2013 press guide
Transcription
2013 press guide
2013 PRESS GUIDE 2013 XTERRA NATIONALS SPONSORS The 2013 XTERRA Nationals weekend is presented by the Utah Sports Commission, Paul Mitchell, AVIA, and the XTERRA Live More Card. Sponsors include Snowbasin Resort, GOAL Foundation, Gatorade, Rudy Project, PowerBar, KSL TV, ENVE, Zorrel, MediaOne of Utah, the U.S. Forest Service, XTERRA Wetsuits, LifeProof, Muscle Milk, Choice Hotels, Rockwell watches, FootBalance, XTERRA Fitness, and Wasatch Distributing XTERRA - NATION’S LEADING OFF-ROAD TRI AND TRAIL RUN In 1996 mountain biking and triathlon met in a duel of the fittest on the island of Maui. The race consisted of an openocean swim, a mountain bike race, and a trail run. It represented a bold new racing format that attracted outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, mountain bikers and triathletes. The mountain bikers brought their laid-back style and bold self-assurance. The triathletes brought their hard-core training and avid dedication. They soon discovered a common spirit and attitude that pulled them together.The relationship would become an internationallyrecognized brand called XTERRA. Since that day, XTERRA has grown into the world’s leading off-road triathlon with more than 100 races in 20 countries, including 70 in the XTERRA America Tour alone. A typical XTERRA is comprised of the following: 1.5 kilometer (0.93-mile) swim in an ocean, lake, or river 30 kilometer (18.6-mile) mountain bike on off-road trails 10 kilometer (6.2-mile) trail run on a variety of surfaces 2013 marks the 18th consecutive year of XTERRA racing. XTERRA Nationals is the last race in the America Tour for both our nationwide off-road triathlon and trail running series, offering up $80,000 in prize money for pros and 40 qualifying spots into the XTERRA World Championship triathlon for amateurs, as well as the chance to win a national championship title. This guide will breakdown the who, what, when, where and why of the XTERRA USA Championship - and introduce you to some of the pros that will race in the world’s premier off-road triathlon and trail running events at Snowbasin Resort on Sept. 21-22. TABLE OF CONTENTS Weekend overview, Schedule & Event Descriptions . . . . . . .4-7 Ogden/Snowbasin : XTERRA Kind of Towns . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9 XTERRA Course overview and Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11 XTERRA Pro Preview and Start List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-14 XTERRA Pro Biographies (Men) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-33 XTERRA Pro Biographies (Women) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-48 2013 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Overview/Standings . . . .49-53 2012 XTERRA World Tour and World Champs Preview . .54-55 How the XTERRA America Tour Works for amateurs . . . .56-57 2013 XTERRA Age Group Regional Champions . . . . . . . .58-59 2013 XTERRA America Tour Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 XTERRA USA Championship Past from 2001-2012 . . . . .61-76 XTERRA Trail Run Nationals Guide Starts, Preview . . . . .77-81 XTERRA Trail Run Nationals Runner Bios . . . . . . . . . . . .82-89 2013 XTERRA Trail Run Regional Champs . . . . . . . . . . . .90-91 Past XTERRA Trail Run National Race Recaps . . . . . . . .92-96 How the XTERRA Trail Run Series Works & Schedule . . .97-98 How XTERRA Got Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 TEAM Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 XTERRA is also celebrating its 10th year in Utah. Of note, Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell founded the first XTERRA here back in 2004. For more information contact :Trey Garman 808.216.8606 // trey@xterraplanet.com 3 THE ULTIMATE XTERRA GATHERING IN NORTHERN UTAH Two days, two national championship events, one spectacular destination. Then on Sunday, Sept. 22 America’s best trail runner Max King will charge the Wasatch Mountains seeking his sixth consecutive XTERRA Trail Run National title. Put it all together and you can see how Snowbasin Resort and Ogden, Utah, are being transformed into XTERRA Title Town USA on the weekend of Sept. 21-22. In addition to the overall national champions, dozens of age-group titles will be decided on both days, with athletes ranging in age from 15 to 76 looking to earn the distinction of 2013 XTERRA National Champion. Both events will be filmed for nationally syndicated TV programs, exposing the beauty of Utah to millions of viewers around the world. And it’s not too late for athletes to join in and become a part of the historic weekend. While the USA Championship offroad triathlon is an invite only race, there will be XTERRA Utah off-road triathlon races that are open to everyone on Saturday. The XTERRA Trail Run National Championship on Sunday is open to all runners, so one and all can challenge the best-of-the-best trail runners and race for a national championship. There will also be 10K and 5K “fun run” courses available for runners of all ages. The XTERRA USA Championship off-road triathlon and the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship are being held on back-to-back days, and in the same destination, for the third year-in-a-row. The two events will bring roughly 1,500 of the nation’s very best amateur and professional triathletes and trail runners to Snowbasin Resort to battle for the title of XTERRA National Champion. In addition to the races XTERRA will host an expo in downtown Ogden on Friday with free kids races, vendor booths, a Paul Mitchell hair cut-a-thon for charity, and evening dinner parties. Then on Saturday from 8am to 10pm the streets shut down for a massive, community wide block party as Ogden hosts its 12th annual Harvest Moon celebration with a wealth of family-friendly activities including live music, a farmer’s market, kid’s activities, arm wrestling, pumpkin decorating, downtown crit races, and fantastic fare from Historic 25th Street’s incredible restaurants. Speaking of the best, this year’s XTERRA USA Championship race will feature perhaps the deepest pro field in event history with 50 elites from 10 countries. Defending champion Josiah Middaugh from the U.S., Conrad “the Caveman” Stoltz and Dan Hugo from South Africa, and the rest of the top 15 ranked men in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series will be joined by European greats and former XTERRA World Champions Nicolas Lebrun and Ruben Ruzafa, Olympian Leonardo Chacon, and XTERRA Triple Crown winner Ben Allen from Australia. And don’t forget to pull for Ogden’s own Nick Fisher, who is having a breakout season in his first year as a pro. There is great entertainment to be found at Snowbasin Resort as well highlighted by the spontaneous, ecstatic, and sometimes tear-jerking displays of emotion at the finish line. While it is an epic spot for winter sports (think 3,000 skiable acres and 3,000 vertical feet) Snowbasin is also ideal in the summer time and when the Fall colors turn the mountain landscape into a kaleidoscope of colors, it’s simply spectacular. See for yourself on Sunday by joining the XTERRA Nation on the Patio at Earl's Lodge with Holy Water Buffalo playing music for the Soul, followed up by the Shook Twins playing Folk as part of the Resort’s Blues, Brews, & BBQ "FREE" Concert Series. In the women’s race current and former World Champs Lesley Paterson, Shonny Vanlandingham, and Melanie McQuaid and the rest of the top 10 racers in the Pro Series will be joined by Euro stars Renata Bucher, Jacqui Slack, and Carina Wasle, Olympian Barbara Riveros from Chile, and American threat Heather Jackson. For more info visit xterrautah.com or call 877-XTERRA-1 4 XTERRA NATIONALS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Opening Festivities in downtown Ogden @ Ogden’s Amphitheater Park (corner 25th/Grant) 12-6pm Expo and XTERRA Kids Zone Challenge Stations Open 12-6pm Registration and Packet Pick-up (All events) 12-5pm Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon, benefit for the Challenged Athlete Foundation 3:00pm XTERRA Race Briefing (mandatory for USA Championship triathletes – also available at 6pm) 4pm XTERRA Kids Bike Race (free) 5pm XTERRA Kids Sprint (free) 5:00-6pm XTERRA University, presented by Paul Mitchell – hosted by Josiah Middaugh & Lesley Paterson 6:00pm XTERRA Race Briefing (mandatory for USA Championship triathletes, also available at 3pm) 6:30-9pm “Night of Champions” Dinner, Grand Lobby, Union Station - Introduction of XTERRA Regional Champion triathletes, ENVE “Performers of the Year” & Mr/Ms XTERRA 2013. Admission: complimentary for USA Championship competitors, $25 for guests/public. Note that tickets are limited – first come, first served. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 6:30am Shuttle operating to/from Snowbasin to Port Ramp Marina, Pineview Reservoir 6:30am Body marking, T1 open for set-up, late packet pickup at Port Ramp Marina, Pineview Reservoir (no registration) 6:30am T2 open for Set-up at Snowbasin 8:20am Last shuttle from Snowbasin to Port Ramp Marina 9:00am XTERRA USA Championship Start at Port Ramp Marina (1.5k swim, 28k mtb, 10k trail run) 9:20am XTERRA Utah Start – Long Course at Port Ramp Marina (1.5k swim, 28k mtb, 10k trail run) 9:40am XTERRA Utah Start – Sprint Course at Port Ramp Marina (750m swim, 19k mtb, 5k trail run) 10am-2pm Expo area open at Snowbasin – exhibits, live music, food service 10am-3pm Registration and packet pickup for XTERRA Trail Runs – Nationals, 10K and 5K 10:30-2:30pm Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon - benefit for the Challenged Athletes Foundation 11am XTERRA Sprint winner expected at Snowbasin 11:15/11:45am XTERRA USA Championship Male/Female Winner Expected 12:00pm XTERRA University, presented by Paul Mitchell – Trail Running with Richard Burgunder and Mark Robertson 1:50pm XTERRA Cut-off at T2 2pm XTERRA USA Championship/XTERRA Utah Awards Ceremony at Snowbasin After Party at Harvest Moon celebration in downtown Ogden on 25th Street 6:30pm XTERRA After Party Kick-off Noon-10:00pm Harvest Moon celebration on 25th Street - kids activities, farmer’s market, food, and live bands - headliner Ethan Tucker 8:00pm XTERRA USA Championship highlight video showing and introduction of Champions – Main Stage SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 7:00-8:00am Late Registration and Packet Pick-up 9:00am XTERRA Trail Running National Championship Half Marathon Start 9:05am XTERRA 5k and 10k Trail Run starts 9:00am-2:00pm Paul Mitchell Cut-a-Thon, a benefit for the Challenged Athletes Foundation 10:06/10:19am Men’s and Women’s National Championship male/female winners expected 11:00am XTERRA Kids Sprint (free) 11:00am/11:45am XTERRA 5km and 10km awards ceremony / XTERRA National Championship race awards ceremony Noon-5pm Blues and Brews Free Concert Series at Earl’s Patio - Holy Water Buffalo and the Shook Twins 2:00pm XTERRA Expo closes 6:00pm/7:00pm XTERRA After Party in Ogden/Video Highlights 5 XTERRA YOUR WAY - CHANCES TO JOIN IN THE FUN FREE XTERRA KIDS RACES – FRI, 4 & 5pm in Ogden, SUNDAY at 11am at Snowbasin Free running and bike races for kids 12 and under with courses suited for all ages and skill levels. The XTERRA Kids running and bike races give the youngsters a chance to compete like their parents in a positive and fun environment where everyone wins. Getting kids active, outside and around positive role models that live and talk about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle is one of the best things XTERRA can do to give back to the local communities where it hosts races. XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS HALF-MARATHON, PLUS 10K AND 5K – SUN, 9 a.m. The XTERRA Trail Run National Championship is being staged at Snowbasin Resort for the third time. The picturesque trails will serve as a perfect stage for elite runners from across the nation to test their skills against the unique challenges that only Utah can offer. The 21-kilometer half-marathon will serve as the championship course, but there are also 10K and 5K courses available for runners. All three races are open to runners of all ages. XTERRA UTAH SHORT AND LONG COURSE OFF-ROAD TRIATHLONS - SATURDAY, 9:20/40am The XTERRA Utah short course features a 750-meter swim, 19-kilometer mountain bike and 5km trail run. The long course features a 1.5km swim, 28km bike, and 10km run. Both races are open to everyone with enough lung power and determination to challenge Mother Nature. OGDEN’S HARVEST MOON CELEBRATION SATURDAY, Noon-10pm on Historic 25th Street Ogden is shutting down Historic 25th street for a massive block party that includes a variety of free kids activities, concerts, street demos and performers, great food, a farmer’s market, kids crafts, and much more. It’s the biggest Harvest Moon Celebration ever, including headliner Ethan Tucker on Saturday night. XTERRA BY NIGHT XTERRA isn't XTERRA without a party. First-up is Friday's (Sept. 21) Night of Champions dinner at Historic Union Station, and on Saturday night it gets loud! At 6:30 the party gets underway on Historic 25th Street then at 8pm on stage XTERRA will honor its National Champions. After that, the headliner Ethan Tucker will rock it out under the stars for the rest of the night. 