A 3rd day of racing brings a 4th state for Lancaster County’s Zoe International cycling duo | Local Sports
Brad Ortenzi and Randy Martin of ZOE International have entered Colorado on the third day of the Race Across America. According to team updates, the Lancaster County riders reached route mile 866.7 in La Plata County after traversing Arizona and Utah, moving into the Mountain Time zone.
Where are the ZOE International cyclists now?
As of 5:11 p.m. Eastern time, the team is located in La Plata County, Colorado. According to team data, the riders have reached route mile 866.7 and are approximately 50 miles from their next waypoint in Pagosa Springs.
The pair have officially entered their fourth state of the competition. Their route included a brief crossing from Arizona into Utah before they arrived in Colorado.
What challenges have the riders faced?
The team encountered “quite a bit of heat” while crossing the Arizona desert, according to a member of the overnight crew in a day one recap video. The crew member noted that despite the temperatures, the riders still looked strong.
The transition into the Mountain Time zone puts the riders two hours behind Eastern time. This shift occurs as they push toward the Colorado interior.
Why are Ortenzi and Martin competing in RAAM?
A day one recap email stated that the riders are focusing more on their reason for riding than a podium finish. This focus is partly because they are the sole entry in the two-man category.
On a team livestream, former rider Kevin Quinter discussed the motivation behind the effort. Quinter stated that the goal of rescuing children makes the ride “worth it,” adding that the kids are what kept his own team going during his 2025 RAAM experience.
What other information was shared via the livestream?
The ZOE International team featured David Cross, the CEO of ZOE International Australia, on their livestream. Cross discussed his history with the organization and his path to joining ZOE International.
Cross also provided information regarding the nature of human trafficking and how the issue is handled within Australia. Viewers can access the livestream at gozoe.org/raam-media/.
What happens next for the team?
The riders may reach their Pagosa Springs waypoint within the next several dozen miles. Depending on their pace and weather conditions, they could continue to encounter varying terrain as they progress beyond La Plata County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have the riders crossed to reach Colorado?
The riders crossed through Arizona and briefly into Utah before entering Colorado, their fourth state.
Where is the next scheduled waypoint for the team?
The next waypoint is located in Pagosa Springs, which was approximately 50 miles away as of 5:11 p.m. Eastern time.
Who is the CEO of ZOE International Australia?
The CEO of ZOE International Australia is David Cross.
How does a mission-driven goal change the way an athlete approaches a long-distance endurance race?