Caroline Van Den Bulk - Ultra Cycling World Cup Winner 2008

Caroline Van Den Bulk won the Ultra Cup standings after taking second at the Desafio 24h.

Winning the Tejas 500 by smashing the route record plus the Brazilian result put the Dutch cyclist ahead.

Congrats Caroline!

Desafio 24h 2008 on YOUTUBE

The Swiss Team at a happy end first place and fastest lap (women)

Watch this short edition of the ESPN footage, beautifully edited by Flávio M. Jr.

ESPN coverage on the web

If you missed the show aired last weekend, you can now see it on the web.
Check here the part one and here the part two of the Desafio 24h 2008 footage.
Enjoy!

Official Desafio 24h pictures already available

Click here and check all the official Desafio 24h 2008 pictures, thru our ativo.com hotsite.

All pictures are available for free download. You can choose as many as you want! They're free.

Enjoy and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Desafio 24h to be aired on ESPN Brasil 12/3

Renata Falzoni, the famous bike reporter shot a whole 30 minutes special show featuring the Desafio 24h 2008. The footage will be aired in two parts, with the first on the 3rd December and the second part by the 10th. The show will be replayed a few times afterwards. Check the web site for more informantions. 

2008 women solo category winners

Caroline, Daniela and Alziane, Desafio 24h 2008 queens!

Suggestions and comments

We want to put a better race every year. So we firmly believe that your suggestions and comments are the most important feedback we can have.

Feel free to send it to us, so we can consider and work for it.

Desafio 24h 2008 Results

Check the results on the Portuguese version of the blog, by clicking the Brazilian flag.

THE RACE IN ON!

This morning at 8 sharply, 230 riders from Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal and USA started a 24 hours battle against the heat, wind and exhaustion.

The sixth edition of this breakthrough bike race in Brazil, is finally on!

All preparation, training and logistics will be proven during a whole day and night. Solos and teams will be challenged to endure until tomorrow morning.

The weather prediction is no surprise. Winds ranging between 19 and 30km/h and the temperatures from 26 to 32C.

The blue skies above The Beach Park Resort will show no mercy!

Soon the bodies will begin to fade and only the strongest will overcome.

Check here all the Desafio 24h 2008 entrants.

6 person Teams

601 - Grupo Pão de Açúcar Bike Team (São Paulo) - mixed

602 - Pão de Açúcar Fortaleza

603 - Zona Alvo Barcelos Sports

604 - Fed. Cearense de Ciclismo Loucos por Mtb

605 - Athlon Esporte e Saúde

607 - Carcarás Pedaleiros Sobral

608 - FCC Regiciclo Pizzaria Mac Burger

609 - FCC Cia da Aventura

610 - FCC Cia da Aventura II

611 - FCC Cia da Aventura III

612 - Servis Segurança

4 person Teams

401 - Zona ALvo Servis T1

402 - Nabuco Racing (São Paulo) - master

403 - Pagliarini Express (Suiça/Londrina/Foz do Iguaçú)

404 - Fed. Cearense de Ciclismo

405 - Ferro e Aço Activa

406 - Fed. Cearense de Ciclismo II

407 - 100% Bike Distribuidora Col. Dáuli - mixed

408 - Rhayza Maria Bela Calçados

410 - Kioma Segurança

2 person Teams

201 - Servis Fiat é na Iguauto

202 - FCC EMS Midway Dose Certa Ótica Pontual

203 - FCC Moto Ciclo

204 - Construtora Castelo Branco

205 - Cartório 15 (Rio de Janeiro) - mixed

206 - Big Gym Refrigerantes - women

207 - FCC EMS Midway Dose Certa Ótica Pontual II

208 - Nabuco Racing Sputnik Switzerland (Suíça) - mixed

Solos

1- Rogério Marques (Belo Horizonte)

2 - Cláudio Clarindo (Santos)

3 - Robert Kish (EUA)

104 - Wagner Comodoro

105 - Roberto da Costa Silva (Uberlândia)

106 - Caroline Van Den Bulk (Canadá/Holanda)

107 - Fernando Sales (São Paulo)

108 - Roberto Trotta (Itália)

109 - Daniela Genovesi (Rio de Janeiro)

110 - Fabio Biasiolo (Itália)

111 - Marcelo Jardim Andrade (Adamantina/SP)

113 - Anderson D. Lira

114 - Ricardo Ferraz

115 - Ricardo Sérgio Leão Garcia (DF)

116 - Roberto Grecco (São Paulo)

117 - Sandra Cristina S. Faustino (Belém)

118 - Alziane Diógenes (Crato)

119 - Henrique Valor Caldas (DF)

120 - Ricardo de Araújo Pereira (DF)

121 - Rosival de Lima (São Paulo)

122 - Joel Chaves de Oliveira

123 - Edvaldo Negão

4 person Teams 12h

501 - Zona Alvo GL Loco

502 - Zona ALvo Servis - women

503 - Zona ALvo Casas Girão

504 - Zona Alvo Triathlon

505 - Zona ALvo Uirapuru Taxi Aéreo

506 - Zona Alvo no Bico - women

507 - Zona Alvo Makro Engenharia

509 - FCC EMS Dose Certa I

510 - FCC EMS Dose Certa II

511 - Cannondale

512 - Presença Esportes (DF)

513 - B2KP Kokid Jeans Pet Max Academia B2

514 - Equipe Amigos

515 - Luis Sinner Regional Nordeste

516 - ACACI de Ciclismo Juazeiro

517 - EV Marketing

Bike Brother's service and parts

The Bike Brother's will be at this years race. The will be located at the Race Village from friday until the end of the race. Professional service and parts will be available for all riders.

If you need a new chain or simply a inner tube, a light set or a derailleur set up, Cleber and his team will do it for you.

VISA and cash (R$ only) will be accepted.

Desafio 24h 2008 to air no ESPN Brazil

This years race will be aired on the 26th November, only a few days after!

The 30 minutes special will be aired at the Mundo Duas Rodas presented by the famous bike reporter Renata Falzoni.

Womens field grows to four!

Now will have four contenders to the title of this years race.

Besides the Dutch Caroline Van Den Bulk and the Brazilian Daniela Figueiredo, Sandra from Pará and Alziane Diógenes, from Ceará, will be side to side at the start line.

After having an injury problem last year, Alziane left the race before completing the 24 hours.

This year she's much better prepared and almost 100% healed from her hip aches.

Three times MTB 12 hours champion; Second overall at the World Cup qualifying event and two times winner of the 4 riders relay category at the Desafio 24h, Alziane said "that is impossible for a Cearense not to be in such a World Class event, right at our playground. This is a must for bike lovers". 

MANDATORY MEDICAL STATEMENT

All riders must present a valid medical statement, mentioning the Desafio 24h, with the medical registration number and doctor's signature.

The team or rider will only be eligible to compete if he's signed the registration form and presented the medical statement.

Everybody's safety is our major concern.

GOL Airlines sponsorship

We proudly announce that GOL Airlines is our partner again this year.
To celebrate that, whoever chooses to fly inside Brazil with GOL, is not going to pay the bike transportation fee.
For that, just send an e-mail containing your name, flight number and date. Put on the suject: GOL.

Another Pro Tour rider at this year's race

Mauro Ribeiro and Michel Bögli during their rest period at the RAAM '07   -  Photo by Aronovich

More than ten years after the first Brazilian pro cyclist and Tour stage winner, Mauro Ribeiro, first raced the RAAM in 1997, joining Coca Cola Brazil relay team, another pro rider accepted the challenge of riding for 24h non stop. This time is Murilo Fischer (Liquigas squad) the one racing ultra. He, who represented Brazil at the Beijing Games this year, will be at the Desafio 24h for the first time, with a four rider relay team, joining other Pro Tour and Beijing Games rider who's already experienced this race for two times, Luciano Pagliarini (former Saunier Duval squad).

