Kurt Matzler fights against Shermer's Neck at Raam 2025!

Kurt Matzler fights against Shermer's Neck at Raam 2025!

Dolomitenstadt, Österreich - The exciting events at Race Across America 2025 (RAAM) show how challenging these ultra-relaxing bike races can be. After the first half of the race, three Austrian participants lead the field. Particularly noteworthy is Philipp Kaider, a 39-year-old cyclist from Lower Austria, who is on Raam for the first time and currently holds the leadership position.

his compatriot Lukas Kaufmann, 31 years old from Upper Austria, follows him for nine hours after he reached second place as a rookie last year. The Swedish ex-bike professional Jimmy Rönn, who won the last year in record-breaking 8 days and 18 hours, is once again representing the benchmark for performance in the race.

challenges during the race

The hardships of such a long race become clear, however, when athletes like Kurt Matzler suffer from extreme conditions. After Halfway Point, he suffers Shermer’s Neck, a sudden muscle creation in the neck that makes holding the head almost impossible. This serious illness can lead to complete incapacity to the neck within two hours of the first symptoms and is not uncommon in the history of RAAM.

An American couple quickly helped Matzler by offering medical care while his crew was busy adapting the bikes and the route planning. Matzler can rise again on the bike, which, in view of the risks associated with Shermer’s Neck, cannot be taken for granted: the condition is typically experienced by cyclists who constantly cover long distances, especially after 800 km.

The story of Shermer’s Neck can be traced back to 1983 when the condition was first diagnosed. Ultra endurance cyclists who drive into aero position for a long time and possibly have experienced earlier neck injuries or incorrect cycling positions are affected. A random survey shows that over 60% of cyclists occasionally suffer neck pain, often as a result of poor positioning.

symptoms and treatment options

The symptoms of Shermer’s Neck can escalate quickly. In severe cases, cyclists need a ruffle to support their heads and reduce the neck load. However, prevention is the key: regular changes in positions, stretching exercises and targeted strength training help to minimize the risk of this condition. Restoration of the neck function can take between two and fourteen days, which is why early intervention is essential.

Nevertheless, Matzler's experience only refers to a part of the challenges that cyclists have to overcome at RAAM. The mixture of physical exertion, strategic planning and quick reaction to unexpected health problems makes an unpredictable competition every year. However, the fight against Shermer’s Neck is a reality with which many cyclists are confronted and requires careful management.

For all athletes, the RAAM remains an impressive demonstration of perseverance and human will, also in view of the difficulties that can occur during such extremely challenging events.

dolomitenstadt reports that ... We love cycling explains the background to Shermer’s Neck ... and Sport Coaching provides further information on the topic.