Raam 2010

[Deborajen]

Here's a news update on the accident from another Wichita TV station.

http://www.kwch.com/global/story.asp?s=12657383

Kansas just passed a law within the last few weeks banning texting while driving, so they mentioned right away about the driver apparently not texting at the time. It's really sad, though, regardless. I hope the rider is o.k.

I just looked at the RAAM site and noticed that a Spanish team (T415) DNF'd after Maize, KS and had checked in there shortly before the accident time. The accident happened between Maize and El Dorado. All the other teams have either checked in at El Dorado or weren't even at Maize at the time of the accident, so it sounds like it was a Spanish rider. I do hope he's o.k.

[Blueberry]

Yeah - it was someone from Team 415. I found a video clip of news coverage, and they showed the stopped follow car with the team no. That sucks At least law enforcement seem to be taking this one seriously.

[Deborajen]

Local news just said the injured rider is Diego Ballesteros Cucurull who is on the Coafi Desafio Asparo team from Spain -

[kacie tri-ing]

Velonews talked a lot about Sandy's DNF in this article:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/...-so-far_121300

In short, they said that she and her crew chief decided to pack it in when it seemed clear that they weren't going to make the Mississippi River time cut.

We are big Sandy fans! We look forward to her next major effort, be it at RAAM or some other event!!

[Fredwina]

Just noticed that Amy Xu/Team Strongheart DNf'ed due to Fatigue at the Mississippi River

[Blueberry]

Sandy and Amy are still amazing in my book! RAAM actually let Amy go on even though she missed the cut off - but when she got back on the bike, she realized she couldn't go on. Seriously, though - they rock!

[Deborajen]

Our local news reported that Diego Ballesteros Cucurull has been upgraded from critical to serious condition, and he's expected to spend about two weeks in the hospital before being flown back home to Spain. He's declined interviews but he did issue a statement thanking his supporters - at the hospital, law enforcement and worldwide - for all of the prayers, care and well-wishes. They're saying he's in good spirits.

As of now, no charges have been brought against the driver but that may change because the KS Highway Patrol will be presenting evidence to the District Attorney to determine if there is a case. That sounds to me like they're not letting this go, which is good news. I'm familiar with the stretch of road where the accident happened and it's WIDE open - four-lane divided, wide shoulders, and an extra wide median (a semi could pull across between the east and west lanes without sticking out into traffic either way). The country is about as flat as it gets, and there aren't a lot of trees or other visual blocks of any kind. There was just flat no reason the accident should have happened. Anybody who can't control their car any better than that shouldn't be driving.--