team to maintain an average over 20mph.

Team Strong Heart rolled into second just under seven hours later, as the expected assault on their position never materialised. Instead, Austria Triathlon Team had to fight hard to maintain third, crossing the line 1h 18 minutes ahead of race-long rivals OC Quattro.

There was movement lower down the order, as Team SaveBuzzardsBay.org caught and passed Berliner for sixth place. Only nine minutes apart, expect things to very close between these two in Annapolis tomorrow.

1st Team RANS (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 03h 40m (20.46mph)
2nd Team Strong Heart (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 6d 10h 30m (19.56mph)
3rd Austria Triathlon Team (Aut) 3021.30 miles – 6d 15h 07m (18.99mph)
4th OC Quattro (Usa) 3021.30 miles – 6d 16h 25m (18.83mph)
5. Vencendo Desafios Team Brazil (Bra) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 6d 17h 58m (17.27mph)
6. Team SaveBuzzardsBay.org (Usa) 2751.30 miles – TS #46 – 6d 17h 24m (17.05mph)
7. Berliner (Ger) 2751.30 miles – 6d 17h 35m (17.03mph)
8. Ari’s Angels (Usa) 2706.80 miles – TS #45 – 6d 17h 43m (16.74mph)
9. Equipe Schwarz (Ger) 2642.00 miles – TS #44 – 6d 18h 19m (16.28mph)
10. Drew’s Crew (Usa) 2575.40 miles – TS #43 – 6d 17h 08m (15.98mph)
11. Team Can Be Venture (Usa) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 6d 17h 14m (15.25mph)
DNF Team Surfing USA (Usa) 1911.70 miles – TS #32 – 3d 21h 51m (20.37mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed 50-59
Just 90 miles left to go for Buchholz goes America. The German quartet are still avrging a notch over 18mph as they head towards Maryland.

1. Buchholz goes America (Ger) 2928.30 miles – TS #50 – 6d 17h 57m (18.08mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed Under 50
In the middle of the night, All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia were crowned RAAM champions in Annapolis. The awesome foursome held off an early challenge from Team Human Science to take a comfortable win. Their British rivals are due to finish in the next few hours, with Sami’s Team set for third position.

1st All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia (Usa) 3021.30 miles – FINISH – 6d 11h 16m (19.46mph)
2. Team Human Science (Gbr) 2889.90 miles – TS #49 – 6d 16h 32m (18.00mph)
3. Sami’s Team (Usa) 2751.30 miles – TS #46 – 6d 16h 45m (17.12mph)

RAAM 2-Person Male
Adventures for the Cure have slowed considerably for another day, but they are should make it to the finish to take the triumph. E-HUB TEAM have closed them down slightly, but they’ve run out of both time and road.

On the plus side, the Slovenians are now ahead of 50-59 pair Team Reaching Heights, albeit by a slender sixty-one minutes. Tomorrow will be the culmination of a battle that has raged between the two for the last seven days.

1. Adventures for the Cure (Usa) 2889.90 miles – TS #49 – 6d 17h 58m (17.84mph)
2. E-HUB TEAM (Slo) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 6d 18h 37m (17.20mph)

RAAM 2-Person Male 50-59
1. Team Reaching Heights (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 6d 18h 38m (17.09mph)

RAAM 2-Person Mixed
1. SpinVox Adventurers (Gbr) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 6d 16h 33m (15.31mph)

RAAM Daily Wrap-Up: Day 10

Dani Wyss wins the solo male RAAM; Team Type 1 take the eight-up title.

RAAM Solo Male
The solo male Race Across America has a new winner. Dani Wyss crossed the finish line in Annapolis, MD after eight days, five hours and forty-five minutes of racing for his second title. The Swiss man enjoyed the ride of his life, one of both great tactical finesse and impressive staying power, mercilessly tracking Jure Robic before turning the tables in his own favour in the closing 500 miles.

However, it was not quite the grandstand finish envisaged by fans and media. Unexpectedly, Wyss’s rival Jure Robic stopped riding at TS #51 in Mt. Airy, with the two effectively equal on time. To reiterate, he has not officially DNFed and could ride to the finish at any point. However, at this point, he has lost second place to Gerhard Gulewicz, who is fifteen miles from the finish.

