A first-time Race Across America cyclist set the third best average speed ever in winning the event on Thursday in 8 days, 6 hours and 29 minutes.

Swiss cyclist Reto Schoch scorched the 2,987-mile route from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland, at an average speed of 15.05 mph, a speed that includes the infrequent rest breaks.

The anticipated last-day battle for victory never materialized, as defending champion Christoph Strasser of Austria faded back after crossing the Appalachians….

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