6 PAUL MITCHELL CUT-A-THON AND XTERRA UNIVERSITY Founded to help physically challenged athletes reach their athletic goals, the non-profit Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is the official charity of the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon at each championship stop on the XTERRA America Tour. Stylists will cut hair from Noon-5pm on Friday, Sept. 20 in Ogden; from 10:30am-2:30pm at Snowbasin on Saturday, and 9-2pm on Sunday. All proceeds go to the CAF. XTERRA UNIVERSITY Presented by Paul Mitchell Learn the art of XTERRA from the best off-road multisport athletes on the planet - XTERRAUSA Champions Josiah Middaugh and Lesley Paterson. XTERRA University is a must for first-timers and anyone looking to sharpen their skills in swimming, mountain biking, trail running, and nutrition. Josiah and Lesley will even break down into Utah course specifics and answer any and all questions. Best part is, the clinic is FREE. Trail Runners can learn from Richard Burgunder and Mark Robertson on Sat. at Snowbasin at 12 noon. 7 AN XTERRA KIND OF TOWN - OGDEN, UTAH It’s long been said that XTERRA is more than just a race, it’s a lifestyle. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in Ogden, Utah where the Mayor, Mike Caldwell, was the founder and race director for the first XTERRA race in Ogden back in 2004! Mayor Caldwell and a collection of the coolest locals to be found anywhere rallied the entire community to bring off-road triathlon to their hometown and are everyday XTERRA people. They swim, bike, and run in the mountains, have fun, eat well, laugh, and unpretentiously perpetuate the sports’ motto – “Live More”. As the XTERRA nation gathers in Ogden, here are just a few of the cool things they can see, do, and eat: Snowbasin Resort: Just 35 miles north of Salt Lake City, the race venue at Snowbasin is world-class and was home to the downhill and Super G races of the 2002 Winter Olympics. While it is an epic spot for winter sports (think 3,000 skiable acres and 3,000 vertical feet), Snowbasin is also ideal in the summer time and when the Fall colors turn the mountain landscape into a kaleidoscope of colors, it’s simply spectacular. “There’s really a love affair going on with XTERRA and Ogden,” said XTERRA President Janet Clark. “The community is unbelievably supportive. It’s the only place I’ve ever been where people – with no affiliation to the race at all - have stopped me on the street to say thanks for bringing XTERRA to town.” Historic 25th Street: Right in the heart of downtown Ogden, 25th street has it all with incredible restaurants like Rooster’s Brewing Company, Brewskis,and Tona Sushi Bar & Grill, colorful history and museums at Union Station, an outdoor amphitheater, art galleries, retail shops, and while XTERRA is in town – the Harvest Moon celebration. The streets shut down for a community wide block party that runs all day and culminates with the Ethan Tucker concert and XTERRA post-race celebration. XTERRA is indeed coming to town, in a big way. Pros will race for $80,000 in prize money, dozens of cameramen will position themselves around Wheeler Canyon to capture all the action for a nationally syndicated one-hour TV show, and hundreds of amateur athletes from nearly every state in the nation will come in pursuit of their dreams to race for an XTERRA National Championship. “With the altitude, friendly people, and great facilities this would be an incredible place for all kinds of athletes to train. As people become more aware of how great Utah is, it could become the next Mecca for endurance sports, it’s gorgeous,” said Melanie McQuaid. VisitOgden.com For the kids: Get an up-close look at the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex at Ogden’s Dinosaur Park where they have hands on exhibits and eight acres of lifesized dinosaurs in a natural outdoor environment. Also check out the award-winning exhibits and programs at the Treehouse Children’s Museum, and run & ride in XTERRA’s free kids races on Friday, September 20 starting at 4pm. 8 DESTINATION UTAH Trails: In addition to the course offerings at Snowbasin take some time to ride the east bench of Ogden “home to a spaghetti bowl of singletrack trails,” and the pristine Bonneville Shoreline Trail along the slope of the Wasatch Mountains where the old shoreline of Lake Bonneville met the hills. In good company: As proof that Ogden is the place to be, dozens of major outdoor sports companies have relocated their operations to be here, including Scott USA, Goode Skis, Nidecker, Salomon, Atomic, Suunto, Klymit, Rossignol, ENVE Composites, and many more. Salomon Center: Adjacent to 25th street is the Salomon Center, home to a vertical wind tunnel, flowrider wave pool, climbing wall, bowling alley, billiard hall, bumper cars, mini golf, movie theaters, Iggy’s sports bar and Sonora Grill. Discover: While in Utah, competitors are encouraged to extend their trip and discover Utah. Eleven national parks and 170,000 acres of National Forest with more than 210 miles of US Forest Service maintained mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails are less than a day’s drive from Ogden. With places like Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab; Utah is indeed the State of Sport. . Utah Sports Commission: The Utah Sports Commission is not only a huge supporter of XTERRA, but also more than 40 other world-class sporting events across the state. What they do for sports in Utah is amazing, see for yourself at utahsportscommission.com Stay: XTERRA’s host hotel is the Summit (formerly Ogden Marriott) on 24th street right in the heart of all the action, while the Lakeside Village Condominiums are as close as you can get to Snowbasin Resort. The People: Behind all these great things to see and do and eat are the good people of this community, led by the GOAL Foundation volunteers who work tirelessly to provide a great experience for all who visit this mountain town. 9 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE DESCRIPTION Two years ago the U.S. Forest Service let XTERRA use the Sardine Peak Trail for the first-time and the 7+ mile section of single and double track is now a fixture. The sweet and smooth piece of trail offers amazing views and made the bike course “a true mountain race course that weaves inand-out of aspen glades and pines,” said Snowbasin sport event operations director Steve Andrus. “It certainly has that ‘wow’ factor, especially with the switchbacks that twist and turn through the fall colors,” said Andrus. “It’s a sensory riot.” For the full tour, let’s start from the beginning when the cannon blast at 9am on Sept. 21, 2013 signals the start of the 13th annual XTERRA USA Championship race. More wide-open vistas of Ogden Canyon lay ahead before the downhill onto Maples trail speeds riders through a meadow filled with wildflowers and back to the bike-to-run transition at the Snowbasin lodge area where spectators will have the chance to see their friends and family coming in. Roughly 350 professional and amateur racers from 45 states will take off from Port Ramp Marina for a 1500-meter swim (two 750-meter laps) in Pineview Reservoir, where water temps hover near the “wetsuit-required” range (Competitor note: a final determination on if this will be a wetsuit legal or optional swim will not be made until race morning, so be prepared). Swim Prime Alert: The top amateur male and female, timed from swim start to the T1 entrance, will win a XTERRA Vortex Full wetsuit. Once on the bike racers leave the swim-to-bike transition (T1) and head west towards the Wheeler Canyon trail head for the 28K mountain bike section. (Competitor note: The first 1.5 miles is on Highway 158, a major road. Ride on the shoulder inside the delineators that will be placed to separate racers from traffic). OK, now to the fun part. It starts with mild, steady climbs on dirt, rock, and root-ridden mountain trails that climb through the magnificent Wheeler slot canyon. “The Sardine Peak section of the course is so sweet, a constant smooth climb and wide enough to pass,” added local phenom Nick Fisher. On to the trail run, the 6.1-mile trail run is pure singletrack minus a wide section coming out of transition that takes runners to the start of Green Pond trail. The 10K single-loop run zigzags its way through aspen groves and fields of wildflowers. There are a few short, very steep uphill’s and about 700-feet of climbing then descending before the jubilation of finishing in front of loads of spectators, cameramen, cold beer, and a live band jamming away right on the bricks of the fabulous Snowbasin Resort. XTERRA UTAH LONG COURSE: Starts at 9:20 a.m. and is identical to USA Championship course described above XTERRA UTAH SHORT COURSE: Starts at 9:40 a.m. The swim is one 750-meter loop. The bike is 19K with roughly 2,300-feet of climbing (it turns back to Snowbasin at end of Wheeler Creek trail). The run is 5K, and cuts off midway through Green Pond trail. The trail pops out at the Art Nord trail head where riders cross old Snowbasin road and climb up the East Fork trail, then drop down into some speedy descents to the Middle Fork trail, go across old Snowbasin road one more time and connect with the Wheeler Creek Trail. Single track dominates this 10-mile stretch and elevation gains from the water at 4,900-feet to about 7,000-feet before a descent on Middle Fork trail shoots you back down. The Sardine section starts where the Wheeler Creek Trail meets the Sardine Peak trail. Here riders are in for some more climbing that will take them to the ridgeline, rewarding their efforts with spectacular views of Pineview Reservoir to the right, and Snowbasin to the left. 10 XTERRA USA CHAMPS & XTERRA UTAH COURSE MAP Course Stats Swim course: 1,500-meters (0.93 miles) Elevation at swim start: 4,900-feet Water temp: TBA, 65-degree range Bike course: 28-kilometers (17.7 miles) Total climbing on bike: 3,400-feet Elevation at highest point: 7,300-feet Elevation at T2/Snowbasin: 6,400-feet Trail Run course: 9.8K (6.1 miles) Total climbing on run: 700-feet Total climbing on course: 4,100-feet 11 2013 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIPS PRO RACE PREVIEW This year’s XTERRA USA Championship race will feature 50 pros, making it the deepest and arguably strongest elite field in race history. It includes everyone ranked in the top 10 of the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series minus only Will Kelsay, who was hit by a car while riding his bike a few weeks ago (heal fast Will). It features three of the top four men and four of the top five women from XTERRA Worlds last year and collectively, this bunch has won 34 of the 48 XTERRA World Tour championship titles this season. Where typically there are a handful of racers with a legitimate shot of winning, this year there are at least seven men and seven women who could be considered favorites. Let’s start with the men. Defending champ Josiah Middaugh has been on fire since winning his first USA Championship in September last year. He followed that career highlight with a 2nd-place finish behind Javier Gomez at XTERRA Worlds in October then pulled off three straight wins this year at the West, Southeast, and Mountain Championship races. He’s a proven climber, and the Utah course suits his strengths with plenty of uphill on both the bike and run he can use to reel in the faster swimmers. Interestingly, when Middaugh won the 20-24 national championship as an amateur back in 2002 he was quoted as saying, “excited to go pro, not sure if I can keep up with those guys now but realistically I won’t hit my peak for another 10 years.” South Africa’s Conrad Stoltz seemingly hit his peak more than a decade ago when he won the first of his seven offroad triathlon world championships, but remarkably he keeps on getting faster. After a bumpy start to the season – a crash causing a deep cut in his hand at the West Champs led to more problems and missed races – the “Caveman” crawled out of his cave and started clubbing the competition again. Over the summer he won XTERRA Brazil, ITU Cross Tri Worlds for the third straight year, then XTERRA Italy all in a month’s time. Two years ago his fellow countryman Dan Hugo took a minute-lead into the run at the USA Championship only to get chased down by eventual winner Nico Lebrun. This year, Hugo has traveled extensively, logging a dozen races in nine countries - and has stellar results to show for it. He posted six straight runner-up finishes at XTERRA World Tour races – starting at XTERRA South Africa, followed by the Philippines, Saipan, Guam, Malaysia, and the Southeast Championship in Alabama – before winning the East Championship in Richmond. He was then third at XTERRA Brazil, 7th at the Mountain Champs, 2nd at XTERRA Mexico, and won XTERRA Japan last month. The man with the most XTERRA World Tour wins this year is Aussie Ben Allen. In addition to his dominance in the Asia-Pacific Series (wins in Philippines, Saipan, Guam, Malaysia, and New Zealand) he also posted two credibilityboosters on the Euro Tour with victories in Greece and just last week at XTERRA England. He was second to only Middaugh at last year’s USA Championship. Nico Lebrun, the “professor” of XTERRA who is retiring to focus on his “Organicoach” business next season, might have just one more lesson in store for his friends in Utah. The 2005 XTERRA World Champ has won two of the last four USA titles, and took down a stacked field at XTERRA France this year. To add intrigue, 2008 XTERRA World Champ Ruben Ruzafa from Spain is coming over to see how he stacks up against America’s best. Ruzafa switched his focus from world cup mountain biking to triathlon this year, and realized immediate results with wins at XTERRA Spain and Germany, along with a runner-up in France. It’ll also be exciting to see Leonardo Chacon – an Olympian from Costa Rica who placed fourth in his first-ever XTERRA at Worlds last year, then followed up by winning XTERRA Mexico in August. Not to be dismissed are the regulars including Branden Rakita – fresh-off a career-best 2nd place finish at the Mountain Champs – and Ryan Ignatz, who had a careerbest runner-up performance at the East Champs. Locals can revel in having their own pro to cheer for in Nick Fisher from Ogden. He cracked the top five twice in his first-year as a pro. Fisher founded the local Weber State tri team and has spent more time on these trails than anyone. There’s also a huge amount of unknown with first-year racers and roadie crossovers like Grant Bovee, Guy Crawford, Heath Thurston, Tom Goth, Joshua Merrick, and Matt Mangen. 