One winner, two champions
This incident should not detract from the thrilling dogfight we have witnessed over the last week; both Wyss and Robic rode with great courage, skill and pluck. We have one RAAM winner, but two champions, irrespective of today’s events.

The battle for sixth burns on
Wyss remains the only solo finisher in the 2009 race, even if Gulewicz and Baloh are well on the way to Annapolis. Kevin Kaiser has made fifth his own in recent days, raising his pace at just the right time to slay the competition. However, sixth position is still a close-run thing. With 500 miles to go, Jim Rees and Christopher Gottwald are locked in a close battle.

More fights for positions
Just down the road, Claudio Clarindo and Ben Popp are separated by less than an hour in their fight for eighth, with Richard Newey and Daniel Rudge similarly close further back. Michael Cook still sits in eleventh, 700 miles from the finish, a few hours adrift. The race hasn’t had an abandon in four days: fingers crossed that all the remaining riders make it to Annapolis within the time limit.

Tomorrow…
In the coming day, Gerhard Gulewicz will reach the finish, while Marko Baloh will certainly get very near. As for the rest of the male soloists, it's the last big climb of the race up to Gormonia, WV.

1st Dani Wyss (Swi) 3021.30 miles – TS #53 – 8d 05h 45m (15.28mph)
2. Gerhard Gulewicz (Aut) 3006.10 miles – TS #52 – 8d 22h 11m (14.04mph)
3. Jure Robic (Slo) 2966.70 miles – TS #51 – 8d 02h 40m (15.24mph)
4. Marko Baloh (Slo) 2751.30 miles – TS #46 – 8d 20h 17m (12.96mph)
5. Kevin Kaiser (Usa) 2575.40 miles – TS #43 – 8d 19m 49m (12.16mph)
6. Jim Rees (Gbr) 2516.30 miles – TS #42 – 8d 19h 03m (11.92mph)
7. Christopher Gottwald / Miles for Mentoring (Usa) 2516.30 miles – 8d 20h 12m (11.86mph)
8. Claudio Clarindo (Bra) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 8d 18h 39m (11.67mph)
9. Ben Popp (Usa) 2458.20 miles – 8d 19h 22m (11.63mph)
10. Richard Newey (Gbr) 2458.20 miles – 8d 22h 13m (11.48mph)
11. Daniel Rudge (Usa) 2458.20 miles – 8d 22h 23m (11.47mph)
12. Michael Cook (Usa) 2358.50 miles – TS #39 – 8d 20h 00m (11.13mph)
DNFPeter Oyler (Can) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 4d 22h 51m (13.58mph)
DNFTony O’Keeffe (Can) 1576.30 miles – TS #26 – 5d 3h 01m (12.81mph)
DNFChristoph Strasser (Aut) 1471.50 miles – TS #21 – 4d 6h 43m (14.33mph)
DNFFranz Preihs (Aut) 1044.10 miles – TS #18 – 3d 11h 08m (12.56mph)
DNFJulian Sanz Garcia (Spa) 934.20 miles – TS #16 – 3d 01h 02m (12.79mph)
DNFJean Marc Velez (Fra) 934.20 miles - TS #16 - 3d 5h 42m (12.02mph)
DNFBill Bradley (Usa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 22h 42m (9.34mph)
DNF Patrick Autissier (Fra) 563.00 miles - TS #9 - 2d 01h 59m (11.26mph)
DNF Scott Luikart (Usa) 396.70 miles – TS #6 – 1d 04h 39m (13.85mph)

RAAM Solo Female
It took 2,000-odd miles but Daniela Genovesi is now in her element. After riding within her limits with a consistent pace, the Brazilian mountain-bike ace is turning the screw on her rival Janet Christiansen, who has dropped back in recent days. She has kept her pace steady, grinding away at Christiansen’s lead and resolve. With 400 miles to go, the end – and a fine victory – is in sight for the South American.

Bruised-but-unbowed Ann Wooldridge continues to press on, motivated by making the time cut. At current calculation, she will make it by two hours.

