And They're Off!

It was a Chamber of Commerce day in Oceanside as Team ViaSat set out on their third Race Across America. This year's team boasts five returning members, Brad Exmeyer, Jeremy Gustin, Ken Larson, Greg Nesler, and Dan Uglietta. Returning to the team after a one year hiatus (defection?) :) is John Tyner. Riding their first RAAM are Kevin Hunter and Jeffrey High.

While the faces may have changed a bit, one thing remains the same - the way Team ViaSat attacks the race. They're breaking their eight man team into four two-person sub teams, with each sub team riding a five hour shift, and then taking 15 hours off the bike. First up are Ken and Jeremy. They'll be followed by Brad and Greg. Third up are Dan and Jeffrey. Rounding out the rotation are John and Kevin.

This year, seven cyclists on the team will have their standard road bike, as well as a specialized bicycle designed for speed, known as a tri (or TT) bike. These bikes have a different frame and handlebar design which has the rider in a much more horizontal, aerodynamic position. The team hopes that utilizing tri bikes as well as introducing skin suits and time trial helmets will aid them in cutting their time crossing the country. Their goal this year is to finish the race in under six days. Last year, they finished in six days, six hours.

As the teams start their race, the solo riders (and the two person team racing on fixed gear bikes) have already ridden into New Mexico. Race leader (and last year's solo winner) Jure Robic is 1166 miles into the race!

This year, teams are starting three days after the soloists, instead of just two days. This change should allow a solo racer to be the first official finisher of the race, which will be really neat to see. In the past, the solo leaders would be caught by the teams several days into the race.

With RAAM gaining in popularity, this year's 8-person team division has ten teams competing - the most in RAAM history. Among the contenders are Team Type 1, a team made up entirely of athletes who have Type 1 Diabetes, and Byggkjøp/BMC Cycling Team, a team from Norway.