The three of them together with Rubens Bertogliati will give the opportunity for the amateur riders to see what they're able to push!

Wind conditions at the race course early today

The wind conditions at the race course are very though.

The strong wind today, around 6:30 AM, broke down a huge billboard structure.

We measured the wind gusts right before the happening and the anemometer reached 31k/h.

                                  

Official finisher rules

Check here the specific rules to be an official finisher of the Desafio 24h. The complete rules are available at the RULES menu.

Paragraph 2. It is mandatory that each cyclist rides a certain amount of laps, in accordance with his category independent of the gender, as follows (valid only for the 24 hours event - there is no minimum laps number at the 12 hours event):

Solo: 25 laps (325km)

Pairs: 15 laps each cyclist (195km)

Quartets: 10 laps each cyclist (130km)

Sextets: 6 laps each cyclist (78km)

The teams/solo which do not complete the minimum number of laps required for each rider, will be disqualified. They will be able however, to finish the race.

Paragraph 3. The teams must participate at the Desafio 24h on a rotation system, in the minimum specified proportions, in accordance with its own criterion, except in situations of emergency or contingency. The teams can choose to stop for any reason (ex. rest, mechanical problems, etc.), however they must notify their intention of abandoning the race to the Race Director.

The teams who leave the competition without a notice will be prevented from participating in future events.

...

Paragraph 7. To be an official finisher at the Desafio 24h, the teams need at least one rider. In the case of one or more team members suffer an accident, or is not in conditions of continuing in the race, he/she will not be able to be replaced. In this case, the minimum number of laps will be established and revised by the organization.

The category in which the team enrolls will be same in which it will be classified, no matter what the numbers of riders who will remain until the end of the race.

It is highly advisable to all riders to read carefully the rules, entirely, and place the questions as soon as possible. By entering the event, the rider automatically agrees with all rules published for this years event.

New entries heat up the solo category

Fabio Biasiolo, 46, and Stephen Bugbee, 55, just confirmed their presence here in Brazil.

First timers here, but with large ultra experience, the cyclists will taste the beautiful and challenging race course.

Fabio, from Italy, won the Denver to Aspen Classic (200mi) in '00 and '01. Did for 4 years ('90 to '93) the Italian MTB Championships, the Europe MTB Cup and the World MTB Championships. In 1995 he did the Giro D'Italia in one stage, over 1.700 km, Fabios's first Ultracycling race ever, finishing 3rd overall and first Italian.

From 1997 until 2007, he's raced RAAM for 11 times, finishing 5th for two times ('98 and '99 - in less than 9 days); 3 times he was on the podium (third places in '00, '05 and '06).

Just 20 days after RAAM in '06 he rode the 1001 mile (the Giro D'Italia in one stage), finishing 2nd overall. Still in 2007 he did the Tour de France in one day with a Le Monde and LE Temps journalist (most important french and flemish newspapers), under the support of the AFLD (french agency against doping) and the University of Toulose (France) to show up that it is possible to ride the Tour de France at a good pace without any doping. He averaged 30 km/h!

Stephen, from Western Massachusetts competed the RAAM in 2008 and was 5th overall in the North American 24 Championships.

Artistic presence at the Desafio 24h

The painter Adnaldo Rinaldi will be present at this year's Desafio 24h, showing and selling some of his artwork. The artist is whose is sporting inspired showed his paintings at several triathlons and bike races over Brazil, including the Ironman Brazil.

In the occasion he will be donating a painting to be auctioned on ABRAME's behalf.

Desafio 24h to air on ESPN Brasil

She's back again!
After riding naked on the "World Day Without a Car", covering Beijing 2008, that's what left to Renata Falzoni.
After beeing at the the race for two times, she's back again to capture the best angles and interviews for ESPN Brasil.
Bike! Ride! Adrenalin!

Women doing solo

     Daniela at the 2005 ED800k

Paula Fernandes and Alziane Diógenes broke the barrier by being the first two women racing the Desafio 24h solo. Paula took it, showing an incredible determination and stamina, keeping her focus throughout the entire race. Alziane, with all her experience, struggled hard to keep the strong pace she was putting since the first hours. A hip lesion though, kept her dream away. She stopped right after doing the minimum amount of laps.
This year again, two girls will prove to be brave enough to endure the Desafio 24h. Caroline Van Den Bulk, from Canada, with all her will and strenght (read post 10/11), and Daniela Figueiredo , from Rio de Janeiro. Mountain biker since 2001, she competed the road race Extra Distance 800k in 2003. She also did three editions of the Ecomotion Pro, won the Big Biker Circuit (mtb) and the Desafio 12h (mtb) in 2007.
Mother of three, this experienced athlete aims to race the RAAM in 2009. Despite this major goal, she is planning to finish the race, knowing the conditions are harsh at Porto das Dunas.

An unique and exotic cycling event.

Desafo 24h 2008 cycling jersey

Here it is. Buy yours at directly at ativo.com, or get it for free when staying at one of the Beach Park Hotels.

International field

International riders are confirming their presence at the Desafio 24h 2008 edition. Such names as the Dutch Caroline Van Den Bulk (picture), 41 years who lives in Muskoka, Canada since 1998. Her backgroung includes long distance triathlons, several Adventure Races including the Eco-Challenge Utah 1995, several MTB stage races such as Transrockies and the Cape-Epic . She's also no stranges to ultra cycling, competing severl ultra events such as the 24h Worlds, 2008 RAAM and the Texas TT (500mi), held at the end of September, where she smashed the course record by almost 10 hours, finishing it with 32h05'. The Italian Fabio Biasiolo , ultra cyclist with 11 RAAM experiences under his belt among other great races such as L'Autre Tour de France, Race Around Slovenia.

For the third consecutive time, the North American Rob Kish (20x RAAM, 3x champion) promises to battle again for a podium finish.
Another Italian rider will start the Desafio 24h, that's the Dr. Roberto Trotta, who will be visiting Brazil for the first time.
Some will fight for the RAAM spots, some will simply enjoy the race and beautiful scenery, others will do both! The race venue promises lots of cycling emotions and an incredible experience to all international riders, their families and crew.

Overcoming

For the first time in the Desafio 24h history and in the Brazilian ultra cycling history, we are going to have an amputee athlete competing. And he will do it solo!
Roberto Carlos Silva, 41 years, lost his right arm when he was four on an accident with a sugar cane grind machine. Started competing triathlons by the age of 29, without knowing to swim. He struggled hard at he beginning because he only trained at swimming pools and doesn't had any skills on how to swim at open waters. After a lot of training hours he manage to overcome all obstacles and started representing Brazil all over the world. Since then he has been cycling and racing triathlons at the Sydney Paraolympic Games, Cycling World Championships (USA, Germany, Tchech Republic and Switzerland), Brazil Ironman and Extra Distance 800k.

LAST WEEK TO REGISTER WITH SPECIAL DISCOUNT RATES

As the race day approaches, we are getting more and more Teams and solos signed in.
Until the 15th October you can register yourself with an exclusive discount price of R$ 180,00 per rider. Besides that, there are a few spots left at the Beach Park Resort, our official partner Hotel, with very special rates. Staying at the partners Hotels you'll get the exclusive Desafio 24h cycling jersey, mechanical assistance before, during and after the race, free access to the massage tent , a photo and DVD package plus regional food and crafts giveaways, as a souvenir from Brazil.
The entries will be available until November 1st.
Don't miss it!

Entries and complete accommodation packages available

Teams and solo riders can now enter the event and choose the best accommodation package to suite your needs. You'll find options at the Beach Park Resort, the hotel right at the transition area, or the brand new Beach Park Acqua Resort, 500mt away from it. You'll also be able to book a shuttle service for you (and your bike of course) in and out from the airport and help ABRAME children by donating some amount. Exclusively for the riders who choose to stay at the Beach Park hotels, the packages include a cycling jersey, photo/dvd kit, free access to the massage tent and complete mechanical service (except parts). All accommodation payments will be parceled. Ask if you plan to stay longer. All this you'll find here!