1. Daniela Genovesi (Bra) 2575.40 miles – TS #43 - 9d 17h 26m (11.03mph)
2. Janet Christiansen (Usa) 2516.30 miles – TS #42 – 9d 18h 05m (10.75mph)
DNFMichele Santilhano (Rsa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 14h 01m (10.28mph)

RAAM Solo Female 50-59
1. Ann Wooldridge (Gbr) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 – 9d 15h 41m (9.91mph)

RAAM Solo Male 50-59
Hermann Bachmann officially became a DNF yesterday, after bravely doing everything he could to keep riding. That leaves just Dominique Briand in the category, 600 miles from the finish in Annapolis. He just needs to keep his focus and maintain his speed, through the growing fatigue and intense pain.

1. Dominique Briand (Fra) 2408.00 miles – TS #40 – 8d 20h 38m (11.32mph)
DNF Hermann Bachmann (Swi) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 7d 03h 35m (9.41mph)

RAAM Solo Male 60-69
Paul Danhaus has cooled his jets slightly but he’s still on course to reach the finish in Annapolis. It’s not much further for the trained vet, who is showing that age does not matter.

1. Paul Danhaus (Usa) 2575.40 miles – TS #43 – 2575.40 miles – 9d 17h 08m (11.05mph)

RAAM Teams

RAAM 8-Person
Five hours after Dani Wyss crossed the line, Team Type 1 were next to finish the 2009 RAAM. Not only are they champions, but they have set a new average speed record, taking five days, nine hours and five minutes for the 3,021-mile race (23.41mph). This beats last year’s Norwegian winners BMC, who managed 23.2mph.

Seven hours down on that octet, Team ViaSat also crossed the line to take a commendable second place, averaing 22.23mph. It says a lot that it took a record-breaking performance to beat them.

Team Donate Life – Give Hope should cross the line, safe in third, in the coming day. However, there is a big scrap for fourth going on behind, with Team Donate Life – Liverators a mere six minutes behind Bike M.A.D, who have staged a strong comeback over the last 400 miles. As a result, it’s all to play for in the last day and a half.

1st Team Type 1 (Usa) 3021.30 miles - TS #53 – 5d 9h 5m (23.41mph)
2nd Team ViaSat (Usa) 3021.30 mles – 5d 15h 53m (22.23mph)
3. Team Donate Life – Give Hope (Usa) 2841.00 miles – TS #48 – 5d 19h 37m (20.35mph)
4. Team Donate Life – Liverators (Usa) 2642.00 miles – TS #44 – 5d 18h 49m (19.03mph)
5. Bike M.A.D. (Gbr) 2642.00 miles – 5d 18h 55m (19.02mph)
6. Team Vera Bradley (Usa) 2516.30 miles – TS #42 – 5d 18h 37m (18.15mph)
7. Team Type 2 (Usa) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 5d 19h 22m (17.64mph)
8. The Caledonian Chain Gang (Gbr) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 – 5d 20h 03m (16.39mph)

RAAM Open Open
1. Team JDRF – 2751.30 miles – TS #46 – 5d 18h 16m (19.90mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male 50-59
There’s just over a day to go for the Georgia Chain Gang, the sole leaders in the 50-59 category.

1. Georgia Chain Gang (Usa) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 5d 18h 30m (17.75mph)

RAAM 4-Person 75+
The Great Grand PAC Masters have finished their RAAM, clocking eight days, fourteen hours, forty-nine minutes. The oldest entrants this year, they have shown that age is no barrier to incredible fitness and stamina. This is a ride of hugely impressive proportions, and they deserve all the plaudits they receive.

1. Great Grand PAC Masters (Usa) 3021.30 miles – TS #53 – 8d 14h 49m (14.61mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male
Things look very cosy for four-up leaders Team RANS. Just 300 miles from the finish, they lead Team Strong Heart by about seven hours, and look good for the win. The day’s drama was rivals Team Strong Heart’s dramatic drop in pace over the day; suddenly, it looks like Austria Triathlon Team and OC Quattro – energetically battling for third – could leapfrog them for the runner-up spot.

The rest of the race is all tightly-bunched, meaning that no quartet can let up in the race’s concluding quarter.

