RAAMpage Cycling: Now Open for Race Across America Qualifier Registration in the Philippines

Filipino athletes are among those who I believe are tough challengers in sports and will do what it takes to be the best even in tough times. Will Filipino athletes take the challenge on what is known as the world's toughest bike race?

Race Across America (RAAM) is regarded by many as the most challenging of bike races globally because of its gruelling format – non-stop cycling across 13 states. On July 28, 2018, all athletes and cycling enthusiasts from the Philippines and Asia are welcome to experience RAAM  through RAAMpage – the first official Southeast Asian qualifier for RAAM. Registration and sign-ups are now open and can be reached through www.cyclingraampage.com.

As a qualifier recognized and approved by Race Across America, RAAMpage will be embodying the format of RAAM via a time trial race.

• 6 hour time trial
• 12 hour time trial
• 24 hour time trial

This is to make the race friendlier to athletes and cyclists of all levels, professional and non-pro cyclists are all welcome to join. Team David's Salon, the team behind RAAMpage, wanted to ensure that all cycling enthusiasts would have the opportunity to experience RAAM on the level that they are comfortable with.

"We are extremely excited that Race Across America has recognized our capability – both as athletes and hosts – to put up the first official qualifier in Southeast Asia. We know that RAAM is on the bucket list of many cyclists and are thrilled to be bringing that experience here and who knows – we may have have race finishers who will actually join RAAM," said Carmela Pearson, head of RAAMpage and herself, a second place mixed-relay finisher in Race Across America in 2017.

David Charlton, owner of Team David's Salon believes that not only will RAAMpage be a great opportunity to showcase how the Philippines can organize world-class athletic events, he also knows that the Filipino athlete is more than capable of taking on RAAM, "I myself was with Carmela and our awesome team of four and we actually placed in the world's toughest bike race! Imagine when we open this experience to even more Filipino athletes," he concludes.

RAAMpage will be held on July 28, 2018 at The Villages in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. For interested participants and more information on RAAMpage, visit www.facebook.com/cyclingraampageph and www.cyclingraampage.com.