General info

Race Course

The competition is held on a 13k long course (to follow the link google earth is needed) in an out that during the event is closed to traffic.

The road conditions are perfect, allowing the cyclists to ride safely, during day and night.

The route profile leaves no doubt about the difficulty of the race. It’s all rolling hills along the coastline, with some short but steep climbs. The biggest challenge is the climb right at the beginning called “The Beach Park Climb”. Inevitable, the uphill demands attention and the perfect gear (25 or 27 teeth is highly recommended). Despite only 200 meters, it’s very steep and situated just before the 1k mark.

At this time of the year in Porto da Dunas, the winds are very strong and constant, the heat oscillates between 24°C (75°F) during the night hours and 37°C (98°F) in the afternoon.
The full moon will give the competitors a privileged beach, dunes and Atlantic Ocean view. The Desafio24h starts on Saturday at 8AM right in front of the Beach Park Suites Resort and ends 24 hours later on the same place. The alternate 12 hours race starts together with the main event and ends 8PM sharply.

Schedule

14th. November - Friday
2PM until 5PM - Race kits delivery and medical statement drop out (Beach Park Convention Centre).
5PM until 6PM – Technical presentation (Convention Centre)
6:30PM until 9PM – Welcome Dinner

15th November – Race day
7AM – Soloes and teams presentation (mandatory to all riders)
8AM – RACE START!
8PM – Arrival alternate 12 hours race

16th. November - Sunday
8PM - Arrival.
12PM – Awards ceremony and lunch (Beach Gourmet Restaurant)

Categories

The Desafio24h has several categories. It literally allows every cyclist to enter. In spite of the Solo category (established since 2005), the true Desafio24h spirit are the relay teams.
2,4 or 6 riders can choose to ride road or mountain bikes alike.
The teams can be either full men, full women and mixed. There is a team Master category (2, 4 or 6 riders - men, women and mixed), where all competitors must be at least 40 years old.

The alternate 12 hours race is solely for 4 riders teams and is a unique category. That’s the right opportunity for entry-level cyclists and sports enthusiasts alike.

Prizes

All finishing riders will receive an exclusive Desafio 24h medal.
The first three teams on each 24h event category will be awarded.

There will be a total of R$ 20.000,00 distributed among the top riders (male and female) who set new course records on the following categories men and women (except mixed teams, valid only for the 24h event):

- R$ 2000,00 solo
- R$ 3000,00 two person teams
- R$ 4000,00 four person teams

An extra R$ 1000,00 for the fastest lap, for both men and women.
(in that case, the riders need to officially finish the race)

Entries

Will be limited, and are available here!

A team or solo will only be eligible to participate after the medical statement is delivered to the race organization, at the race kit delivery.
The team or solo only will be considered registered after presenting the medical statement attesting his/her physical conditions to participate. This certificate must contain the full name of the participant (legible), mention the event, date and signed by a certified doctor.

Entry fees until 15th. October => R$ 180 ,00 per rider
From 15th. October until 30th. October => R$ 220,00 per rider

- Competitor race kit including T-Shirt, race number, reflective tape bike kit, gear bag, welcome dinner ticket, awards ceremony lunch ticket and sponsors giveaways.

Complete Accommodation packages are available thru this link, which includes:

- Exclusive Desafio 24h cycling jersey, photo/DVD kit, mechanical services (before, during and after the race - except parts); free and unlimited access to the massage tent; entry tickets to the Acqua Park.
- One race tent* (5m x 5m) per team (2,4 or 6) equipped with an ice chest with ice refill, 20lt of mineral water per rider, light and one electric outlet (220V), chairs and table.
- Regional welcome kit (include typical food, drinks and handcrafts) per rider.

* there will be a separate soloes tent, solely for the category, with all the above mentioned amenities.

Compulsory equipment (per team):

– One bicycle in perfect conditions.
– One hard shell helmet buckled during the entire race course.
– One white bulb front light and a red rear light. Though we advise two of each for the case of defects or break.
– Adhesive reflective tape in the front and rear fork, crank arms and wheels, helmet and cycling shoes. The strips must be placed in such way to be seen front and rear ways. Each piece of reflective tape strip must have at least 15 cm of length and 1 cm wide. Only at the helmet and cycling shoes, the strip can be fixed only in the rear view area (and heels). These will be provided with the competitor kit.

Check here a list of items that can be very useful during the Desafio24h. Consider this list in accordance with your personal needs and likes.

Equipment suggested (per team – any equipment needed can be provided since asked a couple of weeks before the race):

- Gloves and glasses
- Reflective vest
- Headlamp
- At least one crew is recommended

Food

Most of the cyclists consume between 250 and 500 calories per hour, which applies for the constant ingestion of liquids and solid food. Meals will be served at the Beach Park Suites Resort during the race. Snacks can be bought at the Arena either, however it is recommended to take what you intend to eat between the meals. The rider needs to be familiarized by his preferences. What tastes good in the middle of the night not always will be ideal at the heat of the day.

Food suggestion (there will be a shuttle service departing the Beach Park Suites Resort to the grocery store - supermarket - on the 14th November, ask us about anything else you might need):

- Noodles (Cup Noodles or similar)
- Whole grain sandwiches (with cream cheese, turkey breast, lean ham, tuna)
- Baked potatoes
- Sweet breads
- Fruits (banana, apple, tangerine, mango, grape, watermelon, etc)
- Dried fruits (banana, raisins)
- Sports drinks (Gatorade)
- Bottled fruit juices.
- Coconut water (easy to find here in Brazil)
- Mixed nuts (Brazil nuts, cashew, peanut, hazelnut)

Hydration

Remember to take at least a big water bottle (25oz/750ml) every hour. Sometimes it can be necessary up to three times this quantity to beat the heat. Prefer cold sports drinks or coconut water (natural isotonic drink) instead of water. Be aware of your body needs. Don't underestimate the heat in this region.

Supplements

Each competitor should have his direction regarding the individual supplementation always recommended by a certified nutritionist, However consider to intake of some carbo and protein drinks, energy bars and a supplementation, specially if you are going to ride more than 150k.

Pharmacy

There will be a well equipped medical tent at the race village. We suggest, however, to bring your own basic kit containing: sunscreen (45SPF or higher), lip sunscreen, first aid kit, baby powder, antiseptics, muscular pain relief oils, baby wipes, ice bag, thermometer and a personal variety of medicines of your choice like Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, anti acids, etc. International major brands are available in Brazil, however, if you have a very specific need, bring your own samples.
To prevent skin sore, use specific chamois creams, Vaseline or special ointments.
Do not try any new product or medicine during the race, it is the worst time to discover allergies and adverse reactions.

Spare parts

We will have mechanics and a bike shop working around the clock at the race village. However due to the huge variety of parts and equipment available, there is some chance that we might have not some specific ones. So if you have some equipment that is a brand new release or an unusual (old) one, provide yourself spare or alternatives. To maintain your equipment in good conditions and to have professional bike maintenance before the race, will mostly prevent you of against some mechanic failures that can jeopardize your race intentions. Be self sufficient is mandatory at the race course. You’re only be able to get assistance from race officials. We have the best intentions on helping everyone that needs during the race, but remember that we might not be able to assist on every case.

Clothing

Prefer bright and clear colored clothes (for easy visibility at night). Bring cool and ventilated jerseys. During the night, the fall of the temperature can make you feel a cold sensation, so a windbreaker and arm/legs warmers might be useful. Does not forget some comfortable cycling shorts, socks and gloves. We encourage every rider to use a reflective vest.

