In May we announced we were supporting entrepreneur and bestselling Author Alvaro Nuñez in his Race Across America (RAAM) attempt, and we are delighted to report he recently completed this extreme event in 11 days, 23 hours and 3 minutes.
This is a phenomenal achievement, and the story of the dedication which went into this endurance ride is inspiring. We were keen to go behind the scenes and hear about the highs and lows of taking on the RAAM, and what drove Alvaro to push through this gruelling challenge and complete his mission.
Driven by the motivation to finish the RAAM in under 12 days, Alvaro pushed himself to the extreme which, as he explains, involved strength both mentally and physically.
VV: How have you been recovering since the RAAM?
Alvaro: Recovery has been… a journey of its own. The nerve damage in my hands and feet is still lingering — I’m slowly regaining sensation, but it’s taking time. Sleep took weeks to normalize after averaging just 1 hour per day during the race. But I’ve focused on movement, clean nutrition, breathwork, and ice therapy to accelerate the process. Climbing Elbrus so soon after was definitely not recommended from a physical standpoint — but from a mindset perspective, it helped me reconnect with why I do these things in the first place.
VV: What was the secret to completing in 11 days, 23 hours and 3 minutes?
There’s no secret — just relentless execution and a team that believed even in the darkest moments. We had a solid strategy going in, but the truth is, everything changes once you’re in it. I stayed on the bike close to 23 hours a day, and our support crew operated like a military unit: focused, selfless, and mission-driven. What truly got me through was remembering why I started. This race wasn’t just about distance — it was about proving to myself and others that the limits we live by are often illusions.
VV: What most surprised you on the journey which you had not considered before?
Alvaro: The level of emotional depth. I knew RAAM would be physically brutal — but I didn’t expect how deeply I’d connect with my team, with my father (who I was in touch with constantly), and with myself. There were moments of raw clarity — between hallucinations and pain — where I felt completely stripped down to the essence of who I am. That emotional intensity was both beautiful and humbling.
VV: What was the hardest moment of the RAAM that you faced?
Alvaro: Around Day 9, sleep deprivation hit me hard. I was hallucinating constantly, my knee was wrecked from a crash, and I couldn’t feel my hands. Every time I stopped, getting back on the bike felt like starting over from zero. There was a moment in the middle of the night where I genuinely questioned if I could finish. But a voice message from a friend who had done RAAM solo before hit me at the perfect time. He reminded me why I was doing this. That snapped me back into focus — and I got back on the bike.
VV: What will be your next challenge?
Alvaro: I’m always planning something that pushes my limits — another endurance world record attempt that will combine elements of endurance and storytelling. The goal is to continue using adventure as a medium to challenge limits, raise awareness for mental health, and inspire others to level up in their own lives. Details are coming soon, but let’s just say the RAAM was a stepping stone.
Alvaro’s coach Gary Hand, from Espresso Cycle Coaching, is no stranger to the RAAM having been involved in previous successful missions, most notably last year’s record breaking pairs team (LINK). We talked to him about his experience in Alvaro’s support crew, how he used the VeloViewer WorldTour App to improve performance and safety.
VV: What was your role in Alvaro’s RAAM challenge?
Gary: Firstly, I was Alvaro’s Performance Coach. I designed his training plan leading into RAAM, ensuring it was tailored to the demands of the event. During the race, I managed the overarching strategy – overseeing his pacing, sleep, and nutrition plans, and advising on equipment choices based on terrain and environmental conditions.
Secondly, I was Alvaro’s Crew Chief. I was heavily involved in the preparation phase. This included selecting the appropriate vehicles and equipment – both cycling-specific and operational – for the team. I also assisted in crew selection, assigning roles based on each member’s unique skill set.
I created a detailed task schedule, starting from our arrival in California and working backwards from Alvaro’s race start time to ensure everything was covered in advance. Once the race began, I managed the project on the ground. This included leading crew communications with RAAM officials, ensuring compliance with RAAM rules, coordinating crew exchange points, and serving as the primary point of contact for resolving any logistical or team-related issues that arose.
VV: What experience from previous RAAM attempts did you bring to the team?
Gary: Having completed my third RAAM, I was able to draw heavily on past experience – particularly my knowledge of the course. This proved especially valuable in identifying sections where we could make up time, and equally, where it was important not to panic if we were falling behind schedule.
Leading previous RAAM teams and similar endurance events has given me a deep understanding of the unique demands involved – especially managing extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation. This experience allowed me to approach high-pressure situations calmly, safely, and productively.
VV: How did your pre-planning for Alvaro’s challenge pay-off?
Gary: Pre-planning for an event like RAAM is absolutely vital. I approach it with the mindset: “What’s my plan B for my plan B?” – a strategy that allows me to stay productive and composed when the unexpected inevitably happens.
RAAM has a saying: “You’ll face as many problems as you will miles.” I believe that perfectly captures why thorough preparation always pays off! There are a couple of other sayings that we came up with during challenging times in RAAM, on one occasion there was a broken down lorry blocking the route completely in a narrow neighborhood, but, yea, I will keep them off record!
VV: How did you use VeloViewer to support Alvaro’s challenge and on a day-by-day basis how did VeloViewer shape the advice and support you gave Alvaro and the team?
Gary: VeloViewer was an invaluable tool for us throughout the event, serving multiple purposes. It allowed us to assess terrain, weather, distances, and real-time conditions – crucial for both rider performance and crew support. For example, being able to tell Alvaro, “At your current speed, you’ll exit this headwind in 7 minutes and then have a tailwind for at least an hour” provided a psychological lift that kept him moving forward instead of stopping to rest.
On climbs, it became even more essential. When a summit appeared near, we could advise him to hold back because VeloViewer showed that just around the next hairpin, the gradient kicked up again. That kind of insight was key for pacing, heart rate control, load management, and even feeding strategy. (Feeding from the follow vehicle is safest on climbs – but only if we’re not about to hit a 20% ramp!)
Having completed RAAM without VeloViewer in the past, I can confidently say: having this level of real-time intelligence at our fingertips was a complete game-changer. Then, as a visual aid, it also complemented the route book perfectly. Instead of only relying on written instructions, the crew could see the route unfold via GPS on-screen – a major advantage when operating under sleep-deprived conditions let me tell you.
Finally, the technical support from VeloViewer – especially Ben’s invaluable input – went above and beyond. I’m truly grateful for his dedication and expertise. I fully intend to remain part of the VeloViewer family and use it as a core tool for all my future major cycling projects.