12 2013 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIPS PRO RACE PREVIEW PATERSON TOPS WOMEN’S LIST Two-time World Champ and defending USA and U.S. Pro Series Champ Lesley Paterson leads the list of women’s contenders. Since finishing third in Richmond last year the “Scottish Rocket” has won every XTERRA she’s entered, including the U.S. and World Championships last year, and the Philippines, West, Southeast, and East Championship titles this year. Before Les came along the USA Championship belonged to three-time XTERRA World Champ Melanie McQuaid – who won four straight in Utah from 2008-to-2011. McQuaid, who took the title at her hometown race at XTERRA Victoria this summer, has made a career out of showing up with her best stuff at the biggest races. Others to look out for include Chantell Widney, winner of XTERRA Canmore and 3rd-place finisher at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, and Brandi Heisterman – who had a pair of 3rd place showings on the America Tour. The mix of old and new, experience vs. youth, is creating a lot of excitement for this year’s pro races. It’ll all come down to who can suffer best against the gnarly challenge that Mother Nature dishes out at the XTERRA USA Championship. Find out how it shakes out next Sat., Sept. 21, at 9am MST on twitter @xterraoffroad, hashtag #xterraUTAH and www.facebook.com/XTERRAPlanet Yet another former XTERRA World Champ – Shonny Vanlandingham – finds herself back at the sharp end of the field having fully recovered from knee injuries that plagued her last year. At 44-years-old Vanlandingham is still winning – most recently the XTERRA Brazil and Mountain Championships. Her fellow Luna Pro teammates – Suzie Snyder, top American and second in Utah last year, and Danelle Kabush, third last year – have been creating a blur of blue across the trails this year. The well-traveled Jacqui Slack and Renata Bucher – with four XTERRA World Tour wins apiece this year – add to the depth of the women’s field. Slack just won XTERRA England last weekend, while Bucher moved her base-camp to Utah for some race specific prep with Emma Garrard. The aforementioned collection of XTERRA stars will be up against a pair of ringers from the road world - Barbara Riveros and Heather Jackson - who are looking to upset the natural order of things. Last October, Riveros was second at XTERRA Worlds and Jackson was fourth in what was the first XTERRA for both. Riveros, an Olympian and ITU standout, should be out front in the swim with Christine “Big Fish” Jeffrey, and proved she can mtb in Maui by posting the third-best bike split. Jackson has had a remarkable season with wins at Oceanside, Alcatraz, and Wildflower and just finished 2nd at the IM 70.3 World Championships. She has been mountain biking in Bend, Oregon, as part of her training regimen. 13 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP PRO START LIST The professionals competing in the USA Championship are among the best mountain bikers, triathletes, and adventure racers on the planet. Rank = Current rank in 2013 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series / NR = Not ranked PRO WOMEN Rank Name 1 Lesley Paterson – 32, San Diego, CA 2 Shonny Vanlandingham – 44, Durango, CO 3 Melanie McQuaid – 40, Victoria, B.C., Canada 4 Suzie Snyder – 31, Fredericksburg, VA 5 Danelle Kabush – 38, Calgary, Alberta,Canada 6 Brandi Heisterman – 38, Squamish, B.C., Canada 7 Emma Garrard – 30, Park City, UT 8 Caroline Colonna – 49, Taos, NM 9 Kelley Cullen – 32, New Castle, CO 10 Christine Jeffrey – 40, Tucson, AZ 12 Jaime Brede – 36, Breckenridge, CO 13 Tamara Donelson – 38, Edwards, CO 18 Catherine Sterling – 36, West Boylston, MA 21 Rachel Challis – 37, Carlsbad, CA NR Renata Bucher – 36, Lucerne, Switzerland NR Genevieve Evans - 40, Tahoe City, CA NR Heather Jackson – 29, Bend, OR NR Barbara Riveros – 26, La Pintana, Chile NR Jacqui Slack – 30, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom NR Carina Wasle – 28, Kundl, Austria NR Chantell Widney – 33, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Suzie PRO MEN Rank Name 1 Josiah Middaugh – 35, Vail, CO 2 Dan Hugo – 27, Stellenbosch, South Africa 3 Branden Rakita – 32, Colorado Springs, CO 4 Ryan Ignatz – 34, Boulder, CO 5 Bradley Weiss – 24, Cape Town, South Africa 6 Craig Evans -35, Hendersonville, TN 7 Nick Fisher – 27, Ogden, UT 9 Cody Waite – 34, Lakewood, CO 10 Jason Michalak – 35, Lakewood, CO 11 Matt Mangen – 30, Ivins, UT 12 Andy Lee – 41, Lakeway, TX 13 Conrad Stoltz – 39, Stellenbosch, South Africa 14 Chris Ganter – 34, Boise, ID 15 Will Ross – 24, Anchorage, AK 26 Tom Goth - 28, Salt Lake City, UT 28 Patrick Valentine – 27, Colorado Springs, CO 29 Damian Gonzalez – 36, Stockton, CA NR Ben Allen – 28, Wollongong, Australia NR Grant Bovee - 29, Boulder, CO NR Leonardo Chacon – 29, Liberia, Costa Rica NR Guy Crawford - 34, Auckland, New Zealand NR Jordan Jones - 32, Golden, CO NR Nicolas Lebrun – 40, Digne, France NR Joshua Merrick - 31, Alamosa, CO NR Bryan Rhodes – 40, Christchurch, New Zealand NR Ruben Ruzafa – 29, Malaga, Spain NR Heath Thurston - 35, Orem, UT NR Adam Wirth – 35, Boise, ID Conrad 14 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS JOSIAH MIDDAUGH Eagle-Vail, Colorado 2012 XTERRA USA Champion 8-time XTERRA National Champ Josiah 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 1 PERSONAL: Born July 25, 1978from East Jordan, Michigan...earned a bachelor of science degree in health fitness from Central Michigan Univ. where he ran x-country and track...recently earned his masters in human movement from AT Still University...works as an endurance coach and personal trainer at Dogma Athletica. WEBSITE: josiahmiddaugh.com TWITTER: @josiahmiddaugh XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 12th year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has been the top American in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series eight of the last nine years. Has won the USSSA Snowshoe National Championships and North American Snowshoe Championships several times, 2006 and 2011 USAT Winter Triathlon National Champ, and 2005 USAT Long Course National Champ. Before turning pro he won the 2002 XTERRA Amateur USA & World Championship titles in the 20-24 division. Did first XTERRA at Keystone in 2001. 2004: 7th in Richmond, won Keystone, 3rd in Big Bear and Lake Tahoe, won XTERRA Canada. Top American finisher in Tahoe where he posted the fastest bike and run. Placed 2nd in Pro Series and top American (3rd overall) at Worlds. 2005: 7th in Temecula, 10th in Richmond, 6th in Milwaukee, 3rd in Keystone, 9th in Tahoe, 6th in Pro Series (top American). Was also the top American at the World Championship (10th overall) for 2nd straight year. 2006: Finished 3rd at Temecula then broke his knee-cap in a training ride before the second race of the year in Alabama. Came back in time for Tahoe where he finished 7th, followed that with a 4th at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: Finished 4th at West Champs, 3rd in Alabama, 4th in Richmond, 2nd in Utah, 4th at the USA Championship and 3rd in the Pro Series (top American). Was 17th at Worlds. 2008: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Winter Worlds (by 1 second). Placed 4th at West Champs, won East Champs, was 5th at Mountain Champs, 3rd at XTERRA USA. Top American in Pro Series for 4th time. 7th at Worlds (3x top American). 2009: Placed 4th at XTERRA Winter Worlds in Utah, 2nd at XTERRA West Cup, 3rd at Midwest Cup, 2nd at Southeast Cup, won Teva Mtn Games in his hometown, was 2nd at Atlantic Cup, won South Central Cup, was 3rd at Mtn Cup and 3rd at the XTERRA USA Championship. Placed 9th at XTERRA Worlds (2nd fastest bike), and was 2nd American. 2010: Placed 2nd at the XTERRA West Championship, South Central, and Southeast Championships and posted the fastest run split at all three. Placed third at the XTERRA East and Mountain Championships. Won the XTERRA Canada Championship, and placed 3rd (top American) at the XTERRA USA Championship. Placed 32nd at XTERRA Worlds after a series of flats that had him running with his bike the last mile of the course. 2011: Won the USAT Winter Triathlon National Championship and North American Snowshoe Championship over the winter. Won the XTERRA West Championship, finished second by just eight seconds at the South Central Championship, was 4th at ITU Cross Tri Worlds and the Pacific Champs, third at the Southeast Champs, won the Mountain Champs in hometown of Vail in July, and won the XTERRA Canada Championship for 2nd straight year, was 3rd at XTERRA USA Champs despite having to run with his bike the last mile of the bike. Placed fourth at XTERRA Worlds (top American). 2012: Placed 2nd at the XTERRA West Champs, 4th at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/XTERRA Southeast Champs, 2nd at the East and Mountain Champs, and won the XTERRA USA Championship. Was 2nd in Pro Series. Placed 2nd at XTERRA Worlds (top American 5th time). 2013: Won the XTERRA West, Southeast, and Mountain Championship races. 15 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS Middaugh has been on fire since winning the XTERRA USA Championship in September of last year. He followed that career highlight with a 2nd-place finish behind Javier Gomez at XTERRA Worlds in October, then pulled off three straight wins during 2013 XTERRA season at the West, Southeast, and Mountain Championship races. While Middaugh has been the top American in the Pro Series 8-of-last-9 years, he’s never won it, and this should be the year as he just has to finish 9th or better. 16 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS DAN HUGO Stellenbosch, South Africa 2013 XTERRA East, Japan Champion 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 2 PERSONAL: Born July 1, 1985 in Worcester. WEBSITE: dghugo.com TWITTER: @dghugo XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year. Placed 4th at the 2006 XTERRA Brazil Championship in his first XTERRA. 2007: Finished 2nd at XTERRA South Africa and 6th at the XTERRA West Champs. Was in third during the bike at the Southeast Champs when he crashed and broke his hand. 2008: Won XTERRA South Africa Championship, was 2nd at XTERRA West Champs, Southeast Championship (by just 16 seconds to Stoltz) and East Championship (by 24 seconds to Middaugh). Placed 9th at XTERRA UK, DNF at XTERRA Czech, was 12th at XTERRA France-Auron, 4th at USA Championship, missed winning the Pro Series by 8 points (to Stoltz) and placed 8th at XTERRA Worlds. 2009: Placed 3rd at XTERRA West Cup, 4th at Midwest and Southeast Cups, won Northwest Cup, 5th at Atlantic Cup, 3rd at South Central Cup, 5th at Northeast Cup. Finished 5th in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. 2010: Won XTERRA South Africa Championship, and XTERRA Estrade Real off-road tri in Brazil. Placed 2nd at XTERRA East Champs, 8th at Mountain Champs, won XTERRA Brazil, was 2nd at XTERRA Mexico, 4th at XTERRA USA Champs, 9th in final U.S. Pro Series Standings, and 35th at Worlds after series of mechanicals. 2011: Won the XTERRA South Africa Championship for the third time in four years, and was 2nd behind his fellow countryman Conrad Stoltz at the Pacific, Southeast, and East Championship races. Led for most of the race at the XTERRA USA Championship before being passed by Nico Lebrun at mile four, and ultimately finished 2nd. Placed 5th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Finished 2nd at the XTERRA World Championship by just 33 seconds despite a crash on the bike that cost him some time. 2012: Placed second at XTERRA Buffelspoort and third at XTERRA South Africa and the XTERRA West Championship prior to suffering a season-ending injury. 2013: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Buffelspoort, South Africa, Philippines, Saipan, Guam, Malaysia, and Southeast Champs before winning the XTERRA East Championship. Then placed 3rd at XTERRA Brazil, 7th at the Mountain Champs, 2nd at Mexico, and won XTERRA Japan. The 27-year-old from Stellenbosch, South Africa has traveled extensively this season, logging a dozen races in nine countries - and has stellar results to show for it. He posted six straight runner-up finishes at XTERRA World Tour races - starting at XTERRA South Africa, followed by 2nd place finishes in the Philippines, Saipan, Guam, Malaysia, and the Southeast Championship in Alabama before winning the East Championship in Richmond. He was then third at XTERRA Brazil, 7th at the Mountain Champs, 2nd at XTERRA Mexico, and won XTERRA Japan. Back in 2011 Hugo took a minute-lead into the run at the USA Championship but was caught by Lebrun on the run and finished 24-seconds back in 2nd place. 17 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS BRANDEN RAKITA Colorado Springs, Colorado Branden 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 3 PERSONAL: Born March 25, 1981...from Durango ...earned degree in civil engineering at Colorado State University. WEBSITE: brandenrakita.com TWITTER: @btrakita XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. BEST XTERRA FINISH: 2nd at 2012 XTERRA Canada FAVORITE XTERRA: XTERRA Canada 2008: Finished 14th at the XTERRA West Champs, 12th at the Southeast Champs, 16th at the East Champs, 6th at Mountain Champs, a career-best 5th at the XTERRA USA Championship and 18th at XTERRA Worlds. 2009: Finished 10th at West Cup, 8th at Midwest Cup, 8th at Southeast Cup, 4th at Northwest Cup, 7th at Northeast Cup, 5th at Mountain Cup, 6th at USA Championship, and 20th at XTERRA Worlds. 2010: Placed 10th at XTERRA West Champs, 7th at South Central Champs, 5th at XTERRA Amazon (Brazil), 6th at East Champs, 4th at Mountain Champs, 3rd at XTERRA Canada, 7th at USA Champs, and 15th at XTERRA Worlds. 