The Intersections & Beyond: RAAMPage Cycling Race to be held at Clark, Pampanga

Do Filipino athletes have what it takes to take on what is known as the world’s toughest bike race? Race Across America (RAAM) is considered by many to be the most challenging of bike races globally because of its gruelling format – non-stop cycling across 12 states.

All athletes and cycling enthusiasts from the Philippines and Asia are welcome to experience RAAM through RAAMpage – the first official Southeast Asian qualifier for RAAM. RAAMPage will be held on July 28-29, 2018 at The Villages in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Interested athletes and cyclists can now register via www.cyclingraampage.com.

RAAMpage held its Athlete's Night and Media Launch last April 26 at Union Jack Tavern in Makati City.

Background

Race Across America (RAAM) is one of the most respected and longest running ultra-endurance events in the world. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well.

In 1982, four individuals raced from the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles to the Empire State Building in New York City. Covered by national television, the race captivated the public’s imagination. Relay Teams were introduced in 1992 and quickly became the most popular and fastest growing segment of the race. Team sizes are 2, 4 and 8 persons. Relay Team racing made the event accessible to any fit cyclist.

There is no other race in the world like RAAM. There is no race that combines the distance, terrain and weather; no other event that tests a team’s spirit from beginning to end. The Race inspires everyone who has been a part of it - racer, crew, staff and fans alike. RAAM is the true test of speed, endurance, strength and camaraderie, the ideal combination of work and play.

Format & Race Categories

As a qualifier recognized and approved by Race Across America, RAAMpage will be embodying the format of RAAM via a time trial race. The difference however is that RAAMpage will have 6, 12 and 24 hour time trials to make the race friendlier to athletes and cyclists of all levels.

Team David’s Salon, the team behind RAAMpage, wanted to ensure that all cycling enthusiasts would have the opportunity to experience RAAM on the level that they are comfortable with.

Race Program

FRIDAY, July 27, 2018

9AM to 5PM : Cycling RAAMpage EXPO open; Registration and Race packet pick-up; Bike Inspection

5PM to 6PM : Race Briefing

SATURDAY, July 28, 2018

5-8AM : Check-in and Transponder Release of 24 Hour Category

8AM : START of 24 Hour Category

9AM : START of Randonneur Category

8AM - 8PM : Cycling RAAMpage EXPO Open

9AM-12NN : Check-in and Transponder Release of 6 Hour Category

12NN : START of 6 Hour Category

4-7PM : Check-in and Transponder Release of 12 Hour Category

6PM : END of 6 Hour Category

7PM : START of 12 Hour Category

SUNDAY, July 29, 2018

7AM : END of 12 Hour Category

8AM : END of 24 Hour Category

8:30-12:00PM : Cycling RAAMpage EXPO Open

8:30-11:30AM : Awarding and Brunch for all participants

The Organizers

“We are extremely excited that Race Across America has recognized our capability – both as athletes and hosts – to put up the first official qualifier in Southeast Asia. We know that RAAM is on the bucket list of many cyclists and we are thrilled to be bringing that experience here and who knows – we may have race finishers who will actually join RAAM” says Carmela Pearson, head of RAAMpage and herself, a second place mixed-relay finisher in Race Across America in 2017.

David Charlton, owner of Team David’s Salon believes that not only will RAAMpage be a great opportunity to showcase how the Philippines can organize world-class athletic events, he also knows that the Filipino athlete is more than capable of taking on RAAM “I myself was with Carmela and our awesome team of four and we actually placed in the world’s toughest bike race! Imagine when we open this experience to even more Filipino athletes” he concludes.