RAO 04 Observations ctd

5th place – Alessandro Colo
One of the gutsiest performances I’ve ever seen. Alessandro had quite a month. He’d been putting in HUGE mileage for RAAM in the spring, came down with a terrible case of bronchitis, was told by his doctor to take at least 10 days off the bike, didn’t, flew to America, bronchitis got worse, raced with some of the most gruesome injuries I’ve ever seen yet willed himself to the finish.

6th place – Jim Trout
Jim’s goal was to qualify for RAAM. He did. And took Rookie of the Year honors along the way. Trout looked great through 270 miles so when we found him in 12th place, off his bike throwing up, a few miles past the halfway point we were concerned he wasn’t going to finish. A great crew and determination got him going again . When we saw him 12 miles from the finish he was in that ‘I’m really close to the finish line but at this pace it’s going to take me almost an hour and I want to be done’ funk. He was also doing much better than he thought he was. When informed he was currently the top rookie and was going to qualify for RAAM he showed his stuff and ripped. A great ride.

7th place – Dick Weber
Finishing his fourth RAO in a row, the over age 60 Weber was our top Master. What can I say? Another excellent performance from one of the most complete racers I know. Per usual, every time we saw Weber he was riding fast and looking strong. Dick made the race look easy though he did say he was a little cold at the finish.

8th place – James Rosar
James did a first. He was registered, however not yet qualified, for the Race Across America which would take place only two weeks later. His rookie crew was also on the hot seat to gain experience prior to RAAM. Rosar rode steady and smart. He needed to post a qualifying time but also had to keep recovery in mind. The climbs and cold were no problem for James who often trains in the West Virginia mountains. Rosar finished 45 minutes behind Weber and led and led the final trio of finishers to the line.

9th place – Rob Lucas

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