The sixth edition of the biggest bike challenge in Brazil

It’s time to go back to the pedals. For those who were waiting for the summer, this is a time where the temperatures rise and the wind begins to blow strong at the Northeastern part of the South American continent, while the last rains insist on weting the roads. Of course there are those cyclists who had other goals earlier on the year and were cycling in spite of the weather conditions or even indoors since the early months of the year. For you all, it’s time to realize the challenge that is about to come.

This year we come to the sixth edition of this unique bike race. Desafio 24h means “24 hours Challenge”! Looking back to 2003, I remember our motivation and drive. Anxiety and fear. A mix of sensations that made part of the first ultra cycling event in Brazil. It was finally the time to the dream come true. A dream that began years earlier during my fourth RAAM, in 2001.

Eighty six brave riders stood at the start line for the first Desafio 24h! The heat and humidity together with the strong and constant wind at Porto das Dunas village weren’t enough to bring those brave cyclists down during the whole day long. At the race, back then still on a 21k lap, those teams barely knew that they about to make history. All the difficulties endured by every single one during the long day and night during that weekend, made them overcome their limits and reach the finish line.

The years have passed. We faced some obstacles, changed the course to garantee complete safety for the teams, improovements on the race village, the start of the solo category, electronic timing and all the memorable duels among the four riders relay teams. Something didn’t change though. We kept on feeling the same passion and drive since the first edition.

In 2007 came the international recognition. The only South and Latin American RAAM qualifying race. One of the Ultra Cycling World Cup events. The record solo roster, the entry of the first two solo women.

To find the best team members, crew and define all the logistics is crucial to garantee the best perfomance. The heat, wind and the course profile are already major difficulties to worry with.

This year, by the 15th and 16th November, you’re going to have the opportunity to live again all the Desafio 24h emotions. At the same 13k course lap along the magnificient Porto das Dunas coastline, at the Beach Park Resort, the biggest South America’s water park, the competitors will face the biggest Desafio ever.

Solo or relay teams of 2, 4 or 6 riders. Twenty four or 12 hours straight. The teams will have all facilities needed within the race village. Tents, water, mechanics, massage therapists at footsteps from the Beach Park Suites Resort and a white sand beach.

The feared “Beach Park Climb” and the sleep deprivation. A whole memorable experience for you, your companios and your family, sided by white sand beaches and dunes, awaits you. Feel the Brazilian spirit and hospitality, competing at a world class event. Gather your team and be prepared. The Desafio 24h 2008 is set!

Michel Bögli
Founder and Race director

History

The unique cycling adventure in Brazil since 2003, it has the Porto das Dunas paradisiac venue as a background, located only 16k from Fortaleza International Airport. The perfect scenario for holidays, this coastline is very popular for its warm temperatures and sunny days the whole year long.

Solo or teams can choose from various categories: 2, 4 or 6 riders - male, female or mixed.

Entry level or cycling enthusiasts can also experience the Desafio 24h at its best. The same course and competition, for the half of the time. A great challenge without the night time hours. This category is open for 4 and 6 riders teams only.

The Desafio 24h reaches its 6th edition confirming the previous years successes, gathering both amateurs and professional cyclists from all over Brazil and abroad. Rob Kish (3 times RAAM winner and Record holder), Luciano Pagliarini ( former Saunier Duval Scott Pro Tour cyclist), Cláudio Clarindo and Julio Patterlini (RAAM solo finishers) and many others have experienced.

Complete race structure, beautiful scenary, riding safety and a competitive field backened by the Beach Park Resort, garantee the best travel and sporting experience altogether.

The Desafio 24h is a Ultra Marathon Cycling Association sanctioned event.

Michel Bögli
Race Founder and Director

ABRAME

The Desafio24h supports the Brazilian Association for the Spinal Muscular Atrophy (ABRAME). This not profit organization supports families and children diseased with SMA. 10% of all entry fees will be donated to the ABRAME. That’s a tiny help, but an important attitude towards provide better life quality to this children, who mostly live at hospitals intensive care units.
We hereby invite you to know more about the SMA, visiting www.atrofiaespinhal.org or www.fsma.org.
If you wish to help, feel free to donate any amount or choose this option when registering.
Contact the race headquarters on how to proceed. Help these families overcome their biggest challenges: to fight for life!
Michel and José donating Mateus,5, a cough machine

Thiago, 10, playing at the swimming pool

RAAM Qualifier

Rob Kish at the Raam '04 startline Photo By Lost.art

The Desafio 24h received in 2007 the RAAM Qualifier certificate. The Latin America qualifier event. After the participation of the RAAM man itself, the 3 times winner and ultra legend Rob Kish, both in '06 and '07, the event achieved the international status and UMCA recognition. Both solo winners (male and female) are qualified for the 2009 RAAM.

WORLD CUP

Also in the year 2007 Desafio 24h was nominated one of the World Cup races. By finishing it, the rider receives points on the competition. Here are all the races on this year calendar:

February
Sebring 12/24h (USA)
Carolina Ultra 200mi (USA)

April
Heart of the South 517mi (USA)

May
Race Around Slovenia 1200km (SLO)
European Ultracycling Championship
Kraftwerk 24h (AUSTRIA)

June
Melfar 24h Challenge (DAN)
RAAM 3008mi (USA)
Race Across The West 1044mi (USA)

July
Fireweed 400mi (USA)
Radmarathon 720 km (SWI)
Saratoga 24h (USA)
North American 24 Hour Championship
Race Across Oregon 534mi (USA)
UK 24 Hour Championship (UK)
European 24 Hour Championship

August
Ultra Midwest 24h (USA)

September
Adirondack 540mi (USA)
Hodoo 500mi (USA)
Kainachtal Trophy 24h (AUSTRIA)
Tejas 500mi (USA)

November
Desafio24h (BRA)

Rules - 10/04/2008 version

INTRODUCTION
It is the responsibility of every rider, crew, and staff to read these rules carefully. At the very least, these rules should be read before the pre-race meeting; the sooner you read them, the sooner questions can be answered. If you have any questions, please contact the organization before the race or contact the Race Director at the start or during the race.

The words used within the rules are fairly common terms used for cycling. If you have any questions about the definitions of any words or phrases used within this document, please contact us for further information.

Penalties will be assessed against the rider or crew for their lack of compliance with these rules here established. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse.
The minimum age to entry the Desafio 24h is 16 years for teams of 4 and 6 riders, and 18 years for 2-person teams and soloes; completed in the day of the event. Candidates who are younger than 18 years will have to present a writing authorization of the parents or person in charge.

TIME AND OFFICIAL COUNTING
The race clock will be set at the start and will not stop for any reason, until the 24th hour, except due to extreme conditions or events, when judged by the organization.
The laps carried out by each team/rider will be counted only if they are completely done. There will be control points along the course.
At the end of 24:00’00” hour, the team who completed the highest number of laps, will be declared the winner. If two or more teams inside the same category have the same number of completed laps, the order of arrival at the finish line will be considered to determine the winner.