1. Team RANS (Usa) 2841.00 miles – TS #48 – 5d 18h 35m (20.50mph)
2. Team Strong Heart (Usa) 2751.30 miles – TS #46 – 5d 20h 41m (19.56mph)
3. Austria Triathlon Team (Aut) 2706.80 miles – TS #45 – 5d 20h 25m (19.28mph)
4. OC Quattro (Usa) 2706.80 miles – 5d 20h 56m (19.21mph)
5. Vencendo Desafios Team Brazil (Bra) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 5d 20h 48m (17.46mph)
6. Berliner (Ger) 2408.00 miles – TS #40 – 5d 19h 41m (17.24mph)
7. Team SaveBuzzardsBay.org (Usa) 2408.00 miles – 5d 20h 37m (17.12mph)
8. Ari’s Angels (Usa) 2358.50 miles – TS #39 – 5d 20h 07m (16.83mph)
9. Equipe Schwarz (Ger) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 – 5d 19h 48m (16.42mph)
10. Drew’s Crew (Usa) 2230.20 miles – TS #37 – 5d 17h 29m (16.22mph)
11. Team Can Be Venture (Usa) 2156.10 miles – TS #36 – 5d 21h 04m (15.28mph)
DNF Team Surfing USA (Usa) 1911.70 miles – TS #32 – 3d 21h 51m (20.37mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed 50-59
Buchholz goes America are showing no signs of slowing up as they approach the final day’s racing: their average of 18.36mph would put them a comfortable fifth in the all-male, four-man competition.

1. Buchholz goes America (Ger) 2575.40 miles – TS #43 – 5d 20h 16m (18.36mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed Under 50
Leading mixed quartet All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia look set for victory in their category come tomorrow, as they have maintained a secure buffer over Team Human Science. Sami’s Team are a further 150-odd miles down the road in third.

1. All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia (Usa) 2751.30 miles – TS #46 - 5d 20h 14m (19.62mph)
2. Team Human Science (Gbr) 2575.40 miles – TS #43 – 5d 20h 53m (18.28mph)
3. Sami’s Team (Usa) 2408.00 miles – TS #40 – 5d 18h 57m (17.33mph)

RAAM 2-Person Male
E-HUB TEAM have made no inroads into Adventures for the Cure’s lead. As they head through West Virginia, it’s going to take a real turnaround of fortures for Percic and Rosenstein to claim victory.

Moreover, 50-59 stars Team Reaching Heights passed them yesterday, and are now thirty-nine minutes ahead.

1. Adventures for the Cure (Usa) 2642.00 miles – TS #44 – 6d 0h 28m (18.29mph)
2. E-HUB TEAM (Slo) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 5d 21h 45m (17.34mph)

RAAM 2-Person Male 50-59
1. Team Reaching Heights (Usa) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 5d 21h 06m (17.42mph)

RAAM 2-Person Mixed
It was another good day for the SpinVox Adventurers. The pair have paced this race perfectly, actually slowly increasing their average speed daily after a very steady start.

1. SpinVox Adventurers (Gbr) 2230.20 miles – TS #37 – 5d 21h 25m (15.77mph)

RAAM Daily Wrap-Up: Day 9

As the race nears its thrilling conclusion, the lead changes hands in both male and female solo competitions.

RAAM Solo Male

It’s finally happened; the 2009 Race Across America has a new solo male leader. After four days of slowly closing the gap, wearing his rival down bit by bit, Dani Wyss caught and passed Jure Robic after the Slovenian suffered a puncture. After seven days of racing, there was the unbelievable scenario of the two frontrunners and their support teams racing just 50 metres apart, in clear view of one another.

Swopping the lead
Of course, things didn’t stay quite like this. The lead swopped hands as the riders took brief stops, before Robic put 16 minutes into Wyss. Because of his time penalty of an hour – which comes into play at TS #51 in Mt Airy - the four-time champ has to bring the fight to his rival. In the race’s closing 180 miles, he must put a further forty-five minutes into Wyss.

The advantage lies with the Swiss man; he has the motivation of knowing he is in pole position for a famous dethroning of Robic. Moreover, he can judge his effort on the Slovenian’s times; it is easier psychologically to be chasing someone than being chased. Still, it is a case of ‘easier said than done’: you can bet that Jure Robic will use every ounce of his remaining power, energy and tactical nous to outfox his opponent.

The all-important hour penalty: Robic’s three infringements
-15 minutes. Passing at night on freeway without the use of an exit ramp.
-15 minutes. Inappropriate behaviour at the start.
-30 minutes. Rider failed to return to departure point after making a wrong turn.