2011: Placed 3rd at the XTERRA West Champs, 5th at the XTERRA South Central and Pacific Champs, 8th at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, 7th at the Southeast Champs, 4th at the East Championship, 5th at the Mountain Championship, 2nd at XTERRA Mexico, 4th at XTERRA Canada, 6th at XTERRA USA Champs, and 20th at Worlds. 2012: Placed 4th at XTERRA Guam, 5th at XTERRA Philippines, 7th at XTERRA Saipan, 5th at XTERRA West Championship, 9th at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/XTERRA Southeast Championship in Shelby County, AL, 5th at the XTERRA East Championship, 8th at the Mountain Championships, 2nd at the XTERRA Mexico Championship, 2nd at the XTERRA Canada Championship, 5th at the USA Championship, was 5th in the Pro Series, and 27th pro at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed 3rd at the XTERRA West Championship, 6th at the Southeast Champs, 9th at the East Champs, 11th at XTERRA France, and a career-best 2nd at the XTERRA Mountain Championship. 18 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS RYAN IGNATZ Boulder, Colorado Ryan 2012 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born September 25, 1978 in Arcadia, CA...earned Masters of Science in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology at Univ of Colorado at Boulder...works full time as a bike fitter at Colorado Multisport and is also a fit instructor for Retul. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2002 USAT All American, 6th at Collegiate Nationals (2002), top 10 in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series in 2007/08. 2006: Finished 9th in California, 6th in Alabama, 10th in Richmond, 6th in Milwaukee, 7th in Utah, 6th in Tahoe, and 9th at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: Placed 8th at East Champs, 7th at Mountain Champs, 6th at XTERRA USA Championship to place 10th overall in Pro Series. Finished 16th at XTERRA Worlds. 2008: DNF at West Champs, 8th at Southeast Champs, 6th at East Champs, 8th at Mountain Champs, 9th at XTERRA USA and 14th at XTERRA Worlds. 2009: Finished11th at XTERRA West Cup, 7th at the Northwest Cup, 8th at the Mountain Cup, and 8th at the USA Championship. 2011: Won the overall XTERRA National Championship as an age grouper, and also won the 30-34 age group XTERRA World Championship. 2012: Finished 6th at the XTERRA Mountain Champs, and 8th at the USA Championship, was 12th in Pro Series. 2013: Placed fourth at the XTERRA West Champs, a career-best 2nd at the East Champs and 5th at the Mountain Champs. Ignatz works full time as a bike fitter at Colorado Multisport and is also a fit instructor for Retul, but despite limited training still manages to be among the best in the sport. He was 4th at the season opener in Vegas and 2nd (careerbest) at the East Championship last month. Ignatz has been racing XTERRA for a decade, and his wife Maia is one of the top women’s age groupers. He finished 8th at the USA Championship last season. 19 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS BRAD WEISS Somerset West, South Africa CRAIG EVANS Hendersonville, Tennessee 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 5 PERSONAL: Born March 21, 1989 XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second Year. 2012: Placed 8th at XTERRA South Africa Championship, won the ITU U23 Cross Triathlon World Championship at Pelham, Alabama, and was 7th at the XTERRA East Championship. 2013: Placed 5th at XTERRA South Africa Championship, 4th at the XTERRA Philippines Championship, 3rd at the XTERRA Saipan Championship, 3rd at the XTERRA Guam Championship, 4th at the Southeast Champs, a U.S.-best 3rd at the East Champs, and 9th at the Mountain Champs. 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 6 PERSONAL: Born March 29, 1978...originally from Ocala, Florida...earned a degree in healthcare administration from Western Kentucky University. WEBSITE: teamcraigevans.com TWITTER: @teamcraigevans XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 12th year. Turned pro in 2006 after winning the amateur overall at the Southeast Championship in Alabama. Won every XTERRA Points Series race he entered as an amateur in 2004 and 2005. 2006: Finished 12th in Milwaukee, then injured. 2007: Finished 16th at XTERRA West Champs, 5th in Alabama and 6th in Richmond. Had the fastest swim in both ‘Bama and Richmond. Placed 10th at Mountain Champs despite racing with a broken bone in his foot. 2008: Finished 7th at XTERRA West Champs, a careerbest 3rd in Alabama and 5th in Richmond. Led the Pro Series in points heading into Mountain Champs where he placed 9th. Was 14th at USA Champs and 25th at Worlds. 2009: Finished 9th at XTERRA West and Midwest Cups, 6th at Southeast and Northwest Cup, 8th at Atlantic Cup, 6th at South Central Cup, and 11th at USA Championship. 2010: Placed 7th at XTERRA West Champs, 4th at the South Central Championship, third at the Southeast Champs, 5th at the East Champs, 13th at the USA Championship, and 22nd at the World Championship. 2011: Placed 11th at the XTERRA West Championship, 6th at the South Central Championship, 10th at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, 8th at the Pacific Champs, 4th at the Southeast Champs, 5th at the East Champs, and 16th at the USA Champs. Finished 8th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. 2012: Placed 7th at the XTERRA West Championship, and a career-best second at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/XTERRA Southeast Championship in Shelby County, AL, was third at the XTERRA East Championship, 12th at the Mountain Championship, and 13th at the USA Championship. Finished tied for 3rd in the Pro Series. Was 34th among pros at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed 6th at the XTERRA West Championship, 3rd at the Southeast Champs, 7th at the East Champs, and 15th at the Mountain Champs. Brad Craig 20 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS NICK FISHER Ogden, Utah Nick 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 7 PERSONAL: Born January 14, 1986...won high school state track tiles in the 800, 1600, and 3200-meter runs and ran track and cross country at Weber State University in Ogden...founded the Weber State tri team. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 3rd year, first as a pro 2010: Won the XTERRA Wild Horse points series race, was third amateur at Mountain Champs, and was 26th overall at the USA Championship. 2011: Was 16th overall, top amateur, at the XTERRA West Champs, 11th overall, 2nd amateur at the Mountain Champs, and 14th overall, second amateur, at the USA Championship 2013: Placed 12th at the XTERRA West Champs in first pro race with XTERRA, was 5th at the Southeast Champs, and a career-best 4th at the East Champs. The 27-year-old from Ogden, Utah is one of the sports’ up-and-coming stars in his first year as an XTERRA Pro. He boasted a career-best 4th place showing at the East Championship race in Richmond this June. Fisher won Utah state high school track titles in the 800, 1600, and 3200-meters and founded the Weber State tri team while in college. He finished 14th overall at the USA Championship in 2011 as an amateur. 21 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CODY WAITE Lakewood, Colorado Cody 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 9 PERSONAL: Born September 25, 1978...originally from Cave Creek, AZ...is an XTERRA and triathlon specific coach with EPC Multisport...married XTERRA super fan turned age group standout Kathy Tank in the off-season. WEBSITE: codywaite.me TWITTER: @codywaite BIKE/SHOE: Cannondale Scalpel 26. Yes, a 26. SHOE: Pearl Izumi, custom made tri upper with trail lower XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year...won the 25-29 XTERRA National Championship in 2006. Best pro finish was 4th at XTERRA Mountain Champs in 2009. 2007: 15th in Temecula, 9th in Alabama, 12th in Richmond, 5th in Utah, 15th at the USA Champs and 7th in Pro Series. 2008: 12th in Temecula, 13th in ‘Bama, 17th in Richmond, 7th in Utah, 13th at XTERRA USA, and 34th pro at XTERRA Worlds in Maui. 2009: 13th at XTERRA West Cup, 11th at Midwest, 7th at Southeast Cup, 9th at the Northwest Cup, 4th at the Mountain Cup, 7th at XTERRA USA Championship, and 27th at XTERRA Worlds. 2010: Placed 6th at XTERRA West Champs and the South Central Championships, was 5th at the Southeast Champs, 9th at the East Championship, 5th at the Mountain Champs, 4th at XTERRA Canada, 8th at the USA Championship, and 20th at the World Championship. 2011: Placed 9th at the XTERRA West Champs, 10th at the South Central Champs, was 15th at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, seventh at the Pacific Champs, a season-best 6th at the Southeast Champs, 8th at the East Champs, 9th at the Mountain Champs, 7th at the XTERRA Canada Championship, 10th at the USA Champs. Finished 7th in XTERRA Pro Series, and 31st at XTERRA Worlds. 2012: Placed 12th at the XTERRA West Championship, 10th at the ITU Cross Tri Worlds/XTERRA SE Champs, and 8th at the XTERRA East Championship, and a season-best 5th at the XTERRA Mountain Championship, 9th at the USA Championship, and 30th at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed 10th at the West Champs, 11th at the East Champs, and a career-best 4th at the Mountain Champs. 22 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS JASON MICHALAK Lakewood, Colorado Jason 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 7 PERSONAL: Born March 21, 1978...from Nashotah, Wisconsin now living in Crested Butte, CO...earned manufacturing/industrial technologies degree from Tennessee Tech. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year, second as a pro. 2010: Won the overall XTERRA amateur national championship for the second straight year. 2011: Placed 15th at the West Champs, 13th at the South Central Champs, 9th at the Southeast Champs, 7th at the Mountain Champs, 13th at the USA Champs, finished 11th in the Pro Series, and was 27th pro at Worlds. 2013: Placed 7th at the XTERRA West Championship Matt Matt Mangen - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: 9 The 30-year-old from Celina, Ohio (now living in Ivins, Utah) finished 8th in his very first XTERRA at the West Championship in Vegas to start the 2013 Pro Series. He followed that with another 8th place finish at the Southeast Championship in Alabama and was 18th at the Mountain Championship. Impressive results considering Mangen only started mountain biking this year. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from Wright State University. Andy Andy Lee - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: 10 Lee finished 12th in his first race as an XTERRA Pro at the Southeast Championship in Alabama, and followed that with a career-best 6th place showing at the East Championship in Richmond and was 17th at the Mountain Champs. Originally from Liverpool, England, Lee is now a firefighter in Austin, Texas. 23 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CONRAD “The Caveman” STOLTZ Stellenbosch, South Africa 4-time XTERRA World Champ 10-time XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champ 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 13 PERSONAL: Born October 23, 1973...a two-time Olympic triathlete, finished 20th in 2000 when he was the first off the bike, then dnf’d in Athens...started BMX racing at age seven, running at nine, biathlon at 13, triathlon and cycling at 14, and pro triathlon at 18...“It’s in my blood.” WEBSITE: conradstoltz.com TWITTER: @ConradStoltz XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 13th year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Is XTERRA’s all-time championship race wins leader with 46 (he has 50 all-told), is the only pro to win four XTERRA World Titles, and has an unprecedented 10 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series titles (200103, ‘05 & ‘07-’12). Also won the 2011 and 2012 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships. 2001: Burst onto the XTERRA scene and won three races, including the Pro Series and the World title as a rookie. 2002: Won in Keystone, California, Tahoe, and Maui. 2003: Won first race at Big Bear, placed 2nd in Richmond, 3rd in Keystone, won in Tahoe, and won Pro Points Series. 2004: Won XTERRA South Africa, placed second in Richmond, 6th in Keystone, second in Big Bear, and fifth in Tahoe. Finished third in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series, and dnf’d at XTERRA Worlds. 2005: Won four straight before placing 2nd in Keystone. Won XTERRA South Africa, the West, East, and Midwest Champs in Milwaukee, was second in Keystone before winning the inaugural XTERRA Brazil. Placed 2nd in Tahoe but still won XTERRA Pro Series title. Placed 9th at Worlds. 2006: Won XTERRA South Africa, missed the first U.S. race of the year in California with injuries, returned in time for Alabama where he was fourth, and a week later he won the East Championship. Placed 8th in Milwaukee after a series of crashes and injuries and then 4th at the Mountain Championships in Utah. A pre-ride crash at the XTERRA USA Championship kept him out of nationals and worlds. 2007: Won XTERRA South Africa for fourth straight year, then the XTERRA West Champs. Won Southeast and East Champs on back-to-back weekends. DNF’d at Utah because of a mechanical. Won USA Championship, Pro Series title, then World Champs for third time. Named the Off-Road triathlete of the year at Endurance Sports Awards. 2008: Placed 4th at XTERRA South Africa, won the West Champs for 6th time in his career, won the Southeast title, DNF in Richmond, was 2nd at XTERRA UK, 6th at XTERRA Czech, and 2nd at XTERRA France. Won the XTERRA Mountain Championship in August, placed 8th at the USA Championship but still edged countryman Dan Hugo to win XTERRA U.S. Pro Series title for the 6th time. Suffered a flat while leading at the XTERRA World Championship in Maui and eventually finished 12th after a series of mechanicals. 