RIDER RULES
1. Any rider who progresses in race course without a bicycle, or inside a vehicle, official or not, is subject to immediate disqualification, except in special conditions and/or an extreme necessity, since approved by the director and/or race staff. In this case the rider will have to be transported back to the right place where he/she stopped, so that he/she can resume the race.
2. If a rider leaves the race course, for any reason, the athlete can be transported back to place where he/she left it, then resume riding. If the mistake is committed by responsibility of the cyclist, there will not be time compensation. If the mistake has been caused by the organization (mistake of direction, ambiguity of information), the rider or team will be properly compensated. Ambiguity of information will be recognized in the case of double interpretation if a significant number of athletes occur in the same interpretation mistake in this same place and/or occasion in particular.
3. Every rider will have to follow the course that will be widely spread by the organization, according to the standards of the Brazilian Traffic rules.
4. Riders will have to use a buckled hard shell helmet approved by the organization, during the entire race course.
5. Riders will have to wear his/her race number visible at all times.
6. Riders clothes will have to be suited for cycling, however the organization reserves the right to prohibit any type of clothes and/or accessory what it judges unsuitable due to lack of good taste or for showing an inappropriate drawing or unsuitable words. The rider will not be able under any hypothesis to compete the race with a uncovered or naked torso.
7. The Organizers reserve the right to prohibit and avoid the use of any logo, brand and sponsor by a Team or solo rider, which is understood to conflict with the actual sponsors interest of the event. Therefore, if you have any doubts consult the Race Director at first.
8. CONTINGENCIES
A Desafio 24h contingency means a state of affairs of unplanned and /or unpredictable events. The race organizers cannot be held responsible for contingencies that could take place, so there will not be compensations, corrections and/or time deductions to the total time of a team/rider.
Contingencies include accidents, traffic jams, storms, winds and other actions of the nature, diversions, constructions, works and any another similar event.
9. The rider will not be able to receive any type of push or pull when it is done by another person or vehicle. However, teammates can pull and/or push his companion (ex. during a transition). Team mates are not allowed to help athletes by dragging them through in any way, unless using the hands themselves or other part of the body (ex. it is forbidden to tie a rope between two bicycles and drag other rider).
10. A rider can finish the current lap with a flat tire or any other type of mechanical failure, since the organization does not judge this move dangerous to the cyclist himself or any other person along the race course. In this case the rider will have to dismount and continue walking with his bicycle until it is repaired or substituted.
11. The rider will be able to continue on foot until the transition area, since his bicycle is present (carried, dragged or pushed). Any athlete who is separate from his bicycle is prohibited to continue.
12. A rider cannot interfere and/or obstruct the progression of another rider, being subject to disqualification.
13. Drafting from motorized vehicles is strictly prohibited. Drafting is verified when an rider remains intentionally or not at 5 meters or less behind, 3 meters or less sideways, of a motorized vehicle, for longer than 15 seconds. This rule will be despised when there is a heavy traffic, since the conditions offer a minimum of security to the riders. THIS ONE RULE MUST BE OBSERVED, under the risk of disqualification.
14. The riders must obey and respect all the rules and traffic signs.
15. It is prohibited for the riders while pedaling (in movement) to be connected to electric wires, tubes of oxygen, to vehicles and/or persons. Receiving any type of continuous medical aid by vehicles and/or persons is also prohibited.
16. The use of radio, music players and phone earplugs is only allowed in the right ear. The left earpiece must be properly isolated (wrapped up, covered) and stowed.
17. To ride intentionally side by side with a official vehicle more frequently, or for periods longer than the necessary, either for questioning and/or explanations, is also prohibited.
18. Riders will have to stop momentarily whenever asked by the Race Director for anti-doping examinations or to give interviews to the official press of the event. The duration of each stop will be deducted or applied to all the teams in the same way.
19. The teams must be accessible to the film or media crews during the whol race. However, the intentional drafting on a film and/or media vehicle is prohibited, under penalty of disqualification.
20. Though there is no time limit for non stop pedaling during the event, it may suit to the Race Director to impose an immediate stop, followed by a compulsory rest of 1 hour out of the bicycle on any cyclist who presents physical exhaustion symptoms and/or sleep deprivation.
IN CASE THE CYCLIST FALLS FROM HIS BICYCLE OR BECOMES UNABLE TO PEDAL IN A STRAIGHT LINE, CROSS SUDDENLY AND INVOLUNTARILY THE STREET/ROAD OR PUT HIS LIFE OR HIS OWN PHYSICAL INTEGRITY OR THAT OF OTHERS, A COMPULSORY STOP WILL BE IMPOSED UNDER PENALTY OF DISQUALIFICATION.

REGULATIONS FOR THE TEAMS/SOLOES
The rules to the riders are applied to all, where appropriate, however there are certain rules special for the teams and solo riders:

1. A team will be considered one with 2,4, or 6 riders, having only male members, female members or coed.
Every team with at least a person of the opposite sex will be considered mixed, so automatically fit in this category.
2. It is mandatory that each cyclist rides a certain amount of laps, in accordance with his category independent of the gender, as follows (valid only for the 24 hours event - there is no minimum laps number at the 12 hours event):
Solo: 25 laps (325km)
Pairs: 15 laps each cyclist (195km)
Quartets: 10 laps each cyclist (130km)
Sextets: 6 laps each cyclist (78km)
The teams/solo which do not complete the minimum number of laps required for each rider, will be disqualified. They will be able however, to finish the race.
3. The teams must participate at the Desafio 24h on a rotation system, in the minimum specified proportions, in accordance with its own criterion, except in situations of emergency or contingency. The teams can choose to stop for any reason (ex. rest, mechanical problems, etc.), however they must notify their intention of abandoning the race to the Race Director.
The teams who leave the competition without a notice will be prevented from participating in future events.
4. The riders from the same team, will be identified by the same number.
5. Two or more riders from the same team will be able to ride together and to benefit from drafting each other, except when determined by the organization.
6. If two or more riders from the same team begin the lap, they all will have to mandatorily ride the whole course and finish the lap together, so that this one is accounted for.
7. To be an official finisher at the Desafio 24h, the teams need at least one rider. In the case of one or more team members suffer an accident, or is not in conditions of continuing in the race, he/she will not be able to be replaced. In this case, the minimum number of laps will be established and revised by the organization.
The category in which the team enrolls will be same in which it will be classified, no matter what the numbers of riders who will remain until the end of the race.
8. If one of the riders of a team does not present temporary conditions of continuing in the race, he/she can leave for treatment, as long as the Race Director is clearly warned about. In case of physical or psychological problems, the rider will be examined by the event’s doctor.
9. To ride in a peloton is an activity that requires skills and expertise. The organizers judge it a dangerous activity, so, the temporary impeachment of a peloton formation (drafting) may be imposed by the Race Director, under the following circumstances:
A. One of the rider falls as a result of a wheel touch or for some object or debris on road.
B. The peloton formation causes traffic jam or confuses the road traffic in which could be solved by using other ways of riding (ex. Indian line)
C. Any type of behavior that could put at risk other riders and/or anyone that is not competing (ex. use of the clip-on, handless riding,etc)
FOR SECURITY REASONS IT IS PROHIBITED FOR ANY CYCLIST, INSIDE the DRAFTING ZONE TO USE THE CLIP-ON, FAILURE ON COMPLIYNG WITH THAT WILL SUBJECT THE RIDER/TEAM TO A PENALTY AND/OR DISQUALIFICATION.
10. Each team will have to decide the rhythm and the way of conducting its peloton, respecting the rules of the event, the Brazilian Traffic Code, the physical integrity of the riders, other competitors and others in general who are watching the event.
The race organizers will be able to interfere in the progression way of the peloton once they think it’s necessary (ex. dangerous formation).
11. Any penalty imposed to a rider, will be extensive to the whole team.
12. Since the objective of the Desafio 24h is to go on over a closed in and out course, the longest distance within the 24 hours of the competition and the exchanges between the cyclists will have to happen as follows:
A. Stopped, the rider must be stopped, with one of foot in the ground, to effectively handle the electronic chip to the next rider, inside the established TRANSITION AREA.
B. In the peloton formation (more than one rider), they all must be stopped, with one of foot in the ground, so that the electronic chip is handled to the next rider.
ALL TRANSITIONS MUST BE CARRIED SAFELY, OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO A WARNING PENALTY AND/OR DISQUALIFICATION IMPOSED BY the RACE ORGANIZERS.
13. During the entire course, it is always a rider obligation to ride at the right side of the road.
IT IS CATEGORICALLY PROHIBITED TO the RIDERS TO RIDE IN THE MIDDLE, LEFT OR WRONG HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD, AT ALL TIMES.
14. Is prohibited to swear at other riders, to attack verbally and physically, to make an attempt of bashing or to act in a non sportsmanlike form with anyone that is connected to the event or not, at any moment during the event, under penalty of warning and/or summary exclusion.

