We’re sad to report that the 10th consecutive RAAM for Austrian Gerhard Gulewicz came to a premature end yesterday when he was struck from behind by a motorcycle while riding on the highway between Alamosa and LaVeta, Colorado. Though he was flung through the air by the impact Gulewicz sustained no serious injuries, but nonetheless has withdrawn from the race.
A RAAM official was ahead of Gulewicz at the time and doubled back to the Alamosa Hospital where he saw Gulewicz and his crew. The official reports that Gulewicz was examined and was found to have no fractures or concussion, but was nonetheless disoriented and unable to remember the incident. The crew members in Gulewicz’s follow car saw the incident and were shook up as well. On the crew this year was his father and teenage son Julian. Between them and the crew chief it was decided that continuing another 2,000 miles would not be prudent. According to the RAAM official, although Gulewicz was well to the left of the road shoulder line; neither he nor the motorcyclist was cited over the incident.
It is unfortunate to see Gulewicz’s 10th RAAM end as his third DNF in his most recent three attempts. We salute the man who has been called “the fastest man to never win RAAM,” owing to his 2009 race in which he posted a finish time of 8 days, 23 hours—which in most years would have been good enough to win—except Dani Wyss had finished some 8 hours earlier. In ten attempts the former body-builder has two second-place finishes, two third places and a seventh place.
We are happy to have been informed that Gerhard Gulewicz, his family and crew are continuing across the US and will do some sightseeing along the way. Though he won’t be on his bike, we will see him in Annapolis. Gerhard, you’re invited to join the RAAM crew for a beer at City Dock—on us.