Though 500 miles out, Gulewicz and Baloh are still riding well in third and fourth. Kevin Kaiser has managed to open a breathing space of a few hours over Jim Rees in the battle for fifth; he is now potential Rookie of the Year and the fastest American on the road.

Middle-order excitement
As if the battle between Robic and Wyss was not exciting enough, there is more close action in the middle-order. Rees, Colativa road pro Christopher Gottwald, Claudio Clarindo and Ben Popp are all locked in a battle for sixth, within four hours of one another. With eight-hundred miles to go, they still have just over three days of racing to sort this one out. All seem to be riding at similar paces, so it could go down to the wire.

Tomorrow…
It’s Judgement Day for the RAAM – by this time tomorrow, we will know whether Dani Wyss has taken Jure Robic’s crown, or whether the race legend has taken a fifth victory from the jaws of defeat. Either way, the fans are the real winners. This has been one of the most exciting, nerve-wracking and action-packed RAAMs in years.

The remaining time stations for Wyss and Robic
TS #49: Rouzerville (732ft altitude), PA, 48 miles long, 2885.4 miles out of 3016.7
TS #50: Hanover, PA (666ft), 39.0 miles, 2924.4/3016.7
TS #51: Mt Airy, MD (789ft), 37.8 miles, 2962.1/3016.7
TS #52: Odenton, MD (172ft), 39.4 miles, 3001.6/3016.7
TS #53: Annapolis, MD (10ft), 15.2 miles, FINISH 3016.7/3016.7

As the two leaders head through Pennsylvania into Maryland and descend to an East Coast finish in Annapolis, the other soloists are still riding 600-odd miles back, through Ohio and Illinois.

1. Jure Robic (Slo) 2841.00 miles – TS #48- 7d 18h 36m (15.23mph)
2. Dani Wyss (Swi) 2841.00 miles – 7d 18h 52m (15.20mph)
3. Gerhard Gulewicz (Aut) 2642.00 miles – TS #44 - 7d 17h 09m (14.27mph)
4. Marko Baloh (Slo) 2516.30 miles – TS #42 - 7d 19h 26m (13.43mph)
5. Kevin Kaiser (Usa) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 - 7d 19h 21m (12.25mph)
6. Jim Rees / Team Inspiration (Gbr) 2230.20 miles – TS #37 – 7d 17h 43m (12.01mph)
7. Christopher Gottwald / Miles for Mentoring (Usa) 2230.20 miles – 7d 19h 34m (11.89mph)
8. Claudio Clarindo (Bra) 2230.20 miles – 7d 19h 39m (11.88mph)
9. Ben Popp (Usa) 2230.20 miles – 7d 21h 12m (11.79mph)
10. Daniel Rudge (Usa) 2156.10 miles – TS #36 – 7d 19h 05m (11.52mph)
11. Richard Newey (Gbr) 2156.10 miles – 7d 19h 54m (11.47mph)
12. Michael Cook (Usa) 2105.80 miles – TS #35 - 7d 19h 29m (11.23mph)
DNFPeter Oyler (Can) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 4d 22h 51m (13.58mph)
DNFTony O’Keeffe (Can) 1576.30 miles – TS #26 – 5d 3h 01m (12.81mph)
DNFChristoph Strasser (Aut) 1471.50 miles – TS #21 – 4d 6h 43m (14.33mph)
DNFFranz Preihs (Aut) 1044.10 miles – TS #18 – 3d 11h 08m (12.56mph)
DNFJulian Sanz Garcia (Spa) 934.20 miles – TS #16 – 3d 01h 02m (12.79mph)
DNFJean Marc Velez (Fra) 934.20 miles - TS #16 - 3d 5h 42m (12.02mph)
DNFBill Bradley (Usa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 22h 42m (9.34mph)
DNF Patrick Autissier (Fra) 563.00 miles - TS #9 - 2d 01h 59m (11.26mph)
DNF Scott Luikart (Usa) 396.70 miles – TS #6 – 1d 04h 39m (13.85mph)

RAAM Solo Female
The lead also changed hands unexpectedly in the solo female race, where there is a battle to rival Wyss vs. Robic. After almost 2,000 miles at the head of the race, it appears that Janet Christiansen is not coping as well with the pace. Her Brazillian rival Daniela Genovesi is coping better with fatigue and turned what was a six-hour deficit two days ago into a 52-minute lead going through TS #38 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Brave Ann Wooldridge is still soldiering on, nursing the wounds from her recent crash. Although she was four minutes late at a time-cut, she was allowed to continue. It is all about keeping and maintaing a 10mph average now for the 50 year-old.