2009: Won XTERRA West, Midwest, and Southeast Cup Races, was 5th at the Northwest Cup, won the Atlantic Cup, finished 3rd in a photo-finish at the Northeast Cup, was 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship (and won the U.S. Pro Series for the 7th time). Placed 5th at XTERRA Worlds. 2010: Won all four regionals he entered - the XTERRA West, South Central, Southeast and East Champs. Placed 6th at the XTERRA Canada Championships, won XTERRA USA Championship (and the Pro Series for 8th time), and became the first pro to win a fourth XTERRA World Championship. 2011: Won XTERRA Buffelspoort, was 2nd at XTERRA West Champs, won his record-breaking 38th career championship at South Central Champs in Waco, won ITU Cross Tri World Title, won the Pacific and Southeast titles on back-toback weekends in May, captured East title in Richmond in June, and the XTERRA Japan Championship in August. Placed 5th at XTERRA USA Championship and won the Pro Series crown for 9th time (fifth straight). Was in third place coming off the bike at XTERRA Worlds, but pulled with worsening asthma-type conditions on the run. 2012: Won the XTERRA South Africa Championship for the fifth time, won the XTERRA West Championship, ITU Cross Tri World Champs/XTERRA Southeast Championship, East and Mountain Championships, was 4th at the USA Championship, won the U.S. Pro Series for the 10th time, and was 3rd at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Won XTERRA Buffelspoort, crossed the finish line in 2nd at the XTERRA South Africa Championship but was later DQ’d for going off-course in last stages of the run. Placed 2nd at the XTERRA West Championship, had the lead on the run at Southeast Champs before having to pull due to injury. Recovered in time to win XTERRA Brazil, then his third straight ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship, followed by a victory at XTERRA Italy. 24 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS Conrad 25 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CHRIS GANTER Boise, Idaho Chris 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 14 PERSONAL: Born October 10, 1978...originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...earned a degree in analytical chemistry from Drexel University. WEBSITE: chris-ganter.com XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Third year 2010: Placed 19th at the XTERRA USA Championship race in first-ever XTERRA. 2011: Placed 18th at XTERRA West Champs. 2013: DNF at the XTERRA West Champs, was 9th at the Southeast Champs, and 12th at the Mountain Champs. WILL ROSS Anchorage, Alaska 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 15 PERSONAL: Born May 1, 1989...won the Alaska state biathlon as a 17-year-old...went to the Arctic Winter Games twice for cross-country skiing...a full-time bike mechanic and is helping develop the 9:ZERO:7 fat bike...also the race director for the Abominable Snow Series (snow bike races). WEBSITE: willrossracing.blogspot.com SPONSORS: Stan’s NoTubes, PIP Printing, Chain Reaction Cycles XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 7th year, third as a pro 2011: Placed 8th at the XTERRA South Central Championship, a career-best 7th at the East Champs, and was 17th at the USA Championship. Finished 18th in the Pro Series and was 33rd at XTERRA Worlds. 2012: Finished 10th at the XTERRA West Championship, 12th at the ITU Cross Tri World Champs/XTERRA Southeast Championship, 11th at the XTERRA East Championship, 12th at the USA Champs, and was 37th pro at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed 16th at the XTERRA West Champs, and 11th at the Southeast and Mountain Champs. Having just turned 24, the Anchorage, Alaska native is the youngest pro in the field but has been racing XTERRA for seven years now. 26 Will MEET THE PROFESSIONALS PATRICK VALENTINE Colorado Springs, CO Pat 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 28 PERSONAL: Born March 19, 1986 in Pendleton, Indiana...earned degree in exercise physiology from Purdue University WEBSITE: patrickvaler TWITTER: pat_valentine XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 6th year BEST FINISH: 8th at SE Champs in 2011 2013: Placed 14th at the XTERRA Mountain Champs. DAMIAN GONZALEZ Stockton, California Damian 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 29 PERSONAL: Born December 20, 1976. WEBSITE: deltavelo.com/damian_gonzalez SPONSORS: Michael David Winery, Bellindora Vinegars, Progressive Dairy Solutions, Leopard Cycles, Rabobank and Juice it Up XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 12th year. Won the 30-34 XTERRA National Chamionship in 2007. 2008: Placed 21st at the West and Southeast races, 18th at East Champs and Nationals, and was 32nd at Worlds. 2009: Finished 16th at the West Cup, 13th at the XTERRA USA Championship, and 38th at Worlds. 2010: Finished 14th at West Champs, 12th at South Central Champs, a career-best 9th at Southeast Champs, 12th at East Champs, and 16th at USA Champs. 2011: Finished 21st at the West Champs, 15th at the South Central Champs, and 13th at Pacific and Southeast races. 2012: Placed 14th at the XTERRA West Championship, 21st at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/XTERRA Southeast Champs, 12th at XTERRA East Champs, 14th at the Mountain & USA Champs, & 36th pro at Worlds. 2013: Placed 15th at the XTERRA West Champs and 16th at the Southeast Champs. 27 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS NICOLAS “Nico” LEBRUN Digne-les-Bains, France 2012 XTERRA European Tour Champ 2005 XTERRA World Champion 2013 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 3 PERSONAL: Born September 4, 1973. WEBSITE: nico-lebrun.com BIKE/SHOE: Cannondale Flash 29” and Scalpel 26”/Avia XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 11th year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Finished in the top four of the first four XTERRA U.S. Pro Series from 2001-2004. 13 times on the podium in world championships in three different sports - XTERRA, Duathlon, XTERRA Winter and Winter Triathlon (world champ in '99 & '00). The crowning moment in his career, the ultimate victory, was in Maui in 2005. He received a congratulatory letter from French President Jacques Chirac and was recognized as the offroad triathlete of the year at Competitor's Endurance Sports Awards that year after winning XTERRA Worlds. 2003: Third at Big Bear, won Richmond, won Czech Republic, placed 4th in Keystone, won XTERRA Germany, and was 3rd in Tahoe. Finished 3rd in XTERRA European Tour standings, and 3rd in XTERRA USA Pro Points Series. 2004: Won XTERRA European Championship in the Czech Republic, finished second in Austria, third in Germany, 7th in Holland, was 2nd overall in the European Tour behind Marceau. In the U.S. he was 3rd at Richmond, 2nd in Keystone, 11th in Big Bear, and fourth at Tahoe. Placed 4th in U.S. Pro Series. 2005: 2nd at XTERRA Czech, 3rd at Italy, won Austria, 3rd in Spain, won XTERRA Germany, 2nd in European Tour. Won XTERRA World Championship more than three minutes ahead of Llanos. Had the fastest bike split (1:29:13). 2006: Finished 2nd at XTERRA France, won XTERRA Italy, Czech, and Denmark. Placed 3rd at XTERRA Germany and won the XTERRA European Tour. Also finished 3rd at the XTERRA East Championship in Richmond, and was 8th at World Championship 2007: Finished 3rd at XTERRA Italy and Denmark, and won XTERRA Austria and UK to win Euro Tour for second straight season. Placed 7th at XTERRA Worlds. 2008: Finished 2nd at XTERRA European Championship in Italy, then won XTERRA UK, Czech, France-Auron and France-Mondelieu. Won 3rd straight XTERRA European Tour Title. DNFd at XTERRA Worlds. 2009: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Winter Worlds, DNF at XTERRA West Cup, 5th at Midwest Cup, 5th at Southeast Cup, 2nd at Northwest Cup, 3rd at Atlantic Cup, 2nd at South Central Cup, 2nd at XTERRA Mexico, then won Northeast Cup, Mountain Cup and USA Champs. Finished in 2nd place, just 55-seconds behind Eneko Llanos, at the XTERRA World Championship. It was his fourth time in the top three in Maui (2002, ‘03, ‘05, ‘09). 2010: Placed 3rd at XTERRA Portugal, 5th at the XTERRA West Championship, 3rd at the South Central Champs, and 4th at the XTERRA European Championship in Italy. Won XTERRA France and the XTERRA Mountain Champs on back-to-back weekends. Placed 4th at XTERRA Czech, 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship, and 5th at Worlds. 2011: Placed fourth at both the West and South Central Championship races, sat-out Pacific Champs due to illness, was 5th at the Southeast Champs, 6th at the XTERRA Italy Championship, 3rd at the East Championship, 2nd at XTERRA France, 4th at Mountain Championship, 4th at XTERRA Germany, and 2nd at XTERRA Switzerland. Placed 3rd in XTERRA European Tour and the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Won the XTERRA USA Championship race for second time in three years, and was 13th at Worlds. 2012: Won the XTERRA Italy Championship, was 3rd at XTERRA France, won XTERRA Czech Championship, was second at XTERRA Germany, won the XTERRA Switzerland Championship and the XTERRA European Tour for the fourth time, was 3rd at the USA Championship, and 11th at the XTERRA World Championship. 2013: Placed 5th at XTERRA Spain, 4th at XTERRA Greece, won XTERRA France, was 2nd at XTERRA Italy, was 8th at XTERRA Czech, and 5th at XTERRA England. Finished 3rd in the XTERRAEuropean Tour. 28 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS Nico 29 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS BEN ALLEN North Wollongong, Australia 2012-13 XTERRA Triple Crown Champ Ben FINAL 2013 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born January 19, 1985...has raced and won many ocean swim’s, surf events, and adventure races...was named the 2012 XTERRA Warrior Award winner along with his girlfriend Jacqui Slack for perpetuating the “Live More” spirit of XTERRA. WEBSITE: benallentriathlete.com TWITTER: Benny_Allen BIKE/SHOE: Giant 29’er / On XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Third year. 2011: Placed 4th at XTERRA New Zealand, was 3rd at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA Brazil, placed 13th at XTERRA France, 12th at XTERRA Czech, 7th at XTERRA Germany, 4th at XTERRA Switzerland, 6th at XTERRA Canada, 7th at the XTERRA USA Championship, and 36th at XTERRA Worlds. 2012: Won the XTERRA Guam, Philippines, Saipan, and New Zealand Championship races to start the season, was 2nd at XTERRA Italy, 9th at XTERRA France, 5th at XTERRA Czech, 11th at XTERRA Germany, 3rd at XTERRA Switzerland, 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship, and 35th (after a series of mechanicals on the bike) at XTERRA Worlds. Finished 3rd in the XTERRA European Tour. 2013: Won four of five XTERRA World Tour Championship races to start the year. Won the XTERRA Philippines, Saipan, and Guam Championships in March, finished 2nd to Olympian Courtney Atkinson at XTERRA Great Ocean Road in Australia, then won the XTERRA New Zealand Championship for the second straight year. On the XTERRA European Tour he placed 2nd at XTERRA Spain, won XTERRA Greece, was 5th at XTERRA Germany and won XTERRA England. He has the most XTERRA World Tour wins with seven in 2013. QUOTE: XTERRA has given me the unique opportunity to travel the world, meet amazing people and visit some of the most beautiful places on the planet. I'm definitely ... "Living More" 30 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS ADAM WIRTH Boise, Idaho Adam 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: NR PERSONAL: Born April 30, 1978...earned an MBA in accounting at the University of Nebraska, and works as an accountant when not racing. WEBSITE: adamwirth.com RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Placed 5th at XTERRA Canada in 2010. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. 2010: Placed 18th at XTERRA France in first race as a pro, was 5th at XTERRA Canada, 11th at XTERRA USA Championship, and 29th at XTERA Worlds. 2011: Placed 13th at the XTERRA West Champs, 12th at the South Central Championship, DNF at the Pacific Champs due to mechanical, was 10th at the Southeast Champs, 11th at the Mountain Champs, 9th at XTERRA Canada Championship, and 15th at USA Champs. Finished 12th in Pro Series and was 34th at XTERRA Worlds. 2012: Finished 11th at the XTERRA West Championship, DNF at ITU Cross Tri World Championships/XTERRA Southeast Champs, was 9th at XTERRA East Champs, 13th at the Mountain Championship, and 11th at the USA Championship. 2013: First race Ruben Ruzafa - XTERRA European Tour Rank: 8 Ruben The 29-year-old from Malaga, Spain shocked the XTERRA world when he won the World Championship in his first try back in 2008. The next year he placed 2nd at XTERRA Italy and in the years that followed he concentrated on world cup mountain biking. This year switched his focus to triathlon and the results have been outstanding. Ruzafa won XTERRA Spain, XTERRA Berga, was second at XTERRA France and won XTERRA Germany. Heath Thurston - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: NR The 35-year-old from Orem, Utah will be racing in his firstever XTERRA. Heath is a swim and tri coach, and is married with two girls, ages 6 and 10. 