The 2006 Race Across America (RAAM), one of the world's most physically
demanding cycling events, will feature a new solo division requiring
cyclists to take mandatory rest stops.
The new category comes in the aftermath of two deaths in the past three
years. There had been no fatalities in the event's first 21 years.
After starting at the Embarcadero on San Diego Bay the past three years, the
June 11 and 13 starts will be moved to the Oceanside Pier for logistical
purposes.
Riders in the Solo Category will be required to rest for 40 hours during the
race. With the winners typically requiring at least nine days to cycle
3,000-plus miles to Atlantic City, N.J., top cyclists will average about
four hours of rest per day.
Riders may rest at any of 20 designated control points along the course.
Cyclists will be required to rest for two hours at five mandatory control
points spread across the country.
"There are several reasons we're making changes, not the least is to
de-emphasize sleep deprivation," RAAM race director Jim Pitre said.
While saying he didn't think mandatory rests would have prevented the
fatalities in 2003 and 2005, Pitre said the deaths were a factor in the new
rules.
"We do know, generally speaking, riders will be more alert on the road and
that's a positive," he said.
In an effort to appease long-time RAAM purists, soloists may still pedal
across the country without taking required stops. That class will be called
the Nonstop Record Category and will offer prize money only if the men's or
women's world records are broken.
The Solo Category is expected to offer $10,000 to the winners.
Reaction among cyclists to the mandatory-rest class has been mixed.
Mike Trevino of San Diego, who finished second in 2004 and was riding second
again last year when he dropped out with a shoulder injury, said he was "a
little disappointed."
"It's the antithesis of the intent of RAAM and why it started (24) years
ago," Trevino said. "I don't know if it makes the race any safer. One person
might need two hours' sleep to be safe, another might need five hours."
Trevino said he's undecided if he'll enter the 25th anniversary of RAAM in
June. If he does, he said he'll compete in the Nonstop Record Category.