CREW RULES
The support person or crew is the person who actively helps the teams/solo riders and other crew member on a continuous form during the event. In spite of not being compulsory, it is extremely advisable to have a support crew (one or more persons).
1. It is an obligation to all crew members to know entirely the rules and regulations of the Desafio 24h.
2. The organizers cannot take responsibility for the crew behavior, only to orientate them; however in case of misconduct, it will suit to the organization to warn them and/or exclude he/she/them of the event premises at any time.
3. There will be designated by the teams itself, a crew who will exclusively represent its team to express doubts, suggestions, report problems or any other information to the race organization.
In case the crew is not available, such task will be assigned to the rider itself.
4. It is a crew responsibility to provide his/her rider with any necessary support during the whole race.
5. It is prohibited to the crew to give wrong information to another crew or rider.
6. No crew, rider, race staff, press or person related in any form to the event, is allowed to use any type of alcoholic drink, drugs or other controlled substances, including marijuana, at the event premises.
7. If a crew member deliberately violate or try to violate any of the rules with the intention or to benefit a rider and/or team, other crew members and/or riders have the obligation to impeach that crew and to correct the violation. The Race Director or any race staff must be immediately reported.
In case of the majority of the crew members of one team violate or attempt to violate the rules, any crew member, rider or another person related with the event will have to report the problem to the Race Director or staff immediately. A crew member who insists on violating any rule will be invited to leave the premises.
The crew members have the moral obligation to follow the rules as much as the riders.
8. It is a crew or rider obligation to certify that the entire crew will follow the race organizers determinations.
9. It is a crew obligation to keep himself hydrated, nourished, rested and to take care of his/her general well being.
10. Support vehicles of any kind are prohibited along the race course.
11. The security of the riders, crew, race staff, organizers and persons along course must be the only concern for anyone taking part on the event. In case of any emergency where a human life is at risk, all attentions must be directed to the person. In case of one or more riders, loose time helping another person in an emergency situation, the Race Director will determine the correct time/lap adjust as a result for the loss of time. If the situation that the rider helped was not an emergency, there will not be a time /lap adjustment.
12. To swear, bash or attack verbally and/or physically is prohibited to any crew member, rider and people related to the event as it is any kind of non sportsmanlike behavior, under penalty of a warning and/or summary exclusion.

DURING THE NIGHT
1. Be alert for signs of extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation. To ride during the night demands a lot of attention, Brazilian roads are very dangerous, especially during the night when the drivers tend to drive fast. Being that, to the minor symptoms of extreme sleep deprivation, the rider must rest or be substituted immediately. At night the riders must have their attention increased, especially in the crossroads and during the rider transition. It is the rider obligation to remain alert and warn other riders over a danger situation (ex. motionless, animal or vehicle on the road, trucks driving at high speed or maneuvering at the side of the road). To ride at night demands quicker reactions as much as the vision is limited to the light beam of the bicycle, so the riders must be prepared to face night shifts as well as rest shifts.
2. It is a rider obligation to interfere the minimum that is possible in the road traffic. So, pay attention when there is not the necessary space to ride on the side of the road or when there are vehicles blocking the passage. The riders should act with care and attention, aiming his/her security and of third parties along the course.
3. During the night time, which complies the period between 5:30PM until 5:30AM, it is mandatory that all bicycles are equipped with a continuous white front light (no flashing), visible for at least 100 meters of distance; and a continuous red tail light (not flashing), visible for at least 150 meters of distance, which must be approved by the race organizers.
It is an obligation of the teams to be certified of that the lights are working, during the entire race course.
4. During the night is also recommended to the riders to use a reflective vest, during the entire race course.
5. In the case of a stop or fall, THE RIDER MUST LEAVE THE ROAD AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE.

PENALTIES
The rules established here aim to protect the integrity of all person involved in the event, the fair play and the harmonious interaction of everyone during the entire race.
Any rider, crew member, organization staff or person related to the event who violate or to try to violate one or more rules here established, will be subject to penalties.
1. The Race Director has the authority to warn or even to exclude anyone from the race.
2. Any violation committed by a rider and/or crew, will be extensive to his team.
3. Is up to the Race Director to decide if the violation or attempted violation should be punished by a warning, penalty or exclusion.
4. There will be tolerated at most 3 warnings, infractions or attempts by each team/solo rider. In the fourth one, the team/solo rider will be summary excluded from the race.
5. It is established that the penalties will be applied in the form of the annulment of laps, and they could be cumulative.
The cancellation of one or more laps could happen without a previous warning.
6. The organization will communicate the rider or crew as soon as the penalty is applied to the team/solo rider.
7. There won’t be time penalties.
8. Infractions considered serious and/or very serious, especially the ones that involve the safety of anyone related to the race and/or others, could be punished with exclusion of the team of the violator. The organizers will not be responsible for the excluded team/solo rider. It is prohibited for a excluded team/solo rider to attend in any form or stay in the event premises, even if by its own means.
9. As the situations in an such an event are so many, the organization reserve for themselves the right of creating new rules and penalties before and during the race itself, even canceling some rule and penalties here described and if necessary before or during the race, only under extreme necessity if there is a situation that was not predicted by this rules.

BICYCLES
1.The bicycles need to be propelled exclusively by the human power.
Motors or other ways of propulsion will not be allowed.
2. The maximum size allowed is 2,10 meters long by 75 centimeters wide. The standard competition bicycle and reclined ones are within these measures.
3. It will be allowed for the riders to use more than one bicycle. They can bring spare parts if they choose to.
4. Aerodynamic wheels, with composite or bladed spokes and wheel covers are allowed. Weights installed in disc wheels will not be allowed.
6. The Desafio 24h reserves the right to prohibit any equipment and/or accessory that may be judged improper for this bicycle race.

POLICE FORCE
The Desafio 24h will be held on closed public roads, avenues and streets. The race organizers are properly authorized to use it.
Nothing mentioned at this rules void, cancel or surpasses the authority of the local, military and federal road police force.
In case of a rider being stopped by an official, explain what it is happening and communicate the organization of the event immediately.

Good luck to you all!

RAAM and Brazil, an intimate history. (originally written for the UMCA Magazine 2007, by Michel Bögli)

The first Brazilian appearance at Raam. 2004 Photo: Mizputen Team Extra Distance - Atlantic City '04 Photo: Paradizo

It was a regular day on my training routine. I was at my mom's place where I lived at the time when the phone rang. A friend of mine on the phone started asking this straight question: “Have you ever heard about the Race Across America?” The name was no stranger to my ears. As a pro triathlete since 1988, I was generally interested on cycling, running and swimming events from all kinds. In my mind the RAAM was kind of an 'American Tour de France'. A multiple stage race suited for pros only. So he explained to me in a few words this mad bike race.

Back then in 1994, I use to train much more than the average 24 years old triathlete. My career began with 18 and after few good age group results, I soon was being sponsored and traveling throughout Brazil looking after races. Doing lots of mileage and competing so often that only by recalling it my legs feel empty. That was my mark. Training as hard as I could, competing harder. I loved it, and it seemed that I was very much suited for the sport of triathlon.

My friend at the other side of the line was Cid Cardoso Senior, father of three great athletes, who back in the early 80's started organizing some triathlons in Rio de Janeiro, right after the sport was brought to Brazil. He worked for IBM for ages and all of his sons where studying in US universities at that time. The oldest, Cid Junior, already owned a multi sports shop in Virginia, the InsideOut Sports. So he was kind of strongly bonded with the US for a Brazilian.

