Kevin seems to be staying strong heading towards Annapolis. He has over a 3 hour advantage on Jim Rees but the battle behind with Rees and Gottwald might be good news for Kevin.
Good news as such that those two riders will be watching each other closely. Over three hours is a good advantage and I really can't see Kevin losing 4th place.
At the moment, Kevin passed through Athens, OH averaging 12.16mph overall. For that section alone, he averaged 13.28mph. He is riding at a solid tempo. If he keeps this pace up, he won' be caught.
Thanks to Jeff Bauer from Kevin's website, www.kaisercycling.com, we get an insight onto how Kevin is going.
Here's what Jeff had to say.
I've just now talked to Kevin for the first time since RAAM
started. He was coming on shift and had a few moments to
chat. Not that Kevin needed it, but Gary thought it would
be good for him to hear from me. He knows Robic has dropped
out of RAAM.
Kevin said he felt incredibly good. No problems with knees
or saddle issues and he was very coherent through our
conversation. He's been sleeping about 3 hours a day, but
will cut that down even further (the crew will monitor his
condition) for his final push into Annapolis. He hopes to
stay on his bike for the next 22 hours.
His major goals now are:
- first American to the finish
- first rookie to the finish
I'm sure he would also like to stay ahead of Jim Rees for a
4th place finish, but that's secondary to his current race
objectives.
Kevin is riding a very powerful race at the moment. I have been impressed with him. I'll keep following
GO! KEVIN! GO! Just saw that Gottwald was only 51 mins ahead at this mornings check point. YOU are the man. No way he has the willpower you have to stay out in front of you. I look forward to welcoming the FIRST America and first rookie to finish RAAM 2009 back home to Augusta, GA.
ReplyDeleteBrian
Kev, Look at you go. Just a few more miles and you will have made your dream come true. I love you, Lisa (wife)
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDelete!
Gottwald looks good at this point, but he will have to rest soon. That'll give you a good chance to get ahead and put the Kaiser Hurt on him.
I'm right their with Brian. I think you can do it and I think you will do it. You have the mental toughness. YOU ARE THE MAN!
Just pretend you're letting Doyce pull you up the hills and sucking my wheel on the downhills. Dickie's on his tandem going 70 miles per hour and you've got to stay ahead of him. Pete is right up there for you to catch, pass, and drop.
You and your crew have done a fabulous job. Everyone is so proud of you, Kevin. I'm just amazed at what you've accomplished so far. Now it's time to amaze America and amaze the cycling world.
Go, Kevin, Go.
Tailwinds for you. Headwinds for Gottwald.
God bless you.
Jim
I just talked with Phil. His crew vehicle is right with Kevin now.
ReplyDeleteKevin has had a lot of challenging, repetitive climbs through the night. These are like Woody, over and over. They've taken a toll, of course, but now Kevin's had a good nap.
While I talked to Phil Kevin was going about 17 mph on a grade. I don't know if that means up a grade or down a grade.
Kevin is taking nourishment and fluids just fine.
Gottwald has an upcoming one hour penalty to pay.
There are more climbs to come, but the current terrain is helping Kevin recover.
Kevin has at least a decent shot of catching Gottwald, especially if Gottwald has to go down for more sleep than Kevin in the remaining 200 plus miles.
Everybody on the crew is doing fine.
Go, Kevin. You're the best.
Jim
GOOOOOOO KEVIN!! Stay focus! Annapolis and reaching your dream goal is right around the corner! You are AWESOME on climbing, Gottwald is within reach, go get 'em! YOU HAVE AN AMAZING CREW AND YOU ARE AMAZING AND DOING FABULOUS! GO KEVIN ... YOU'RE DOING IT!!
ReplyDeleteRA
(randonneur buddy)
kEVIN YOU ARE THE MAN. Marty and I are so proud of you. Your team has done a GREAT JOB keeping you pumped up. Great job see ypu soon.
ReplyDeleteRonald & Marty Davis
I have the luxury of going to sleep tonight, but by the time I wake you will have conquered your dream. Quite impressive. We all will be with you on your last few cranks. Way to show class, strength and incredible athletic ability. Its been fun following you and all those great athletes around you. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteHey, but give it that one last Kaiser Kick when Gottwald takes his hour nap. See what happens.
KEVIN! It's the middle of the night and I keep coming in to the computer to try and find out what is going on. You are almost there! The finish is within your grasp! Everybody is so proud of you! You are TOTALLY AWESOME! Your crew has done a fabulous job! Woo-hooo!! ;) GO KEVIN! GO KEVIN! GO KEVIN! You can sleep in about six hours, but now it's time for that one last push! GO KEVIN!! YOU ARE A ROCK STAR!
ReplyDeleteYou are the BEST to all of us! YAHOOOOO!!
RA
KEVIN!! You're in my stompin' grounds now! I lived in Odenton a few years and my grandmother is in Annapolis! I wish I could be there to see you...maybe next year... You are almost there!! I'm so proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteTalked to Phil right around 7 AM. Kevin was about 20 miles from the finish at that point and riding strong.
ReplyDeleteThe race is almost over.
Congratulations, Kevin and Crew. Thanks for the excitement, the inspiration, and for showing us what can be done.
Jim
Kevin, gosh, what excitement we going to have now? Don't think the Tour can hold a candle to THE KAISER! Hope you have some time to celebrate and chill; you deserve it.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Kevin! What an inspiring race and performance. I've been following the race from Kenya and I rode along the Nandi Hills around Lake Victoria this morning, completely inspired by your determination and strength. I thought a few times about past rides and races together, including your first 600k. I'm humbled by what you've accomplished. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRick Rheingans
How bout a victory lap Kevin? Way to go! My idol, in earnest.
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a great race. You got stronger as it went on and that is an excellent performance.
Mark Pattinson
Congratulations Kevin! What an athlete you are! We are elated for you and your accomplishment! Wow! Can't believe that I know such a person. Get some muchly needed rest. But enjoy celebrating! Looking forward to congratulating you in person. Lots of us back in Augusta/Evans are! Dee & Jim
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Kevin on a job well done!
ReplyDeleteYour performance should inspire ordinary cyclists to continually test themselves in search of the extraordinary. There's at least one cyclist out here who will be pushing that extra bit just to find out how far it will take him.
Way to go, Kevin! We're proud of you! Now get some sleep!
ReplyDeleteRandy D.