1. Daniela Genovesi (Bra) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 – 8d 17h 09m (10.97mph)
2. Janet Christiansen (Usa) 2295.30 miles – 8d 17h 57m (10.93mph)
DNFMichele Santilhano (Rsa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 14h 01m (10.28mph)

RAAM Solo Female 50-59
1. Ann Wooldridge 2105.80 miles – TS #35 – 8d 20h 29m (9.91mph)

RAAM Solo Male 50-59
Dominique Briand had a good day in the saddle, his average speed barely dropping at all. 900 miles from the finish, he needs to keep repeating this if he is to stay in the time cut. Unfortunately, at last check, his rival Hermann Bachmann had not passed a time station for 16 hours and is off the “official” RAAM radar.

1. Dominique Briand (Fra) 2156.10 miles – TS #36 – 7d 19h 03m (11.53mph)
2. Hermann Bachmann (Swi) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 7d 03h 35m (9.41mph)

RAAM Solo Male 60-59
Sexagenarian Paul Danhaus is still ploughing his lonely furrow in the East. His average speed dropped by 0.4mph over the day, and Danhaus needs to keep going and grind out those miles if he is to reach Annapolis. Having come so far, it would be a tragedy for such a fine ride to not be rewarded.

1. Paul Danhaus (Usa) 2358.50 miles – TS #39 – 8d 17h 38m (11.25mph)

RAAM Teams

RAAM 8-Person Open
All eyes may be on Robic and Wyss, but they might not be the first 2009 RAAM competitors across the line. No, barring a serious, unforeseen problem or sudden jelly legs, that honour could go to Team Type 1, who are 130 miles ahead of their closest eight-man rivals. They have given their challengers a lesson in how to ride an eight-up competition: from planning to nutrition provision and changeovers, they have been among the most efficient.

The jewel in the crown would be the RAAM average speed record. Their average speed of 23.6mph is currently better than last year’s winning octet and record-holders BMC, who clocked 23.2mph over the 3,016 mile course.

Elsewhere, there is no change in the standings. Team ViaSat look dead-set for second place, with Team Donate Life’s Give Hope squad still comfortably in front of their Liverators team in the fight for third place.

1. Team Type 1 (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 4d 22h 32m (23.60mph)
2. Team ViaSat (Usa) 2642.00 miles – TS #44 – 4d 20h 54m (22.60mph)
3. Team Donate Life – Give Hope (Usa) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 4d 23h 01m (20.65mph)
4. Team Donate Life – Liverators (Usa) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 – 4d 22h 33m (19.36mph)
5. Bike M.A.D (Gbr) 2230.20 miles – TS #37 – 4d 21h 52m (18.92mph)
6. Team Vera Bradley (Usa) 2156.10 miles – TS #36 – 4d 22h 12m (18.24mph)
7. Team Type 2 (Usa) 2059.80 miles – TS #34 – 4d 21h 22m (17.55mph)
8. The Caledonian Chain Gang (Gbr) 1911.70 miles – TS #32 – 4d 23h 06m (16.05mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male
The big news from the RAAM team races in the early hours was the unexpected withdrawal of Team Surfing USA. After a flying start, the celebrity foursome – including pro surfer Laird Hamilton and Rage Against The Machine bassist Tim Hungerford – had dropped to the second. However, there was no ostensible cause for concern. The reasons for their DNF was a crash; Jason Winn was worst-affected by the tumble. At the moment, they remain the only team in this year’s event to have dropped out. Best wishes to the pair, who rode superbly for four days, averaging a touch over 20mph.

Their withdrawal makes life a lot easier for Team RANS, who might have envisaged a tooth-and-nail battle to the line. As it is, with 500 miles left to race, the foursome lead Team Strong Heart by five hours, with OC Quattro up to third. However, their position is coming under threat from a push from the Austria Triathlon Team.

