More recent update

We haven't talked much about the idea of competition in
Kevin's race because initially we've been concerned with
simple survival -- i.e. could he finish within 12 days?

Now that the crew has figured a way to weaponize Kevin,
he's in contention for 5th place. Even losing a couple
positions will still leave him as the first American
to finish 2009 RAAM.

But the competition isn't limited to Kevin and Jim Rees.
A quick glance at the leaderboard shows the two remaining
women, Janet Christiansen and Brazilian Daniela Figueiredo
Genovesi within 30 minutes of each other.

Even more impressive is Dani Wyss challenging 4-time winner
Jure Robic to within THREE MINUTES of time station #43
in Athens, Ohio (mile 2575). Last year Robic was so far
ahead of the pack that he had time to goof off at the time
stations (eat, sign autographs, etc.) No more. He's in
for the fight of his life. With 1 hour of penalties
assessed, Robic can't simply sprint past Wyss; he must build
and sustain a hefty gap. Dani Wyss and his crew must merely
keep Robic within striking distance for fewer than 500 miles
and not make any penalty-inducing mistakes. It will be quite
a race over the next couple of days.

The competition makes the riding for all these racers
harder, but gives them something to focus on during the
long hours.

--
Jeff Bauer
Nashville, Tennessee