In the 2024 Race Across America (RAAM), Lukas Kaufmann conquered the nearly 5000 kilometer journey across the United States in an impressive 8 days, 23 hours, and 12 minutes—earning a remarkable second-place finish in his debut appearance. This standout performance cemented his status as a rising force in the ultra-endurance cycling world.
Building on that momentum, Kaufmann set his sights firmly on the 2025 edition, aiming for the top step of the podium. With renewed focus, he has been sharpening his training—specifically targeting improvements in time trial efficiency and overall endurance.
We caught up with Lukas to dive into the mindset, preparation, and relentless drive behind one of the sport’s most determined RAAM contenders and why he chose Lezyne as his go-to tools and accessories brand for the challenge.
FROM ROOKIE TO RUNNER-UP: LUKAS KAUFMANN
You finished second at RAAM 2024, an incredible achievement for any athlete, let alone a first-timer. What initially inspires an athlete like you to take on the monumental challenge of RAAM?
The Race Across America has fascinated me since I was a teenager. Actually, until I crossed the finish line in 2024, I couldn't imagine how anyone could stay on the bike for such a long time. We humans always want to plan everything in detail, we want to know what will happen tomorrow—at RAAM, you can plan a lot, but not everything. It's fascinating to see what our bodies are capable of.
What Sets RAAM Apart? You’ve raced all over the world—what makes RAAM uniquely challenging, both mentally and physically?
RAAM is the longest cycling race in the world. All the stages of the Tour de France combined are 500 kilometers shorter. As a solo rider, you have a maximum of 12 days to complete the 4,932 kilometers. Not 23 days—including two rest days—like the Tour.
And you ride alone; there's no drafting. At the beginning, you ride for one and a half days through a desert—we had 43°C in 2024. And shortly after, you ride over the Rocky Mountains. The highest pass is 3,309 meters—you are in the snow. In other endurance events, I was always looking forward to the "halfway point."
With RAAM, I had to ride for four days to reach midway. My body was so tired that I couldn't look forward to it, instead I could only dread the second half.
Many consider RAAM tougher than the Tour de France in some ways. Would you agree? If so, why?
In my opinion, you can't compare these two races. As far as I know, there's no rider who has ridden both events. I would really love to compete in the Tour de France one day, so I could compare.
There are certainly many points where the Tour is harder, but also some where RAAM is harder. I don't like to talk about things I haven't done yet, so I'll wait to answer until I've competed in the Tour 😄.
You came incredibly close to winning RAAM 2024. What would success look like for you at RAAM 2025?
Yes, that's right! We were very fast last year. My team and I—we did a great job. So far, there have been 698 starters at RAAM (since 1982), and I was the 19th person to finish in under 9 days.
We didn't make any major mistakes, only some small ones. We want to improve on those in 2025: aerodynamics, nutrition, clothing, sleep breaks, etc.
MIND & BODY PREP: TRAINING, DIET, STRATEGY
Evolving Strategy. What does a typical training week look like in the lead-up to RAAM? What changes have you made to your training regimen to better prepare for 2025?
Overall, my training week looks very similar to that of any professional cyclist preparing for a season. I do have very long rides every now and then, which most people don't do because they can "over train," but I need those long workouts because I am also training my mind.
I spent the whole of February in Lanzarote, where I covered just over 3,500 kilometers and 50,000 meters of elevation in 24 days. Of course, I also have to pay attention to recovery after such an intense phase.
The biggest change in my training was definitely spending more time on the time trial bike.
Do you train your gut as much as your legs? What’s your approach to fueling for such long efforts? Are there any foods or supplements you absolutely rely on to stay strong across 5,000 kilometers?
To be honest, I'm not as good at stomach training as I am at cycling training. I should definitely do that more often. To be able to ride a race like this as fast as possible, you need to consume your calories in liquids.
At RAAM 2024, I drank an average of 15 liters per day, consuming a total of 82,000 calories over the nine days. If I had to eat that amount in solid food, it would be about seven kilograms of pasta per day—impossible. You should also keep in mind that our digestion doesn't function as well during physical exertion as it does when sitting in an office, so liquids are preferable.
Supplements that are definitely important are magnesium, potassium, and calcium, because you lose a lot of them through sweating. I also use vitamin D3 and Omega 3 from my sponsor Biogena.
Mental Fortitude in the Face of Monotony. During those long stretches of solitude on the road, how do you maintain mental resilience and focus?
That's definitely one of the most difficult aspects of RAAM and this is where my support team is very important. They accompany me 24 hours a day. I'm always in radio contact with them.
They tell me jokes or stories from their lives, or read messages people send me on social media. It's also important that I don't always think about the entire route ahead of me. I break it down mentally in 100-kilometer segments.
Do you use visualization, meditation, or any other unconventional training methods in preparation for RAAM?
I've been working a lot with visualization in preparation for RAAM 2025. I also have a mental coach because you should never stop learning.
The only special method I personally use to mentally prepare for the RAAM is getting up at 3 a.m. to train my body to the fact that it's not always so much fun.
GEAR TALK: ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR RAAM
In a race like RAAM, equipment can make or break your performance. What made you choose Lezyne as your go-to brand for this challenge?
I come from a mountain bike background, and I've been using Lezyne products for a long time. When I rode 24-hour races I used Lezyne LEDs during the night for visibility.
I've mostly used them for unfortunate situations like flat tires and they've never let me down. So, you could say I'm happy when I don't need your products, but they still have to be there.
Highlight the essential Lezyne tools and accessories you selected to support you throughout the race.
- Lezyne ALLOY FLOOR DRIVE 3.5 Floor Pump
- Lezyne LITE DRIVE 1200+ FRONT LED
- Lezyne STRIP DRIVE 300+ REAR LED
- Lezyne CARBON TEAM CAGE
- Lezyne ROAD CADDY Saddle Bag
- Lezyne POCKET DRIVE PRO Hand Pump
- Lezyne SV PRO 7 TOOL
You’ve mentioned the Lezyne POCKET DRIVE PRO is a non-negotiable hand pump you’ve selected to support you throughout the race. Why is this particular tool so essential to your setup?
There are always sections of the RAAM course where my support staff aren't allowed to accompany me, and it's incredibly important that I can quickly resolve the issue myself in the event of a puncture.
The Lezyne POCKET DRIVE PRO is incredibly lightweight and compact, and it helps me get back on my bike very quickly in an emergency. It's just a good feeling to know that you have everything you need with you should something happen that you didn't expect to happen.
GOALS AND THE ROAD AHEAD
On June 10th, 2025, you set off on RAAM 2025 driven by the lessons of last year, the hunger for victory.
What message would you share with others chasing big goals, especially when it comes to preparation, mindset, and choosing the right tools?
Do it with love and passion, and anything is possible. Progress step by step and don't try to take five steps at once; that usually only works for a short time, if at all. Work with the best; it might cost a little more, but it's also much more fun.
A WORD FROM LEZYNE
As you prepare to take on RAAM 2025 with unmatched determination, we’re proud to have Lezyne tools and accessories in your corner—reliable, precise, and built for the toughest rides on Earth.
Supporting an athlete of your caliber is an honor, and we’re excited to stand behind you every kilometer of the way. Here’s to a powerful performance—and hopefully, a well-earned victory.
THANK YOU for the great collaboration, I'm proud to have you by my side and look forward to everything to come!
