Racers in the Race Across America continue to ride toward the Atlantic. Tailwinds in the desert made for fast times early for the solo riders but storms in Colorado slowed the leaders down. Jure Robic continues his dominance of the race in his attempt to win a 5th time. He has crossed the Mississippi, 2043 miles raced with 961 miles to go. In the women’s solo race, Barbara Buatois has continued to increase her lead and has ridden 1894 miles.

The relay teams left Oceanside and are starting to catch the solo racers. The fastest team so far is Team Type 1 which is in the 8 Person Open class. They’ve averaged 23.3 mph over 1441 miles.

On of the teams this year, Team Icebreaker from New Zealand, is wearing Icebreaker’s new line of cycling apparel. Icebreaker makes outdoor merino wool clothing.

“The Race Across America is going to be a huge adventure for us, and we’re up for the challenge,” said VP of Product and Creative Director Rob Achten. “We’re excited to see how four cyclists with funny accents from the Southern Hemisphere can do getting across this massive country of yours.” Jeremy Moon, founder of Icebreaker, said “We’re looking forward to seeing how our gear performs and stands up to the test of this epic race.”

The team and support crew have been rationed two Icebreaker garments each for the duration of the race. Achten said, “We’re convinced that we’ll have the big speed advantage over our competition as we won’t have to spend time washing our jerseys, thanks to Icebreaker’s wondrous, non-whiffy merino.” So far not having to wash their jerseys doesn’t seem to be an advantage as they’re in 8th place in the 4-Person Male relay category and have ridden 1216 miles.

During RAAM, visitors to raam.icebreaker.com will be able to enter two contests: The Icebreaker Race Across America Daily Prize Draw and the Speight’s Coast to Coast Endurance Contest.

Icebreaker Race Across America Daily Prize Draw

Every day of RAAM, Icebreaker will be giving away gear. To enter the daily draw, simply post a message of support, ask a question of the cyclists, or answer the daily question via the raam.icebreaker.com website, Facebook , Twitter or email (raam@icebreaker.com). Each day, Icebreaker will randomly draw one winner to receive an IcebreakerGT top.

Speight’s Coast to Coast Endurance Contest

While Icebreaker is charging across America, people can enter to win one of four entries to New Zealand’s own coast-to-coast race, the Speight’s Coast to Coast . Taking place February 11-12, 2011, this premier multisport race traverses the South Island of New Zealand from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. It involves 87 miles of cycling, 22 miles of running (including a mountain stage that crosses the Southern Alps) and 41 miles of kayaking down the grade two Waimakariri River and through the Grand Canyon of New Zealand, the Waimakariri Gorge.

To enter, participants need to send an email to raam@icebreaker.com telling of their own story of extreme endurance (limit 50 words). The winners will be chosen at the conclusion of the Race Across America and the four best, most courageous, most outrageous stories will win a place in the Speight’s Coast to Coast 2011 (a $1,000 value).

Grip Your World

This giveaway isn’t RAAM related but the deadline to enter Vibram’s “Grip Your World Giveaway” is this Friday. Grand prize is a trip for two to France and tickets to the world’s most famous ultra-trail marathon, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. Plus 20 second place winners will win a pair of Vibram’s Five Fingers shoes. Entry is simple: just visit www.gripyourworld.com, Vibram’s new website for outdoor enthusiasts, upload a photo (and share a story if you like!) and you’re entered to win.

Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX Hiking Boots Price: $159.94

Hi Tec Penrith Mid Jr. WP Hiking Boots Price: $38.73

Adidas AX2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots Price: $135.00