Løbet Race Across America har netop udsendt deres nyhedsbrev og bringer en meget flot artikel om Xtreme Melfar24, som de tilskriver en stor del af æren for, at dansk deltagelse i RAAM har været stærk stigende de seneste år - the "Danish Invasion was underway" :-)
Nederst på siden her, var vi kopieret teksten ind, så I kan læse den. Det er et ordenligt skulderklap til Baghjulet :-)
"This year will mark the 12th year for the Melfar 24 - arguably Europe's top ultra time trial. The event features 12 and 24-hour races. Solos and teams participate. There is a non-drafting RAAM Qualifier division.
The event takes place on Funen, the 3rd largest of Denmark's Islands, with the start/finish in Strib, a small village on the Little Belt, the waterway that separates Funen from the Jutland peninsula.
The course utilizes three loops: 1) the "day loop" (55.6km with 371m of climbing per loop); 2) the "night loop" (14.6km with 85m of climbing per loop); and 3) the "finish loop" (2.9km with 22m of climbing per loop). Most of the course lies between the E20 motorway and the Baring Vig. The course is characterized by low traffic roads in very gently rolling farmland.
In 2010, the 2-person team Biking Vikings (Hans Nygaard and Frederik Lassen) became the first Danes to enter RAAM and they won their division. In 2012 Anders Tesgaard became the first solo finisher from Denmark. There were 3 Danish solo entries that year. In 2013 the flood gates opened - the "Danish Invasion" was underway.
There were two 2-person teams from Denmark. The Biking Vikings were back (this time Nygaard teamed with Karsten Hoffmann) and again were the top 2-person team. In addition, there were three solo racers. In 2014 Denmark sent 14 racers to RAAM - one 4-person and one 2-person team and four solo racers, as well as one solo RAW racer. There are 6 Danes signed up for 2015 RAAM - one 2-person team and 4 solo racers - and 2 signed up for RAW, including the first Danish female, Eva Synnestvedt Hansen.
Melfar has played an important role in the development of ultra racing in Northern Europe. There are over 250 racers registered for the 2015 Melfar 24 - 33 are racing in the RQ division. That includes 5 RAAM veterans and two aspiring RAAM racers who have their sights set on 2016 RAAM.
The Melfar 24 is operated by the Baghjulet Bicycle Club - with over 450 members it is one of the largest clubs in Denmark. Baghjulet means "rear wheel".
Race Director, Leo Jensen does an outstanding job. RAAM President/CEO Fred Boethling attended the Melfar 24 and told us, "Everyone was extremely cordial. Jensen took time out of a very busy schedule to discuss the event. Club members Kaj and Helle Stougard were wonderful. Beautiful area. Great event. I highly recommend it."
For more about the Xtreme Melfar 24-Hour Cycling Challenge, click here."
