Ulysses Welcomes Race Across America Riders at Time Station 23

Some of the world's most accomplished endurance cyclists have been cycling through Ulysses as competitors in the Race Across America (RAAM), one of the longest and most demanding bicycle races in the world.

The first rider to reach Ulysses' Time Station 23 was Austrian ultracyclist and intensive care nurse Philipp Kaider, followed by Allan Jefferson of Switzerland, the 2022 RAAM champion. Their arrival marked an exciting milestone for local volunteers staffing one of the race's few manned time stations.

Founded in 1982, RAAM challenges riders to cross the United States from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast in a nonstop race of more than 3,000 miles. Unlike stage races such as the Tour de France, the clock never stops, meaning competitors must balance riding, eating, and sleeping while continuing their journey across the country.

The race features 54 time stations spread across the route. According to RAAM organizers, only a select few are staffed by volunteers, making communities like Ulysses especially important to racers and their support crews. Staffed stations serve as tracking points, information centers, and welcoming stops for athletes traveling across the nation.

Time Station 23 in Ulysses is the first Kansas stop for many racers and has become a familiar gathering place for local volunteers and cycling enthusiasts. Volunteers record arrival times, assist crews when needed, and offer encouragement as riders continue their cross-country trek.

Kaider entered the race as one of the favorites in the solo division. The Austrian rider, who works as an ICU nurse when not competing, has built an international reputation in ultra-endurance cycling. Jefferson, another elite competitor, won the overall RAAM title in 2022 and remains one of the sport's most respected racers.

For local residents, the annual passage of RAAM riders offers a unique opportunity to witness an international sporting event in southwest Kansas. For the cyclists, Ulysses provides a welcome checkpoint on a journey that spans mountains, deserts, plains, and more than 3,000 miles of American roadway.

As riders continue eastward toward the finish line, volunteers at Time Station 23 remain ready to greet the next wave of competitors and crews, continuing a tradition that has made Ulysses an important stop along one of endurance sports' greatest challenges.