31 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS Joshua Merrick - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: NR Joshua The 31-year-old from Lakewood, Colorado placed 17th at his first-ever XTERRA at the West Champs, and was 19th at the Mountain Champs. Merrick earned degrees in psychology & exercise physiology from Adams State where he was an All-American in track and cross country. Guy Crawford - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: NR The 34-year-old from New Zealand, who now lives in Boise, Idaho, is a “roadie” who did his first XTERRA at the local race in Boise, placing second. This will be his first championship event. Grant Bovee - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: NR The 29-year-old from Boulder, Colorado will be racing in his first-ever XTERRA. Of interest, Bovee got his degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder in aerospace engineering and is working for the Sierra Nevada Corporation on the “Dream Chaser” which he explains is “essentially a replacement for the space shuttle.” Tom Goth - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: 26 The 28-year-old from Salt Lake City, Utah (born in Lagrange, NY) finished 13th in his first-ever XTERRA at the Mountain Champs in July. Goth was the top local finisher at Ironman Utah last year, placing 8th overall. Jordan Jones - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: NR The 32-year-old from Boston, Massachussetts (living in Golden, Colorado) started his triathlon career at the XTERRA Mountain Championship in Keystone, CO back in 2004, but stuck to the road thereafter having great success recently with two wins at the New York City triathlon (2012/2013). Last year he was sick at XTERRA Worlds and had to pull during the bike. This will be his first XTERRA this year, but he’s no stranger to mountain biking and trails and hopes the big climb will keep him in contention early. 32 Tom MEET THE PROFESSIONALS Leonardo Chacon - XTERRA Mexico Champion Bryan Rhodes - XTERRA Mexico Champion The 29-year-old from Liberia, Costa Rica out-sprinted Victor Del Corral at the finish line of the 2012 XTERRA World Championship to finish fourth in his first-ever XTERRA. This year he won the XTERRA Mexico Championship. Chacon is a triathlon legend in Costa Rica, whom he represented at the London Olympics where he was famously taken out by Canadian star Simon Whitfield...the kind words he wrote on Whitfield’s Facebook page afterwards were “liked” by thousands. The 40-year-old from Taupo, New Zealand has been a triathlete for more than 20 years and is a two-time winner of IM Malaysia. He did his first XTERRA back in 1997, finishing 11th at the XTERRA World Championship. “Rhodsey” is notorious in XTERRA circles for a crash that was captured on film and perpetuated in race highlights for years that left his face a bloody mess, earning him another nickname, “Meatface”. Leonardo Bryan 33 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS LESLEY PATERSON San Diego, California (via Scotland) 2011-12 XTERRA World Champion 2012 XTERRA USA & Pro Series Champ 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 1 PERSONAL: Born October 12, 1980...moved from Sterling, Scotland to the U.S. in 2001...earned bachelor’s degree in performing arts from England and a master’s in theatre acting from San Diego State...works constantly as a film producer, writer, and tri coach. WEBSITE: lesleypaterson.com TWITTER: @lesleydoestri BIKE/SHOE: Trek Superfly 29er / KSwiss Kwicky Blade XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fifth year. Finished in top 3 in 7-straight XTERRA Championship races from ‘09 to 2010. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Worlds in 2009 and 2nd at Ironman 70.3 California in 2010. Won the 2007 Subaru Sprint triathlon in San Diego and Scotland National Triathlon Championship in 2007. 2008: Finished 9th at XTERRA West Champs, 2nd at the Southeast Champs, 7th at the East Champs, 7th at the Mountain Champs, 4th at the USA Champs and 10th at XTERRA Worlds. 2009: Placed 3rd at XTERRA West Cup, 2nd at the Southeast Cup, 3rd at the USA Championship, and 2nd at XTERRA Worlds. 2010: Placed 3rd at XTERRA West and Southeast Championships, was 2nd at XTERRA USA Champs, and 7th at XTERRA Worlds. 2011: Won the XTERRA Pacific Championship in Santa Cruz, CA on May 15, and was 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship on Sept. 24 in Utah. Finished 10th in the Pro Series with just those two results, then won her first XTERRA World Championship. 2012: Placed 2nd at the XTERRA West Championship (by 3tenths of a second to Renata Bucher), won the ITU Cross Tri World Champs/XTERRA Southeast Championship, was 3rd at the XTERRA East Championship, won the XTERRA USA Championship, the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series, and the XTERRA World Championship for the second straight year while posting the fastest bike and run splits. Was named the off-road triathlete of the year at Endurance Sports Awards. 2013: Won the XTERRA Philippines Championship, the XTERRA West Championship (where she finished 4th overall), the Southeast and East Championships. Placed 2nd at the ITU Cross Tri Worlds in the Netherlands. 34 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS SHONNY VANLANDINGHAM Durango, Colorado 2013 XTERRA Mountain Champion 2010 XTERRA World Champion Shonny 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 2 PERSONAL: Born May 29, 1969...earned her degree in nutrition and played NCAA I basketball at East Texas State Universityroasts her own coffee at her second home on the Big Island of Hawaiiin 1993 she was leading bike tours in Maui that eventually spurred her professional racing career. WEBSITE: lunaproteam.com, wahinefarms.com XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 8th year. In her first-ever XTERRA at the World Championship in 2005 she posted fastest bike split and finished 7th. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: With 15 NORBA National race wins and three NORBA Series Championship titles, Vanlandingham is the most successful rider in NORBA history. A 7-time U.S. National Mountain Bike Team Member, 3x (2004-06) NORBA National Series X-Country Champ & 2005 U.S. National Short Track Champ. 2006: Finished 9th (5th best bike split) at both the XTERRA USA Championship in Tahoe and the XTERRA World Championship in Maui (third-best bike). 2007: Placed 5th at Mountain Champs, 7th at XTERRA USA, and 7th in Pro Series. Finished XTERRA-best 4th at XTERRA World Champs and the fastest bike. 2008: Won the Southeast Champs (her firs XTERRA victory), was 3rd at the East Champs, 2nd at the Mountain Champs, 7th at the XTERRA USA Championship (Top American), was also the top American in the U.S. Pro Series (2nd overall) and finished 3rd at XTERRA Worlds where she once again posted the fastest bike split. 2009: Had the fastest bike split and placed 3rd at XTERRA Saipan behind Julie Dibens and Renata Bucher. Finished 2nd at XTERRA West Cup, 4th at the Midwest and Southeast Cups, 2nd at the Atlantic Cup, won the XTERRA South Central Cup in Arkansas, was third at the Northeast Cup in Vermont, won the Mountain Cup, won XTERRA Mexico, and was second at XTERRA USA Champs (and top American for the second straight year). Placed 5th at XTERRA Worlds, her third straight year in the top 5. 2010: Placed 2nd at the XTERRA Saipan Championship and XTERRA Guam in March. Won the XTERRA West Championship on April 25, was second at the South Central Championship, won XTERRA Southeast, was 2nd at XTERRA East Championship, won the Mountain Champs, won XTERRA Brazil, was second at XTERRA Mexico, third at the USA Championship, and won the XTERRA World Championship in Maui at the age of 41. 2011: Won the inaugural XTERRA Philippines Championship on March 6 and the XTERRA Saipan Championship for the second year in a row a week later. Placed second at both the XTERRA West and South Central Championship races in April, was 2nd at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, was 4th at Pacific Champs, 2nd at Southeast Champs, won the East and Mountain Championships, won XTERRA Mexico, was 5th at XTERRA Czech and 2nd at the XTERRA European Championship in Germany. Placed 7th at the XTERRA USA Championship despite racing on torn ACL. Finished 2nd in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. 2012: Placed 5th at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/XTERRA Southeast Championship, 4th at XTERRA East Champs, won the XTERRA Brazil Championship, was second at the XTERRA Mexico Championship, DNF at the USA Championship, and was 8th at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Finished 3rd at the XTERRA South Africa Championship, won XTERRA Brazil, placed 3rd at XTERRA South Africa, 3rd at the West Champs, 4th at the SE Champs, and 2nd at the East Champs before capturing the XTERRA Mountain Championship for the fourth time in five years. She also placed 2nd at the XTERRA Mexico Championship in August. 35 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS MELANIE McQUAID Victoria, B.C., Canada 4-time XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champ 2003, ‘05 & ‘06 XTERRA World Champ 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 3 PERSONAL: Born May 17, 1973 in Victoria, BC, Canadahas a degree in biochemistryraced with Canada’s National Cycling team for six years. WEBSITE: racergirl.com XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 12th year...won the XTERRA Canada Championship in each attempt 2003, ‘04, ‘10- ‘12. 2002: Finished in the runner-up position in both the XTERRA East and Central Championships before winning the West title at Half Moon Bay. Finished 4th at the USA Championship and was the runner-up in Pro Series. 2003: 2nd at Big Bear and Richmond, won in Canada, was 2nd in Tahoe, and 2nd in Pro Series. Won XTERRA Worlds. 2004: Won in Richmond, then finished runner-up to Whitmore in Keystone, Big Bear, and Tahoe. Also finished second in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Won XTERRA Canada and placed second at XTERRA Worlds. 2005: Won in Temecula, finished 7th at XTERRA Czech, won XTERRA Italy, placed 2nd in Richmond and Milwaukee, won Keystone to tie Whitmore for the Series lead heading into Tahoe. Placed second in Tahoe and 2nd in the Pro Series. Was 9th in the XTERRA European Tour standings. Became the first female to win a second XTERRA World Championship in Maui. 2006: 2nd in Temecula, won inaugural XTERRA Southeast Championship, 2nd in Richmond and Milwaukee, won the Mountain Championship to create a virtual tie with Whitmore for Pro Series lead, then won in Tahoe to capture her first Pro Series crown after three runner-ups. Followed with 2nd straight & unprecedented 3rd XTERRA World Title. 2007: Won in California, was second in Alabama, Richmond, and Utah. Placed 5th at USA Champs, 2nd in Pro Series, and was the runner-up at XTERRA Worlds. 2008: Won West Champs for second straight year, 8th at Southeast, won the East, Mountain, USA Champs, and US Pro Series crown. DNF’d at XTERRA Worlds. 2009: Won XTERRA West, Midwest, Southeast, Northwest, and Atlantic Cup races, was 2nd at South Central and Northeast Cups, then won XTERRA USA Championship and XTERRA US Pro Series title for the second straight year (her third overall - also won in 2006). Finished 3rd at XTERRA Worlds, her seventh time in the top 3 at Maui. Melanie 2010: Placed 2nd at the XTERRA West Champs, 3rd at the South Central Championship, won the XTERRA European Championship in Italy, was 2nd at the Southeast Champs, 3rd at the East Champs, won the XTERRA Canada Championship, won the XTERRA USA Championship, placed 11th at the XTERRA World Championship, and was third at the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship. 2011: Won the XTERRA West and South Central Championships, then captured the inaugural ITU Cross-Tri World Title in Spain, was 5th at the Pacific Champs, won the Southeast title, was 2nd at East Champs, 2nd at the Mountain Champs, won XTERRA Canada, and the USA Championship for fourth year in a row. Won the Pro Series for the fourth time, and was on her way to winning XTERRA Worlds before exhaustion struck and she collapsed just 60 yards from the finish and DNF. 2012: Placed 5th at the XTERRA West Championship, 2nd at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/XTERRA Southeast Championship, won the East Championship, was 5th at the Mtn Champs, won XTERRA Canada, was 4th at the USA Championship, tied for 2nd in the Pro Series, and was 13th at XTERRA Worlds 2013: Placed 4th at the XTERRA West Champs, 2nd at the Southeast Champs, 4th at the East Champs, and won XTERRA Victoria. 36 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS SUZIE SNYDER Fredericksburg, Virginia 2012 XTERRA U.S. National Champion Suzie 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born March 30, 1982...originally from Averill Park, NY...was a three-sport state champ in cross country, pole vault, and Slalom waterskiing...earned a masters degree in exercise science from Springfield College...was a competitive slalom waterskier from the ages of 12-18...works as a human performance coach for a federal law enforcement agency. WEBSITE: teamlunachix.com/proteam TWITTER: @SnyderSuzie XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year. Won the 20-24 division XTERRA World Title in 2004 and 2006. Is also a 4-time XTERRA age group National Champion. 2010: Finished 5th at the XTERRA Mountain Champs in first race as a pro, was 9th at the XTERRA USA Championship, and a career-best 5th at XTERRA Worlds. 2011: Placed 4th at the XTERRA Saipan Championship and won the Tagaman road triahtlon a week later in Saipan. Placed 7th at the XTERRA West Champs, 4th at the South Central Champs, 13th at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, 7th at the Pacific and Southeast Championships, a career-best 3rd at the East Champs,8th at the Mountain Champs, and 9th at the USA Champs. Finished 5th in the Pro Series and was 15th at XTERRA Worlds. 2012: Finished 6th at the XTERRA West Champs, 4th (top American) at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/ XTERRA Southeast Championship, 6th at the XTERRA East Champs, 3rd at the Mountain Champs, 6th at the XTERRA Canada Championship, and a career-best 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship. Finished 5th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series, and DNF at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed second at the XTERRA West Championship, 5th at the Southeast Champs, 6th at the East Champs, and 4th at the Mountain Champs. 