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Race Across America

Seana Hogan - Cycling Legend, captured by Jaka Vinšek

By Soigneur

January 17^th, 2019

Seana Hogan holds many world records when it comes to cycling, but the one that stands out most is the North American Transcontinental record for a female cyclist that she set in 1995. She holds the most overall wins and finishes as well as the record for highest speed at Race Across America (RAAM).

In 2018, I followed Seana in the 3,069-mile race. From Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland, coast to coast, we endured twelve days of brutal heat, heavy downpours, intense humidity, 11,000 ft peaks, and the devilish Appalachian Hills. I witnessed her struggles and pain as well as all the smiles and joy. Seana came in first and broke her own RAAM record.

Before the race, she told me that she calls the race the 10-10-10 diet. She looses 10 lbs in 10 days on 10,000 calories a day, burning up to 100,000 calories in 250 hours. Seana was 59 years old at the time of the race and watching her perform was truly inspiring. For twelve days, all I could think was, "How is this possible?" How can anyone do this with so little sleep and time for regeneration? I was amazed at Seana's resilience and determination.

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

RAAM is not a stage race.

Once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. The parcours is about 30% longer than the Tour de France. RAAM is open to professional and amateur athletes alike. While solo racers must qualify to compete, anyone may organize a team and race. Racers must traverse 3000 miles across 12 states and climb over 170,000 vertical feet. Team racers have a maximum of nine days and most finish in about seven and a half days. Teams will ride 350-500 miles a day, racing non-stop. Solo racers have a maximum of 12 days to complete the race, with the fastest finishing in just over eight days. Solo racers will ride 250-350 miles a day, balancing speed and the need for sleep.

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

But numbers hardly reveal the absurd effort required to finish this race. The only way to truly grasp it, is to ride it yourself. Or follow someone riding it, up close.

Photographer Jaka Vinšek seeks people challenging their physical limits for his personal projects. He found Seana, and captured het struggle and euphoria during the 2018 Race Across America.

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Race Across America

Footnotes

Photography, cinematography and words by Jaka Vinsek // www.jakavinsek.com

FootNotes

Photography, cinematography and words by Jaka Vinsek // www.jakavinsek.com

© 2026 Soigneur

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