An RAF team including readers of RoadCyclingUK is today starting off on a 3,000-mile coast-to-coast race across America.

The team, consisting of three RAFers and one civilian, will be setting off from San Diego, California in a bid to win a third RAAM (Race Across America). They’ve taken part twice before, the last time two years ago, and won both times. This time though, the team will be followed by the BBC who are recording their efforts for posterity. At stake is sizeable prize pot destined for the winners’ preferred charities.

The route includes some of the best scenery in the southwest going through Arizona and New Mexico with “exciting down hills and climbs” promised by the organisers.
The event record for the men’s team was set at five days, six hours and four minutes by the Kern Wheelmen in 1996. The RAF team will be riding in full RAF colours on their top-of-the-range Giant TCRs courtesy of sponsors Giant. They’re also sponsored by Cap Gemini.

We wish them lots of luck and hope they bring back a third title.