37 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS DANELLE KABUSH Calgary, Alberta, Canada 2012 XTERRA Mountain Champion Danelle 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 5 PERSONAL: Born April 26, 1975...originally from Courtenay, British Columbia...was a track & cross-country Runner for University of Washington in Seattle, 1998 NCAA Division One 1500m finalist...earned PhD in sport psychology from the Univsity of Ottawa in 2007...mother of two and a mental performance consultant by trade. WEBSITE: danellekabush.com XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. 2004: 2nd at XTERRA Canada, 3rd at XTERRA Worlds. 2005: Finished 6th in Temecula, 9th in Richmond, 7th in Milwaukee, 9th in Keystone, and 4th in Tahoe. Placed 6th in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series and 6th at XTERRA Worlds. 2006: Finished 8th at Temecula, 4th in Alabama, 5th in Richmond, 8th in Milwaukee, 4th in Utah, 3rd at the XTERRA USA Championship in Tahoe, and career-best 2nd at XTERRA World Championship. 2007: Took year off to have her first child, Zoe. 2008: Placed 4th at West Champs, 7th at Southeast Champs, 5th at East Champs, 4th at Mtn Champs, 6th at USA Champs and 2nd at Worlds (fastest run split). 2009: Placed 9th at XTERRA West Cup, 7th at Southeast Cup, 2nd at Northwest Cup, 3rd at Atlantic Cup, 5th at Northeast Cup, 2nd at Mountain Cup, and 7th at the XTERRA USA and World Championships. 2010: Won the XTERRA Alberta off-road tri, was third at the XTERRA Canada Champs, and was 12th at Worlds. 2011: Placed 5th at the XTERRA West Championship, 3rd at the XTERRA Canada Championship, and 3rd at the USA Championship. Finished 12th in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series and was 5th at XTERRA Worlds (her fourth top 5 in Maui). 2012: Placed 4th at the XTERRA West Champs, was 6th at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/XTERRA Southeast Championship, 5th at the XTERRA East Champs, and won the XTERRA Mountain Championship in Avon, CO on July 14 (her first win on XTERRA U.S. Pro Series.), was 2nd at XTERRA Canada, and 3rd at the USA Championship. Finished 4th in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series, and was 12th at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed 5th at the XTERRA West Champs, 7th at the Southeast Champs, 5th at the East Champs, and 2nd at the Mountain Champs. 38 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS BRANDI HEISTERMAN Squamish, B.C., Canada Brandi 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 6 PERSONAL: Born July 7, 1975...school teacher and mother of two, Brandi writes a humurous blog “Babies and Bikes” at brandiheisterman.blogspot.com. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Third year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One of Canada’s best mountain bikers, finished 2nd at the XTERRA Canada Champs in Whistler in her XTERRA debut in 2011, and followed that with an impressive ninth overall at the XTERRA World Championship. 2012: Finished 9th at the ITU Cross Tri World Championship/XTERRA Southeast Championship, was 5th at the XTERRA Canada Championship, and 14th at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed 11th at the XTERRA West Champs, 3rd at the Southeast and East Champs, and 10th at the Mountain Champs. 39 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS EMMA GARRARD Park City, Utah Emma 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 7 PERSONAL: Born June 11, 1981...originally from Anchorage, Alaska...a writer/photographer now living in Park City, Utah...also serves as a ski instructor, Computrainer class instructor, and junior nordic team coach...gave birth to first child, Torin, in December 2012. WEBSITE: emmagarrard.com TWITTER: @Emma_Garrard XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 7th year, won the overall amateur XTERRA National title in 2007. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Was a cross-country skier at the University of Nevada, Reno qualifying for the NCAA Championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004. 2008: Finished 7th at XTERRA West Champs, 13th at the East Champs, 7th at the XTERRA United Kingdom Championship, 12th at the Mountain Champs, 12th at the USA Championship and 13th at XTERRA Worlds 2009: Placed 6th at XTERRA West Cup, 7th at the Midwest Cup, 5th at Southeast and Atlantic Cups, 6th at Northeast Cup, 8th at the Mountain Cup, 11th at the USA Championship, and 11th at XTERRA Worlds. 2010: Finished 7th at the West Champs, 4th at South Central Champs, 5th at Southeast Champs, 4th at East Champs, 4th at Mountain Champs, 8th at USA Championship, and 10th at XTERRA Worlds. 2011: Won the USAT Winter Triathlon National Championship. Placed 6th at the West Champs, 5th at the South Central Champs, career-best 3rd at ITU Cross Tri Worlds and matched that with a 3rd at the Pacific Champs, was 5th at the Southeast Champs, 5th at the Mountain Champs, won the XTERRA Brazil Costa Verde off-road tri, was fourth at XTERRA Canada, and 5th at XTERRA USA Champs. Finished 4th in the Pro Series and was 8th at XTERRA Worlds. 2012: Finished 3rd at the XTERRA West Championship, and was 11th at the ITU Cross Tri World Championship/XTERRA Southeast Championship race. 2013: Placed 7th at the XTERRA West Champs, 6th at the Southeast Champs, and 5th at the Mountain Champs. 40 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CAROLINE COLONNA Taos, New Mexico Caroline 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 8 PERSONAL: Born April 20, 1964...won collegiate Taekwondo Championship in 1986 while at UC Berkeley...works as doctor of oriental medicine. WEBSITE: colonnadare2tri.com TWITTER: @carolinecolonna XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year, first XTERRA in 2000. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Won the 45-49 division XTERRA World Championship in 2010. 2011: Placed 7th at XTERRA Saipan Championship, 8th at the South Central Championship, 9th at the Pacific and Southeast Champs, 6th at the East Champs, 11th at the Mountain Champs, and 16th at XTERRA USA Champs. Finished 7th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. 2012: DNF at XTERRA West Championship, was 15th at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/XTERRA Southeast Championship, 9th at XTERRA East Champs, 9th at the XTERRA Mountain Champs, and 12th at USA Champs. Finished 9th in Pro Series, and was 16th pro at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed 12th at the XTERRA West Champs, 10th at the Southeast Champs, 9th at the East Champs, and 13th at the Mountain Champs. KELLEY CULLEN New Castle, Colorado Kelley 2012 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 9 PERSONAL: Born July 24, 1980...originally from Spokane, Washington...is a mother of two and has an identical twin sister, Theresa...earned a degree in elementary education from Montana State University where she ran track and cross country...started pro mountain biking career in 2006. WEBSITE: momrides.wordpress.com XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second year 2011: Placed fourth in first-ever XTERRA at the West Championship at Lake Las Vegas, NV, was 3rd at the XTERRA Mountain Championship in Colorado, 4th at the XTERRA USA Championship, and 12th at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed 6th at the West Championship and 3rd at the Mountain Championship 41 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CHRISTINE JEFFREY Guelph, Ontario Christine 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 10 PERSONAL: Born December 13, 1972...earned a degree in landscape architecture from Arizona State University where she was a four-time All-American swimmer...works as a landscape architect for LJ Designs in Tucson, Arizona. WEBSITE: christinejeffrey.com TWITTER: @chrisjeffrey XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Won the 2005 Ixtapa ITU Continental Cup, and 2007 Villarrica ITU Continental Cup. 2008: Finished 6th at XTERRA West Champs, 3rd at Southeast Champs, 12th at East Champs, 11th at Mountain Champs, 11th at USA Champs and 5th at XTERRA Worlds. 2009: Placed 5th at the West Cup, 3rd at Midwest Cup, 3rd at the Northwest Cup, 5th at the South Central Cup, 4th at the Northeast Cup, 9th at XTERRA USA Championship, and 8th at XTERRA Worlds. 2010: Placed 4th at the XTERRA West Champs, 5th at South Central Champs, 6th at Southeast, 5th at East Champs, 2nd at XTERRA Canada, 5th at USA Champs, and 4th at XTERRA Worlds. 2011: Finished 3rd at both the XTERRA West and South Central Championships, was 6th at the Pacific Champs, 4th at Southeast Champs, 4th at East Champs, and 7th at the Mountain Champs. 2012: Placed third at XTERRA Mexico in her first race back from inuries, was 7th at XTERRA Canada, sixth at the USA Championship, finished 14th in the Pro Series, and DNF at XTERRA Worlds 2013: Placed 14th at the XTERRA West Champs, 8th at the Southeast Champs, and 7th at the East Champs. Jaime Brede - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: 12 Jaime The 36-year-old from Breckenridge placed 8th at the West Championship,and 9th at the Mountain Champs. Brede won the 30-34 XTERRA National title in 2010 (for the second-time) before turning pro. She earned a business administration degree from Fort Lewis College, and was a barrel racer “can chaser” in rodeo’s as a little girl. 42 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS Tamara Donelson - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: 13 Tamara The 37-year-old from nearby Edwards, Colorado placed 10th at the West Championship and 11th at the Mountain Championship. Last year she finished a career-best 6th at the Mountain Championship. In 2011 before turning pro she won the amateur XTERRA World Championship. Catherine Sterling - XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Rank: 18 The 36-year-old from West Boylston, Massachussetts placed 10th at her first-ever XTERRA at the East Championship in Richmond in June. Catherine was an honorable-mention in USA Triathlon’s age group triathletes of the year voting last season, and won the 35-39 USAT National Championship in 2011. 43 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS RENATA BUCHER Lucerne, Switzerland 4-time XTERRA European Tour Champ Renata FINAL 2012 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: t2 PERSONAL: Born May 30, 1977...attended the University of Zuerich. WEBSITE: renatabucher.ch XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has won 31 XTERRA Championship races in 14 countries, the U.S. Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan). FAVORITE XTERRA: Saipan 2004: 9th at XTERRA Germany in first-ever XTERRA. 2005: Won XTERRA Saipan, and was second at Tagaman to win the PIC Double with a combined time of 6:14:11. Was 3rd at Temecula, won XTERRA Czech (beating three World Champs in Angle, McQuaid, and Whitmore in the process), 3rd at XTERRA Italy, 5th in Richmond, won XTERRA Austria, second at XTERRA Spain, and third at XTERRA Germany. Won the XTERRA European Tour and was 9th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Placed 4th at World Champs in Maui. 2006: Won everything she entered starting with XTERRA Saipan, then a clean sweep in Europe with victories at France, Italy, Czech, Spain, and UK. Won second straight XTERRA European Title. Placed 5th at World Champs. Placed 4th at Tagaman and was 2nd in the PIC Double standings behind Whitmore. 2007: Won XTERRA Saipan Championship then injuries kept her sidelined for the rest of the season. 2008: Won XTERRA Saipan for the fourth straight year, plus the Tagaman Triathlon and Pacific Islands Club Double award, placed 2nd at XTERRA European Championship in Italy, won XTERRA France-Auron, was second at XTERRA Austria, won XTERRA France-Mondelieu and her third straight Euro Tour title. Also won XTERRA Japan, was 2nd at XTERRA USA, and 4th at XTERRA Worlds. 2009: Won XTERRA Saipan for 5th straight year, the Tagaman road tri on Saipan a week later and the Pacific Islands Club Resort Double award for having the fastest combined time in the 2 races. Finished 4th at XTERRA West, 2nd at Midwest, 3rd at Southeast Cup, won XTERRA Malaysia, won XTERRA Italy, was 2nd at XTERRA Czech, won XTERRA Northeast Cup (her first win in the U.S.), won XTERRA European Championship in Austria and the Euro Tour for the fourth time, was 8th at XTERRA USA Champs, and 14th at XTERRA Worlds. 2010: Won five races, starting with XTERRA Saipan for the 6th straight year, and the Pacific Islands Club Resort Double award. Won XTERRA Guam, won inaugural XTERRA Portugal Championship, won XTERRA South Central Championship, placed 2nd at XTERRA European Championship in Italy, placed 4th at the Southeast Champs, won the East Champs, was 2nd at XTERRA France, won XTERRA Czech, and was 2nd at XTERRA Switzerland. Finished in a points tie for first with Marion Lorblanchet for the Euro Tour title, but lost tie-breaker (position at last race). DNF at XTERRA Worlds. 2011: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Philippines, 3rd at XTERRA Saipan, 2nd at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA France, was 7th at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, was third at XTERRA Czech and Germany, and 5th at XTERRA Switzerland. Placed 2nd at the XTERRA Pacific Championship, third at the Southeast Championship, and fourth at XTERRA World Championship. Finished 2nd in the XTERRA European Tour and 11th in the U.S. Pro Series 2012: Won the XTERRA Guam, Philippines, and Saipan Championship races on consecutive weekends - a clean sweep of the XTERRA Asia Pacific triple crown, then won the XTERRA West Championship. Placed 10th at the ITU Cross Tri World Champs/XTERRA Southeast Champs, was 6th at XTERRA Italy, 2nd at the East Champs, 2nd at XTERRA France, 4th at XTERRA Mountain Champs, won XTERRA Mexico, was 3rd at XTERRA Canada, 5th at XTERRA USA Champs, and 7th at XTERRA Worlds. Finished tied for 2nd in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. 