After that quick explanation about the RAAM, he began to tell me about his team idea. He has put together a Brazilian Team, a personal effort on participating on the RAAM for the first time, just for the traveling and fun purposes. The team, very much on the RAAM spirit, was formed mostly by family members and close friends. Half US, half Brazilian. A cheap way to afford it. Two of his sons, Cid Jr. and Flavio, riding together with a former Brazilian cyclist called Jose Secco. The fourth rider, a amateur triathlete who also happens to be a friend of mine, was diagnosed with a minor knee problem and was intended to go to surgery a one month before the RAAM. It might have been 5 or 6 weeks prior the the start date. Considering the RAAM magnitude, he was short on time to get a substitute. So he began looking after someone.

“Yes, of course” I said right after he muted, waiting for my reply. We arranged a get together to watch a RAAM video (nonetheless was the amazing '82 Great American Bike Race duel between Boyer and Secrest).

What was I entering? I thought.

Was it to much even for my standarts?

Nevermind, I've accepted already.

The history between Brazil and RAAM began exactly one year before. Back in '93 some friends of the Cardoso family in the US, the Nickle's family, raced the RAAM team event on a true demonstration of a family team. The Cardoso's got so inspired by the Nickle's thrilling adventure and it's histories, that they decided to live their own RAAM experience.

So after they'd put together a team, calculated the budget and got more infos on the race, they entered the '94 race.

At that point I wasn't part of it, but I would be, of the first Brazilian appearance on a RAAM. Wow, that's was a great feeling!

Recalling my position at the time, in despite of my lack of knowledge about the challenge I've accepted, I was pretty much in shape. Even more, I was ready for anything. Specially on the bike, my strongest discipline.

So, fearless I met the team on Virginia and we put some long and hard miles. I've known the gorgeous Blue Ridge Pkwy., the place where Secrest annihilated his chances of beating Boyer. We did some meetings, logistics discussions and a little strategy (even sitting on rolling chairs and simulating the transitions schemes between riders and vehicles, a funny but worthy way).

We arrived in Irvine totally excited, expecting the unexpected, without any clue of what was ahead of us. Our logistics and preparation were perfect so to speak. We felt like we did our homework.

Our first impression arriving at the hotel parking lot were like:

“Well, we're not the only ones at this crazy race!”.

We started racing hard, as all the teams did. The desert heat was strange to us all, even the crew. The race pace was so incredible fast that we thought we would blow our legs off before the dawn. In fact we kind of did, but that's another history.

By the days that followed, we adapted very well to the situations the RAAM imposed us and began to really dispute the race. The RAAM is so gigantic, that a lot of times, most of it in fact, you forget that it is a race and keep on focusing only on riding your shift as hard as you can to get your rest period. But the things worked fine for us. We saw ourselves riding for the third position, sometimes getting close to the team ahead and others being chased by the one behind us. I was awesome. The greatest sporting moments of my life. Going up hill on the chilly Wolf Creek Pass or riding at midnight towards a huge storm on the Arkansas flat roads. All of my fondest RAAM memories come from that first time. For us, a bunch of Brazilians getting lost on the middle of nowhere, in the darkness of the nights or under the scorching heat, it was a dream come true.

The team that started as a rookie, true outsider, ended up fighting for the podium. It was a surprise for everybody, RAAM team director (Chris Kostman and his fellow partner and official at the Toyota Camry, Aletta Nickles), other teams and even ourselves. We finished third. It tasted as a first. We managed not only to finish it (as a Team, a happy one!), but only behind the amazing Germans at Team Manheim and the almost unbeatable Kern Wheelmen.

Well, the dream come true has come to an end, it was time to clean the RV and pack the stuff to flight back to Brazil.

The modest repercussion that a small budget team had back at our country was big enough to spread the news among the cyclist and the triathletes in special. We didn't realize at the time how our third place had reached the cycling enthusiasts around our country.

Still in Savannah, in the back of my mind is was determined to come back. To experience all this greatness again. Regardless of our classification, that entire RAAM was so memorable that even more than a decade after this first time, I still consider it the best sport experience in my life. And by far.

So, as soon as we got back I started to talk with my RAAM cycling mate, Jose Secco, about the 1995 race. It was only a few weeks after our achievement that another friend of mine called me and showed his will to enter our team. With all the Cardoso's family inspired on repeating it, I thought we got a very positive vibe to put a team together again.

Of course was not an easy task to raise all the money needed to travel with a whole team from Brazil. In despite of his passion, Cid Senior wouldn't afford another self sponsored participation. So we needed to look for a sponsor, that came in very handy thru Joao Paulo, our new rider, from Coca-Cola. Big money, logistics, some pressure and a lot of repercussion. Great I thought. I will get in charge and put the whole project together, after all I was the one who brought up the whole second RAAM idea. Another challenge.

So I did it together with my friends. We came again to Irvine, with perfect logistics and team, conducted and fine tuned by Cid Senior. We took second on the four riders relay classification. Fighting a leg breaking battle with the leaders from Kern Wheelmen till the last mile. The history repeated itself. The second time was as good and intense as the one twelve months before.

The repercussion that we got this time was way bigger. Well, as big as an amateur cycling team racing abroad could get. We were second now, and the obvious question in the air was: third place on '94 and second on '95, what about 1996?

I was decided to come back again, it was to good to simple let it go. Again I spend some energy and started to put a new team. The Cardoso's decided to rest now. Even Cid Jr. decided not to ride again, twice was enough. The rest of us, riders, decided to continue as another RAAM team.

Again we manage to get a big sponsorship, now from Pepsi, thanks again to our friend and combative rider Joao Paulo. What happen was that 1996 would be an Olympic year (Atlanta). We'll needed to calm our nerves down and train harder to race in 1997. Our goal: to win!

I wasn't much on this mood but it was the team's. We trained more and harder. This time the spirit wasn't like the ones from the two previous years. We didn't quite realized it till a couple of years after. But in my mind it was not to same feeling.

Half of the staff team was from Bakersfield, CA. They were Kern Wheelmen friend and cyclist Ron Jones and his mates. We made a more serious approach on our third RAAM. We even got a contract signed with former Tour de France stage winner, the Brazilian Mauro Ribeiro, to help our team achieve the maximum goal. That was the beginning of an error. To put the goal ahead of the passion.

In the other hand I was completely exhausted. I was racing from Ironman, ½ IM and Worlds races to Sprint Triathlons. Even winning some, and for the past five years I was restless. It was expected that sometime I was about to hit the wall. And hit it hard. It came right during my third RAAM!

We still got a honorable third place, but the experience wasn't a good one. We faced the difficulties that all teams fear. Our team didn't manage to keep together and united throughout the whole race. Chaos and deception.

Back in Brazil, in despite of the unplanned third place, for everybody else it was such an achievement. So we got a lot of media exposure. We even published a book, well written by our fellow rider, Jose Secco.

At that time I've decided to give it a break. Focus on recovery and start with Adventure Racing, that was being born in Brazil.

The whole team vanished. On the other hand the interest of some fellow triathletes on the RAAM began to raise. More exposure brought the most difficult bike race on earth to the eyes of lots of people. It has grown to the point that some friends decided to race as a duo on the 1998 edition.

Ricardo Arap, a talented cyclist joined one of the best Brazilian Ironman triathlete, Alexandre Ribeiro, entered the RAAM. With more then personal struggle and will, Ricardo and Alexandre beat the World Record on the transcontinental traverse. With their names on the Guinness Book, the RAAM was already part of the Brazilian cycling enthusiasts reality. It was no longer a strange and crazy event.

I was quiet and comfortable on adventure racing, altough the RAAM memories kept on coming to my mind much more frequently than any other experience I had.

I kept on talking about it and encouraging some friends to participate. But the money and logistics involved are simple to much an obstacle to everybody.

