2005 will be THE year for the French at the RAAM, because following Dominique Briand and Pascal Pechallat’s challenge, committed in an historical “Defi Lyonnais” to ride RAAM in a two person men’s division, Patrick Autissier, a French living in Boston MA, is registered as a solo rider, becoming the first French ever to try this adventure since the beginning of this RAAM race in 1982. Make Patrick’s acquaintance and find out his motivations for this unique adventure.

JDC: you’re a French living in the U.S and an ultra-cyclist, what was your previous cyclist experience? Did you discover ultra-cyclist in the U.S?

P.A: I started biking because of the triathlon in 1985. Before that, I was totally ignorant of the cyclist world. I improved my skills over the years, increased the mileage to be capable of doing on a 112 Miles bike during an Ironman (Germany) 5 hours. I’ve known ultracycling by reading an article in the l’Equipe newspaper about RAAM. After moving to the States, I got some info, and saw that Ultracycling was well developed. I’ve known the existence of PBP in the U.S. I know, Shame on me!

JDC: you will be doing RAAM as a solo rider, becoming the first French ever to try this adventure, what do you feel and what represent RAAM for you?

P.A: Actually, as of right now, I’m the first French to be REGISTERED at RAAM as a solo rider. Although I feel kind of good about that, the main point for me is to arrive in Atlantic City and finish my project. I’m just at the beginning of an incredible adventure, and I really hope to become the first French to FINISH RAAM as a solo rider. All the rest is not really important. For me, RAAM is the Everest of the Ultracycling, and I love the challenges, so…

JDC: doing RAAM cost a lot of money, how did you deal with that?

P.A: I estimated the budget between $10,000 and $15,000. Right now, I have 50%, thanks to Decathlon, TV5 and some fellow Americans. Now that the website is up and running, I think it’s going to be easier to contact sponsors. My chance is that a good part of the French community in Boston knows and supports this project.

JDC: do you plan to come to Europe to participating to some long distances. RPE/XXALPS/LTD?

P.A: No, I can’t go to France before RAAM. I plan to recognize the last 400-500 Miles of the race, in RAAM condition (non stop, with crew) in April, and maybe recognize the hilliest part of the race (Utah and Colorado) in May. After the desert and the heat at the beginning of the race, this part is going to be very challenging, plus we will feel the first effect of sleep deprivation.

For more info on Patrick’s project, go to: http://www.patrickautissier.org

The JDC: 02/2005
Pict: PA. Rights reserved.