ABBC: HC participant competing in the RAAM

Joe Petersen (pictured above), a participant in the 2006 Volvo Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle with Team Oxy who blazed down the 100-mile course in under five hours, is no stranger to going fast.

The Bakersfield resident, an eight-time California State Time Trial Champion, is for the ninth time competing in the grueling Race Across America, the premier ultra-distance endurance bicycle race in the world. Beginning in Oceanside, participants have a simple objective - ride some 3000 miles across the country to a finish in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Last year saw the 49-year-old Petersen, and teammate Kevin McNulty, set a new record in the two-man team competition, completing 3,043 miles in 6 days 11 hours and 24 minutes for an average speed of 19.58 mph. This year, they return to the two-man competition hoping to top their own record.

Rumors that Petersen is using the RAAM merely as preparation for the 2007 ABBC: HC , could not be confirmed, but TeamOxy captain Bill Dykes says that Petersen will be there on September 8 and maybe even RAAM partner McNulty.

We wish you both the best and thank you for your support!

You can follow them with live updates on the RAAM homepage or daily results and reports at Cyclingnews.com.