Elsewhere, Vencendo Desafios Team Brasil lead Berliner for sixth by just fourteen minutes, while German quartet Equipe Schwarz have caught and passed Drew’s Crew for ninth.

1. Team RANS (Usa) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 4d 21h 44m (20.88mph)
2. Team Strong Heart (Usa) 2358.50 miles – TS #39 – 4d 22h 22m (19.93mph)
3. OC Quattro (Usa) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 – 4d 22h 13m (19.42mph)
4. Austria Triathlon Team (Aut) 2295.30 miles – 4d 22h 32m (19.36mph)
5. Vencendo Desafios Team Brazil (Bra) 2059.80 miles – TS #34 – 4d 22h 06m (17.44mph)
6. Berliner (Ger) 2059.80 miles – 4d 22h 18m (17.41mph)
7. Team SaveBuzzard’sBay.org (Usa) 1987.30 miles – TS #33 – 4d 20h 12m (17.10mph)
8. Ari’s Angels (Usa) 1987.30 miles – 4d 22h 33m (16.76mph)
9. Equipe Schwarz (Ger) 1911.70 miles – TS #32 – 4d 20h 14m (16.45mph)
10. Drew’s Crew (Usa) 1911.70 miles – TS #32 – 4d 20h 20m (16.43mph)
11. Team Can Be Venture (Usa) 1804.30 miles – TS #30 – 4d 22h 09m (15.27mph)
DNF Team Surfing USA (Usa) 1911.70 miles – TS #32 – 3d 21h 51m (20.37mph)

RAAM 4-Person Male 50-59
The Georgia Chain Gang are keeping up their strong, steady progress on this race as they go through Illinois. With just under 1,000 miles to race, they are acquitting themselves well – their average speed increased in the last day.

1. Georgia Chain Gang (Usa) 2105.80 miles – TS #35 – 4d 20h 24m (18.09mph)

RAAM 4-Person 75+
The end is in sight for the four team members that make up the Great Grand PAC Masters – they are a day away from the finish in Annapolis and, god willing, a huge ovation for their incredible achievement.

1. Great Grand PAC Masters (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 8d 01h 22m (14.47mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed 50-59
German team Buchholz goes America could be another outfit on course for a RAAM average speed record, if they can keep up their current rate over the next 900 miles. They also lie just fourteen minutes behind younger competitors Team Human Science.

1. Buchholz goes America (Ger) 2156.10 miles – TS #36 – 4d 20h 58m (18.43mph)

RAAM 4-Person Mixed
It is going to take some ride from Team Human Science to take glory from All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia – though they are holding their rivals at the same speed now, they are still almost 200 miles behind and running out of road.

1. All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia (Usa) 2358.50 miles – TS #39 – 4d 22h 50m (19.85mph)
2. Team Human Science (Gbr) 2156.10 miles – TS #36 – 4d 20h 44m (18.47mph)
3. Sami’s Team (Usa) 2059.80 miles – TS #34 – 4d 23h 27m (17.24mph)

RAAM 2-Person Male
Are Adventures for the Cure slowing down? Whereas rivals E-HUB TEAM sped up yesterday, Driscoll and Blair lost about 0.6mph from their average speed. There’s no need to panic, but a similar day tomorrow, and we would be in line for a grandstand finish.

Meanwhile, 50-59 competitors Team Reaching Heights are still riding well, a few hours down on E-HUB.

1. Adventures for the Cure (Usa) 2230.20 miles – TS #37 – 4d 23h 36m (18.65mph)
2. E-HUB TEAM (Slo) 2105.80 miles – TS #35 – 4d 23h 34m (17.61mph)

RAAM 2-Person Male 50-59
1. Team Reaching Heights (Usa) 2059.80 miles – TS #34 - 4d 22h 10m (17.43mph)

RAAM 2-Person Mixed
The SpinVox Adventurers were another team to enjoy a fine fourth day on American soil, upping their average speed as they pedal on towards the final 1,000 miles.

1. SpinVox Adventurers (Gbr) 1853.10 miles – TS #31 - 4d 22h 26m (15.65mph)

RAAM Open Open
1. Team JDRF (Usa) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 – 4d 16h 59m (20.32mph)