How to qualify for the Race Across America

The RTTC National 24 Hour Time Trial championships are a qualifying event for the Race Across America (RAAM). The RAAM is an ultra endurance cycling event which started in the 1980s and for the uninitiated, the route is roughly a line from the west to east coast of America. In relatively recent editions, it has started from Oceanside (of IRONMAN 70.3 fame) and finished in either Atlantic City or Annapolis. 

About the RAAM

The Race Across America, or RAAM, is considered one of the most demanding endurance events in the world. Unlike stage races such as the Tour de France, RAAM is a single, continuous ride against the clock from coast to coast. The route typically covers over 3,000 miles and includes more than 170,000 feet of climbing, taking in deserts, mountain ranges, and endless plains along the way. It first ran in 1982 and has since earned a reputation for testing not only a rider’s physical limits but also their ability to manage sleep, strategy and sheer perseverance. Simply qualifying is an achievement in itself, and finishing places a rider in rare company.

How do I qualify?

Qualifying for the Race Across America (RAAM) isn’t as simple as signing up and turning up. Given the scale of the event and the demands it places on riders, there’s a formal qualification process designed to ensure that entrants are up to the task—not just physically, but mentally and logistically as well.

There are a number of recognised events around the world that serve as official RAAM qualifiers. These include ultra-distance time trials and long-format endurance races which meet RAAM’s standards for difficulty, distance, and conditions. In the UK, for example, the RTTC National 24 Hour Time Trial Championships is one such race. Riders who complete these events within specific time limits, typically based on age and gender categories, may earn the coveted “RAAM Qualified” status. At the RTTC National 24 Hour Time Trial Championships, riders have to complete a total of 380 miles (or approximately 612 km). 

Qualification for the RAAM requires an approximate average speed of 15.8 mph (or 25.5 km/hr). Using our “average rider” from this blog we can see this will require an average input power of just under 100W – but please keep in mind this includes stoppages, so if you take any rests during the 24 hour period, you’ll need to ride harder than this.

It’s worth noting that qualification for the RAAM isn’t about winning; it’s about demonstrating the ability to safely and consistently cover long distances at pace, with minimal support and rest. The idea is to replicate, at least in part, the demands of RAAM itself and the RTTC National 24 Hour Championships achieve this despite being considerably shorter. 

If you want to prepare for your next ultra endurance event in the same way as world record holders and world class athletes, sign up to myWindsock here.