DOWE Stories Two races, one goal – pushing boundaries – Lukas Kaufmann

Two Races, One Goal – Pushing Boundaries

Even during the final preparations for the RAAM (Race Across America), it was clear to me: I am not in the same shape this year as last year. 57 lectures and film presentations throughout Austria and Germany, plus the wonderful, but of course demanding new family situation with our little son Paul – my time management definitely had room for improvement. So it's no wonder that the race start was anything but optimal.

Already in the first few hours in the desert, I threw up twice – not a good start for a race over 4932 kilometers. During the first 12 hours, I often thought about giving up. What kept me going was my incredible team, my little son Paul – and especially my wife Kathi. For her, for him, for all of us, I kept fighting.

And this fight was worth it: After 9 days, 13 hours and 40 minutes, I crossed the finish line of the world's toughest cycling race as the second-place finisher for the second time. The joy about this is immense – and I am infinitely grateful that I was able to experience this together with my team. What we experienced during these 4932 kilometers would be beyond the scope of this text – but I will certainly report in detail at the upcoming lectures!

A huge THANK YOU to my team and to all sponsors – none of this would have been possible without you!

From the Desert to the Salzkammergut

It felt like three days after crossing the finish line at RAAM – in reality it was three weeks – when my next favorite race was already coming up: the Salzkammergut Trophy. So on July 12th, I stood at the starting line in Bad Goisern again at 5 AM. My backside hadn't quite healed yet, but I was determined to tackle the 203 kilometers with 7000 meters of elevation gain.

It became an internal struggle: my head wanted to go fast, my legs just wanted rest. My head won the first 150 kilometers, the rest was – compared to RAAM – a small battle to the finish. After 10 hours and 57 minutes, I reached the finish line for the 11th consecutive time – this time in 27th place.

Perhaps not a top finish on paper – but knowing the backstory, it feels like a small victory to me. And honestly: being able to participate, to be part of this unique race, is 4932 times better than sitting on the couch at home!

Thanks to everyone who accompanies, supports, motivates and cheers me on – whether on the road, at races or at lectures. None of this would be possible without you. We'll see each other soon – perhaps at the next lecture!

Your Lukas