The Race Across America, powered by Trane, finished after 3,000 miles, with more than 300 cyclists participating.
The Race Across America, powered by Trane, finished after 3,000 miles, with more than 300 cyclists participating.

TYLER, Texas — The Race Across America, powered by Trane (RAAM), crossed the finish line after 3,000 miles on the road.

“The synergistic relationship between RAAM and Trane has been a great fit. RAAM racers truly embody the spirit of the Trane brand,” said Scott Martin, vice president of marketing, Ingersoll Rand. ”We are proud to have been a part of this amazing race as part of our centennial celebration.”

Beginning in Oceanside, Calif., more than 300 cyclists raced 3,000 miles to the RAAM finish line in Annapolis, Md. Traveling alongside was the Trane Endurance Team, made up of two college students who won a national competition to serve as Trane brand ambassadors. Throughout the race, they cheered on racers, delivered Trane gear to spectators, and registered fans to win prizes as part of Trane’s “100 Years, 100 Prizes” sweepstakes.

The Trane Endurance Team also awarded four racers and teams with Trane Unstoppable awards for endurance on the race course.

Gary Feldstein completed RAAM’s Race Across the West (RAW), which runs 860 miles long from Oceanside, Calif. to Durango, Colo., in three days, 19 hours, and 27 minutes, even after suffering from food poisoning at the start of RAW.

Maria Parker was the first female solo finisher. Maria managed to complete RAAM in 11 days, 20 hours, and 54 minutes despite witnessing her support-crew van being totaled within the 600 miles of the race.

Team Melanoma Exposed, a four-person team that was quickly reduced to a three-person team after one team member hit a deer on his bike, sustaining severe injuries, completed the race in six days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes.

Team Mira RAAM Quebec, an eight-person amateur team equipped with off-the-shelf bikes and a skeleton support crew, crossed the finish line in eight days and 14 hours.

Overall RAAM winners include Austrian cyclist Christoph Strasser, who won the solo, male, under-50 division by finishing in a record-setting seven days, 22 hours, and 52 minutes; and Love, Sweat & Gears, which won the female, four-person team, under-50 division with a time of six days, 18 hours, and 55 minutes.

Publication date: 8/19/2013 

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