A couple of years passed by until I found an appropriate time to approach the subject again. It was time to let the RAAM flame inside me burn higher again. It was 2001 and a very close friend of mine, Jose Pinto, was living the most difficult days of his life. His newborn son was diagnosed with a genetic disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

He followed all my RAAM participations closely. I shared with him all the details, glories and failures I had. I was long decided to race with him someday, share good times with the ones you care, just for the moments of joy. For the pleasure of the sport. Two thousand one seemed to be the year to realize it. Jose needed something to relief all the stress he was onto and nothing seemed more adequate to an excellent triathelte and cyclist champion. He asked for a time to think, organize his feelings and thoughts.

After a few days he called me back with a positive answer. This time we'd race on the two persons category. A new challenge for me, but specially for Jose on his first RAAM. My fourth time will be a personal challenge and an opportunity of redemption from the bad memories of the '97 race. Above all it would be a time to share with a great friend all the moments one can have racing throughout almost 5000k through the USA. We struggled to raise the money till the last day. Finally with a modest team structure we flew to Portland. We were specially motivated by wearing the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy badge. Let everybody know about the disease and raise attention over the FSMA actions. For Brazil we wanted to raise interest on all relatives and families of children with SMA, to unite, share experiences and help each other. To put together an organization to take care of these matters.

The team was lean on structure. The best we could afford on a low budget. We did choose the best of the best friends to join us. The team was united and prepared. The race was though but we struggled and manage to get it under control. We, and I mean the whole team, were perfect. Transitions, navigation, nutrition and everything involved. We won the category. We broke the previous record set by the Brazilian duo Ricardo and Alexandre in '98. The wooden plate was finally in my hands, for the first time in four attempts. The challenge of racing twice as much miles was not enough to put us down. We won. Jose's son and family were at the finish line in Pensacola. Tears of joy had fallen. We started in Portland with a goal. We arrived in Pensacola with it achieved. Our goal was to enjoy the journey and live to tell. And we did it! What a personal conquer for me and Jose, and all the FMSA.

Unfortunately on this same edition, my former RAAM partner Jose Secco joined by Ricardo Arap on his second RAAM participation, DNF due to physical problems. That made me remember how difficult RAAM is. Not only on the physical aspect, but the relationship between the team members, in such an environment. Competition, lack of sleep, navigation, constant mood changes, differences. That's how the RAAM really is, specially for the teams.

With no big sponsors, we got a lot of repercussion again. For us, it was important to continue to spread the SMA existence and let everybody know about it. We succeed.

The narrow perspective on raising the money and personal matters made me put the RAAM on a drawer. At least for a couple of years.

Ricardo Arap decided to try again, this time riding alone. And he tried hard, for two times, never reaching the finish line.

At 2003 another friends of mine, now Ronaldo Mattar and Marquinhos entered the race. Again, depending on personal efforts, they struggled to put together a team. With no experience, they did very well finishing their RAAM experience, as a team. Two riders because it is cheaper and much easier to put things out. The hardest way to conquer the challenge as a team and they suffered well.

It passed almost a decade of our first RAAM. I was thinking to myself that it would be a great reason to return in 2004. Celebrate my fondest memories by living it again! Or at least trying to.

Ten years after I was putting a whole team again. This time were going to race in four again. I wanted to race with Jose. He wasn't much on the mood to race as a duo, so I decided to invite and old time friend and cycling enthusiast, Ironman and ultra marathon runner Marcio Milan. He was the one who contacted the big sponsors we had back in 1995 and 1997. He was so passionate about sports and the RAAM that I decided to ask him to race with us. Since he was reaching his 55 years of age, he was looking to something big to celebrate it. With Marcio's working fellow Cassio, we raced my fifth RAAM in 2004. Ten years after, I was back on the same race again. The RAAM hasn't change much. The spirit was still there. The event got better organized, got a more professional perspective. Of course I had another view this time, another approach. Everybody changes, so did I. But my love for it was still the same. I simply love riding my bike, specially on scenic and breath taking routes. That's the RAAM is all about. All difficulties are secondary.

Our team was on a small budget again and half of it (including the crew) without previous experience. It was fun, as always we struggle hard again to keep the team united and racing. Our two rookie riders, in despite of their lack of riding experience so to say, were great. Every pedal stroke was a progress for them. Every mile down was a relief. They were also conquering their dream. For me and Jose, another good RAAM experience. More fun and joy. We finished in Atlantic City proudly on the seventh place. The route was memorable. No rain at all, beautiful scenery and pure riding pleasure.

The duo Ronaldo and Marquinhos raced again that year. With the previous year experience, they put together a solid RAAM, enjoying the race form beginning to the end. Unfortunately we didn't have much time together before and after the race because our different travel schedules.

Brazil got another team entry in 2006, my '01 team companion Marcio Milan putted a team together with two Portuguese athletes. A team to pursuit the glory of finishing another edition of this marvelous race.

Until 2007 we got no solo finishes. Our teams has successful accomplished the RAAM, including some well placed finishes. Obvious racing as a team is much easier, but it also costs a lot. Somehow there were some people following their dreams since our first participation.

It was December of 2002, Marcio Milan still without any RAAMs at that time, together with Joao Paulo (RAAM '95 and '97) decided to try a RAAM like event in Brazil. The test edition of the Extra Distance was a North to South 4000k route, along the Brazilian coastline. There were a few invited 4 riders teams, that rode the entire distance together as a peloton for 7 days, with a single superb structure. Double deck bus, a refrigerated truck and some vans. The experience was fine, although it was unthinkable on a real competition. The Brazilian highways are to busy on traffic and the secondary roads are not suited for bike riding because of they got a very bad conserved pavement. Nonetheless the 'Brazilian RAAM' idea was not forgotten. We ought to rethink a way of doing it.

In October of 2003, me and Jose Filho started the first Ultra Cycling race in Brazil. A 24 hours race called Desafio 24h ('24 hours Challenge'), on a beautiful location called Porto das Dunas at the Northeastern Ceara State. We decided to organize a RAAM inspired race here in our country, a chance to make the RAAM more accessible to the Brazilian cyclists. Only teams competed in this inaugural event, totaling 98 riders. Over a 21k loop, riders kept on shifting for an entire day. Two months after, another event. This time an 800k race, on the RAAM fashion. It was even an RAAM qualifier. The solo cyclist Julio Paterlini won the Extra Distance 800k with me on the second place (my longest ride ever). More than 300 cyclists, with amazing 17 solos. Those were our first two Ultra Cycling events, both in the same year.

The events continued on 2004, the Desafio 24h with almost 150 riders. I did second again to Paterlini at the Extra Distance 800k, that kept on growing in numbers either.

Unfortunately the ED800 ended after the third edition and turned into a 24 hours event in 2006, but also without a chance of having a second edition.

The Desafio 24h on the other hand kept on going and growing, since 2005 with the solo category, and even with the special participation of Rob Kish itself on 2006.

2007 we finally got two cyclists decided to enter the RAAM solo. Julio Paterlini 2 times ED800 winner and Claudio Clarindo 2 times Desafio 24h winner, were ready. At the team division we got Marcio coming back again, repeating the half Portuguese team with a fresh new young rider, Miguel. After a steady race throughout the entire course they proudly finished at the boardwalk in Atlantic City, a deserved third RAAM success for Marcio.

At the solo race we saw a particular battle between Julio and Claudio for most of the course. Both were looking for the title of the first South American to finish the RAAM. At the end, Claudio, a younger rider, won by a few hours of advantage with 11 days. Both were great though. For our country it was another breakthrough, another mark.

Brazil had a grand total of 16 RAAM entries since 1994. Two solo finishes, three solo DNFs. Nothing less than 10 team successes and only one DNF.

The RAAM brought not only some dreams come true to a few Brazilians, but it also pushed the existence of Ultra Cycling events in Brazil. What else can I say.

After 2004 I'm quiet about RAAM, at least until the next one.

Michel Bogli, 37, five times team RAAM finishes, director of the Desafio 24h event in Brazil which will be held again this year in October 27/28. More informations at www.desafio24h.com.br