Borrego Cheers for Lukas!
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Community Rallies Behind Austrian Cyclist Training for RAAM
You might have seen a focused cyclist zipping around Borrego Valley over the past few weeks. That rider is Lukas Kaufmann, a world-class athlete from Austria who’s chosen Borrego Springs as his training ground for the upcoming Race Across America (RAAM)—a 9-day, coast-to-coast endurance race starting June 10 in Oceanside and finishing June 19 in Atlantic City.
Track his ride here:
trackleaders.com/Team_Kaufmann
While Peter Kellner was also out riding with his wife Tammy Baker, he spotted Lukas and could tell right away he wasn’t just another visitor getting in a few desert miles. Peter tracked him down, learned his story, and turned that curiosity into action.
The result? A spontaneous community celebration:
“Borrego Cheers for Lukas!”
At 6 PM on June 4th, the Borrego Springs community gathered outside Carlee’s, where the covered patio offered some much-needed shade. Locals turned out in full force—business owners, nonprofit leaders, students, and longtime supporters of the valley. The Borrego Springs High School baseball team arrived in uniform to cheer Lukas on and celebrate their successful season as Manzanita League Champions and CIF San Diego Division V:AA Runner-Up.
The event drew support from across the community, including Martha Deichler of the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center, Rams Hill’s Harry Turner and Jesse Langridge (the new General Manager of Rams Hill), Dale Jones of American Legion Post 853, Wade Beane of the Borrego Art Institute, and Franz Steinberger, organizer of Austria’s prestigious Kitzbüheler Radmarathon, who has been in Borrego Springs supporting Lukas’s acclimatization and preparation.
Andy Macuga, owner of Carlee’s and a beloved Borrego Springs High School coach, also welcomed the gathering with his signature community spirit. Tim White, Assistant Principal and Baseball Coach at Borrego Springs High School, was there to show support, alongside many student-athletes. The Borrego Water District was also well represented with General Manager Jeff Pool and Director Gina Moran in attendance.
In a recent article from a regional magazine in Austria, Lukas shared details of his RAAM preparation—highlighting Borrego Springs as an ideal training location thanks to its open roads, challenging terrain, and supportive community. His 15-person team is handling everything from logistics to media production, and a new documentary film about this year’s race is already in progress.
Peter’s initiative shows just how much can happen with a little care and a few phone calls. Thank you, Peter, for all you do for our community! He and Tammy, are involved in multiple local organizations, active with Borrego’s youth, and both avid cyclists. If you see them on the road, give them space and a wave—drive safely.
Whether you came to meet Lukas, honor our student athletes, or simply enjoy an uplifting community moment, the message was clear: Borrego Springs is behind you, Lukas—ride strong!
Visit www.lukas-kaufmann.com to learn more about Lukas!
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