New 24-Hour Corporate Team Challenge for RAAM
Tuesday, February 22, 2005

The Experience of a Lifetime in Just 24 Hours
New 24-Hour Corporate Team Challenge for RAAM

TEMPE, Arizona-Do you believe that you can ride a bicycle the 494 miles from San Diego to Flagstaff, Arizona, in 24 hours? This year, the organizers of the Insight Race Across America aim to make everyone a believer.

While history tells us that the Insight Race Across America (RAAM) is the same to ultra-distance cyclists as the Tour de France is to road racers, recent years have brought significant changes to the organization of the world’s greatest ultra-cycling challenge. First was the Corporate Challenge that emerged in 2002, making it a realistic prospect for weekend warrior teams to relay across the country in a team of eight. And now in 2005 RAAM is introducing the 24-hour version, a new category for amateur riders called the 24-Hour RAAM Corporate & Team Challenge.

Rolling off the start line at North Harbor Drive in San Diego on June 19th, the 24-Hour RAAM Corporate & Team Challenge heads east through the Imperial Valley. The course then skirts the Chocolate Mountains, rolls through Blythe, onward to Arizona, passing through Prescott and finishing in Flagstaff, 494 miles after the start.

Race Director Jim Pitre said: "The 24-Hour RAAM is a perfect fit for companies seeking to challenge workers and boost or solidify employee morale. Participants can enjoy the exhilarating RAAM experience without the monumental task of organizing a six-day road trip for riders and crew members. The feeling of accomplishment felt by anyone with enough courage to attempt an around-the-clock road race of this degree is one that transforms lives. The bonds created among team members on the open road are immeasurable and last a lifetime. This event is a true test of the RAAM experience."

RACE FORMAT
The 24-Hour Corporate Team Challenge is a time-trial race. No drafting is allowed and riders take turns on the course.

TEAM FORMAT
Up to six riders make up a team. At least two vehicles are required per team, one of which must always closely follow the rider on the road.

CHARITY OPTIONS
This is a fundraising event. Each team can ride for the charity of its choice.

REGISTRATION/ENTRY FEE
Contact <[email protected]>
Before March 15, 2005: $1,000
After March 15, 2005: $1,100
Entries close May 1, 2005

DATE, START & FINISH
Start: June 19, 2005
North Harbor Drive, San Diego
Finish: June 20, 2005
Flagstaff, Arizona

MEDIA COVERAGE
The 2004 RAAM received two hours national broadcast on NBC Sports, and live coverage on NBC local television. 105 newspapers and 48 local television stations covered the 2004 event..

For more information, please visit: www.raceacrossamerica.org


Charisse Lambert
o2 Sports Media
[email protected]
tel. 415 359 0730

photos by Jonathan McElvery, Jack Milton, and BikeReg.com