Vernon woman becomes first female solo Race Across America overall winner

A Vernon woman made history in Annapolis, Maryland, Saturday night when she became the first female solo rider to be the overall winner of what’s called the world’s toughest cycling race.

The Race Across America (RAAM) 2021, came to an end for Leah Goldstein, 52, at  9:41 p.m. Maryland time June 26. That's when she completed the 4,888-kilometre race from Oceanside, Cal. to Annapolis in  11 days three hours and three minutes at an average speed of 11.8 mph.

She climbed 175,000 feet and crossed 12 states, before finishing at City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland.

"The sky was overcast, and a soft rain intermittently fell as we leapfrogged her and her very happy crew through the rolling hills," the Race Across America organizers said on social media as it became clear Goldstein was in the lead.

"In a year where temperatures reached near-record highs from the desert into Colorado, where very little rain fell elsewhere, and where DNF after DNF whittled down an already lean field, Leah has steadily picked off miles."

They said to get read for RAAM history in the making and Goldstein didn't disappoint.

"Here she comes! Winner of the solo Race Across America! A historic day! An awe-inspiring story!! Leah You did it! Leah wins overall Solo @raceacrossamerica. First female in the 38 year history of RAAM TO WIN OVERALL!! Leah truly has #nolimits,” they said later.

I was lucky enough to be present to see history being made when Leah Goldstein became the First woman to win the #RAAM! Amazing! pic.twitter.com/g0mNvgTKVN

— Vince (HE wears HIS mask) Harriman (@vsharriman) June 27, 2021

She previously competed in the event in 2019, when she won the women's solo category, breaking the previous record by 12 hours.

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