He used a radical low energy shuffling technique, which was a slower pace then his competitors, but he made up for it during the 5 or 6 hours they slept each day. He ended up winning by 10 hours.
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_Across_America
I HIGHLY recommend something like an Orbea Rise E-bike assist for a trip like this...
I am currently planning a 2,500 mile trip and am working with Orbea on it...
But first I am printing some addon parts for my unit and in process of designing a proper trailer using T-strut to build a trailer such that it can attach to my full suspension, have two wheels that are the exact same as my bike, ie spares... but as t-slot, aluminum, with the appropriate mesh interior area covered, can extend into a "cot" upon which I can put up the tent.
Personally I rode 20,000 miles in 24 months (with 5 gaps, Covid being the longest gap):