RACE ACROSS AMERICA : Fourney Keeps Lead as Riders Reach Texas

Defending champion Bob Fourney continued to lead the Race Across America Wednesday as the leaders started the long trip through Texas.

According to race headquarters, Fourney of Denver reached Floydada, Tex., at 6:35 p.m. (PDT), 24 minutes ahead of Rob Kish of Port Orange, Fla. Kish, who started the day in third place, and Fourney were the only riders to reach Floydada, which is 1,470 miles into the race and 217 miles into Texas.

Fourney is averaging 13.9 miles per hour and 334 miles per day.

The 2,930-mile race, in its 10th year, started Saturday morning in Irvine and will end in Savannah, Ga., in about four days.

In the women’s race, Cathy Ellis of Cambridge, Mass., remained in the lead, passing Cuchara, Colo., 1,059 miles into the race, at 3:09 p.m. Debbie Ann Breaud of Burleson, Tex., was next, 29 minutes behind. Ellis is averaging 10.8 m.p.h. and 248 miles per day.