2013: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Philippines, Saipan, and Guam Championship races in March, then won four straight World Tour races at the XTERRA Great Ocean Road offroad tri in Australia, XTERRA New Zealand, XTERRA Malaysia and XTERRA Spain. She was 4th at XTERRA Greece and XTERRA Switzerland, secon at XTERRA Italy and XTERRA Czech, and 5th at XTERRA Germany. She finished the season ranked 3rd in the XTERRA European Tour. 44 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS 45 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS BARBARA RIVEROS La Pintana, Chile Barbara PERSONAL: Born August 3, 1987...originally from Chile, now living in Pontevedra, Spain WEBSITE: barbarariveros.cl XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second race ACCOMPLISHMENTS: has been a standout on the ITU World Triathlon Series and finished 16th at the London Olympics. 2012: Placed 2nd in her first-ever XTERRA at the World Championship last year. 2013: First XTERRA. HEATHER JACKSON Carlsbad, California PERSONAL: Born April 24, 1984...originally from Exeter, New Hampshire...earned political science and east asian studies degrees from Princeton. WEBSITE: heatherjacksonracing.com TWITTER: @hjacksonracing BIKE/SHOE: Cannondale Lefty 26” / Zoot XTERRA EXPERIENCE: First race 2012: Placed 4th in her first-ever XTERRA at the World Championship and was the top American. 2013: First XTERRA, but has had a stellar season on the road with wins at Oceanside, Alcatraz, and Wildflower and just finished 2nd at the IM 70.3 World Championships. . Heather Genevieve GENEVIEVE EVANS Tahoe City, CA PERSONAL: Born August 10, 1973...originally from Long Beach, California...earned an economics degree from UC Berkeley, and works as a transportation planner for a private consulting firm. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year, first as a pro BEST XTERRA FINISH: Placed ninth overall, 2nd amateur at the 2012 USA Championship. 2013: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Lake Tahoe, and won XTERRA Tahoe City. 46 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS JACQUI SLACK Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom 2013 XTERRA Triple Crown Champion Jacqui FINAL 2013 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born June 17, 1983...was a firefighter prior to turning pro full-time...was named the 2012 XTERRA Warrior Award winner along with her boyfriend Ben Allen for perpetuating the “Live More” spirit of XTERRA. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fourth year. BEST XTERRA FINISH: 2012 New Zealand and Italy Champion. FAVORITE XTERRA: Philippines WEBSITE:jacquislack.com TWITTER: @jacquislack SPONSORS: Trek, Internet Central, On, Schnell Wheels, Power Bar, Ryder Eye Wear, Rocket Science Sports, Schwalbe 2011: Placed 4th at XTERRA Italy and 9th at XTERRA Czech. 2012: Was 3rd at XTERRA Guam, 2nd at XTERRA Philippines and XTERRA Saipan Championships, won XTERRA New Zealand and XTERRA Italy, was 3rd at XTERRA France, 4th at XTERRA Czech, and 3rd at XTERRA Switzerland. Finished 2nd on the XTERRA European Tour. Placed 7th at the USA Championship, and was 5th at the XTERRA World Championship 2013: Finished 4th at XTERRA Philippines Championship, then won the XTERRA Saipan Championship, Saipan’s Tagaman road triathlon, and the XTERRA Guam Championship on successive weekends en route to capturing the XTERRA Triple Crown title. Finished 2nd behind Bucher at both the XTERRA Great Ocean Road and XTERRA New Zealand Championship races in April. Was 4th at XTERRA Malaysia and XTERRA Spain, 2nd at XTERRA Greece and France, and won the last two Euro Tour events at XTERRA Germany and XTERRA England. Finished 4th in the final XTERRA European Tour standings. 47 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CARINA WASLE Kundl, Austria 2011 XTERRA South Africa Champion 2011 XTERRA Brazil Champion Carina FINAL 2013 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 7 PERSONAL: Born October 20, 1984. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. SPONSORS: Tiroler, Sailfish, Specialized 2005: Finished 3rd at XTERRA Austria in first-ever XTERRA then won XTERRA Germany. Placed 7th in XTERRA European Tour. 2006: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Czech and XTERRA Spain, was 3rd at Denmark and won XTERRA Germany. 2007: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Italy, 4th at XTERRA Denmark, 3rd at XTERRA Austria, and won XTERRA Germany for 3rd straight year. Was 10th at World Champs. 2008: Placed 3rd at European Championship in Italy, won XTERRA Czech, was third at XTERRA France-Auron, and second at XTERRA France-Mondelieu. Finished 2nd in XTERRA European Tour standings. Placed third at XTERRA USA Championship, and 8th at XTERRA Worlds. 2009: Placed 6th at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA Czech, was 7th at XTERRA Germany, 2nd at XTERRA Austria, and 4th at XTERRA USA Champs. 2010: Placed 4th at XTERRA Portugal and the European Championship in Italy, was third at XTERRA France, 5th at Czech, 10th at the USA Championship, and 6th at XTERRA Worlds. 2011: Won the XTERRA South Africa Championship, was 3rd at XTERRA Philippines, 2nd at XTERRA Saipan, 5th at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA Brazil, 2nd at XTERRA France, 4th at XTERRA Czech, 6th at XTERRA Germany, 4th at XTERRA Switzerland, and 11th at USA Champs. 2012: Placed 2nd at XTERRA South Africa Championship, was 5th at XTERRA Italy, 4th at XTERRA France, 2nd at XTERRA Czech, 4th at XTERRA Germany and XTERRA Switzerland. Finished 3rd in XTERRA European Tour. Placed 8th at XTERRA USA Championship. 2013: Placed 4th at XTERRA South Africa Championship, DNF at XTERRA Philippines due to bike mechanical, was 2nd at the XTERRA Saipan Championship, third at the XTERRA Guam Championship and XTERRA Great Ocean Road, 4th at the XTERRA New Zealand Championship, 5th at XTERRA Malaysia, 6th at XTERRA Spain, 5th at XTERRA Greece, and 4th at XTERRA Czech and XTERRA Germany. Chantell Widney This will be Chantell’s third-ever XTERRA, and in her first one – last year at XTERRA Canada – she finished 4th despite being totally new to mountain biking and on a very tough mountain bike course. The 34-year-old Canadian is a certified exercise physiologist and accomplished road triathlete. She was 3rd at XTERRA Italy this year and also 3rd at the ITU Cross Tri World Championship. 48 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES STANDINGS (AFTER 4) PRO MEN Pl Name West S'East East Mtn USA Totals 1 Josiah Middaugh 100 100 DNS 100 300 2 Dan Hugo DNS 90 100 58 248 3 Branden Rakita 82 63 x49 90 235 4 Ryan Ignatz 75 DNS 90 69 234 5 Bradley Weiss DNS 75 82 49 206 6 Craig Evans 63 82 58 x28 203 7 Nick Fisher 37 69 75 DNS 181 8 Will Kelsay 49 58 69 x45 176 9 Cody Waite DNS 45 41 75 161 10 Jason Michalak 58 34 DNS 53 145 11 Matt Mangen 53 53 DNS DNP 106 12 Andy Lee DNS 37 63 DNP 100 13 Conrad Stoltz 90 DNF DNS DNS 90 14 Chris Ganter DNF 49 DNS 37 86 15 Ben Hoffman DNS DNS DNS 82 82 Also: Will Ross (82), Matt Lieto (69), Tim Snow (68), Kyle Leto (63), Karsten Madsen (53), Brian Astell (45), Ryan DeCook (45), Lewis Elliot (41), Matt Sheeks (34), Brad Zoller (34), Tom Goth (34), Zach Winter (31), Patrick Valentine (31), Damian Gonzalez (31), Tom Eickelbert (28). PRO WOMEN Pl Name West S'East East 1 Lesley Paterson 100 100 100 2 Shonny Vanlandingham 82 x75 90 3 Melanie McQuaid 75 90 75 4 Suzie Snyder 90 69 x63 5 Danelle Kabush 69 x58 69 6 Brandi Heisterman x41 82 82 7 Emma Garrard 58 63 DNS 8 Caroline Colonna 37 45 49 9 Kelley Cullen 63 DNS DNS 10 Christine Jeffrey 31 53 58 11 Katie Button DNS 49 53 12 Jaime Brede 53 DNS DNS 13 Tamara Donelson 45 DNS DNS 14 Flora Duffy DNS DNS DNS 15 Julie Dibens DNS DNS DNS Also: Tammy Jacques (53), Jen Gersbach-Venzara (49), Catherine Rachel Challis (34), Jari Kirkland (34), and Lauren Harrison (28). 1 2 3 4 5 - April 13 - XTERRA West Championship (Lake Las Vegas, NV) - May 18 - XTERRA Southeast Champs (Shelby County, AL) - June 9 - XTERRA East Championship (Richmond, VA) - July 20 - XTERRA Mountain Champs (Avon, CO) - Sep 21 - XTERRA USA Championship (Ogden, UT) 49 Key 1=100 2=90 3=82 4=75 5=69 6=63 7-58 8=53 9=49 10=45 11=41 12=37 13=34 14=31 15=28 Mtn Totals DNS 300 100 272 DNS 240 75 234 90 228 45 209 69 190 34 165 82 145 DNS 142 DNS 102 49 102 41 86 63 63 58 58 Sterling (45), Heather Holmes (41), Heidi Rentz (37), DNS DNF DNP Did Not Start Did Not Finish Did Not Place ABOUT THE 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES The 2013 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series consists of five events - four regional championships and Nationals. April 13 May 18 June 9 July 20 Sept. 21 XTERRA West Championship XTERRA Southeast Championship XTERRA East Championship XTERRA Mountain Championship XTERRA USA Championship Lake Las Vegas Resort (Henderson, NV) Oak Mountain State Park (Pelham, AL) Richmond, VA Beaver Creek Resort (Avon, CO) Ogden/Snowbasin Resort, UT The top 15 pros at each event are awarded points based on overall pro finish. Pros will count their best three of four regional scores plus the points they get (or don’t get) at the XTERRA USA Championship in Utah. Thus, the final point total combines an athletes’ best three scores in the first four races, plus the USA Championship race points. He/she with the most points in the end is declared the U.S. Pro Series Champ. The U.S. Series will dish out $140,000 in prize money: $15,000 at the Regional Championships, $20,000 at the USA Championship, and $60,000 to the top overall points scorers in the Series. Note: The XTERRA World Championship Oct. 27 in Kapalua, Maui is a stand-alone event worth $100,000. 2013 Pro Points Score Breakdown: 1 100 2 90 3 82 4 75 5 69 6 63 7 58 8 53 9 49 10 45 11 41 12 37 13 34 14 31 15 28 ELIGIBILITY Athletes racing pro must have been accepted as a professional by a recognized multisport governing body (USA Triathlon, USA Cycling - road, cyclocross, track or mountain bike; any national governing body for triathlon; and any national governing body for cycling), and USA Triathlon offers an elite off-road pro license specifically designed for XTERRA specialists. You can find this information at usatriathlon.org or email membership@usatriathlon.org. In addition, athletes holding elite licenses in cycling, running, swimming or that have participated in the Olympics in the past 10 years can be eligible by writing to Dave Nicholas kahunadav@teamunlimited.com and presenting their qualifications. 2012 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES CHAMPS Conrad Stoltz Lesley Paterson Stellenbosch, South Africa San Diego, California The “Caveman” is a 10-time XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champion, having won the title in his rookie season of 2001, and also in 2002, ‘03, ‘05, then six straight from 2007-to-2012. 50 Paterson won the XTERRA Pro Series crown for the first time, and also won the USA Championship, ITU Cross Tri World Title, and the XTERRA World Championship. 2013 XTERRA AMERICA TOUR PRIZE MONEY BREAKDOWN XTERRA Regional Championship Races Pro Purse ($15,000) Rank Men Women st 1 $2,300 $2,300 2nd $1,700 $1,700 3rd $1,200 $1,200 4th $800 $800 5th $650 $650 6th $450 $450 7th $400 $400 XTERRA USA Championship Pro Purse ($20,000) Rank Men Women 1st $2,500 $2,500 2nd $2,000 $2,000 3rd $1,500 $1,500 4th $1,200 $1,200 5th $900 $900 6th $700 $700 7th $500 $500 8th $350 $350 9th $200 $200 th 10 $150 $150 XTERRA World Championship Pro Purse ($100,000) @ Maui Rank Men Women 1st $20,000 $20,000 2nd $12,000 $12,000 3rd $7,000 $7,000 th 4 $4,000 $4,000 5th $2,500 $2,500 6th $1,500 $1,500 7th $1,100 $1,100 th 8 $800 $800 9th $600 $600 10th $500 $500 51 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Pro Purse ($60,000) Rank Men Women 1st $10,000 $10,000 nd 2 $6,000 $6,000 3rd $3,600 $3,600 4th $2,500 $2,500 5th $2,000 $2,000 th 6 $1,600 $1,600 7th $1,300 $1,300 8th $1,100 $1,100 9th $1,000 $1,000 th 10 $900 $900 2012 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES FINAL STANDINGS The XTERRA USA Championship on Sept. 22 in Utah was the last of five races in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series that featured four regionals and the national championship. Here’s a look at the final standings: PRO MEN Pl Name 1 Conrad Stoltz, RSA 2 Josiah Middaugh, USA 3 David Henestrosa, ESP 4 Craig Evans, USA 5 Branden Rakita, USA 6 Will Kelsay, USA 7 Cody Waite, USA 8 Adam Wirth, USA 9 Will Ross, USA 10 Chris Legh, AUS West 100 90 63 58 69 DNS d37 41 45 75 S’East 100 d75 d53 90 d49 63 45 DNF 37 82 East 100 90 63 82 69 75 53 49 41 DNS Mtn d100 90 75 d37 53 45 69 34 DNS DNS USA 75 100 63 34 69 58 49 41 37 DNF Totals 375 370 264 264 260 241 216 165 160 157 Also: Damian Gonzalez (130), Ryan Ignatz (116), Lewis Elliot (90), Ben Allen (90), Dan Hugo (82), Ben Hoffman (82), Nico Lebrun (82), Ryan DeCook (73), Richard Stannard (69), Gered Dunne (62), Kelly Guest (58), Bradley Weiss (58), Brian Smith (58), Doug Hall (53), Travis Macy (49), Sam Gardner (45), Sergio Sarmiento (41), Chris Ganter (34), Jean-Philippe Thibodeau (34), Llewellyn Holmes (31), Tim Snow (31), Scott Gall (28). PRO WOMEN Pl Name 1 Lesley Paterson, GBR 2 Melanie McQuaid, CAN 3 Renata Bucher, SUI 4 Danelle Kabush, CAN 5 Suzie Snyder, USA 6 Tamara Donelson, USA 7 Heather Holmes, USA 8 Sara Tarkington, USA 9 Caroline Colonna, USA 10 Shonny Vanlandingham, USA West 90 d69 100 75 d63 41 DNS 49 DNF DNS S’East 100 90 d45 d63 75 DNP 34 37 28 69 East 82 100 90 69 63 45 58 DNS 49 75 Mtn DNS 69 75 100 82 63 58 90 49 DNS USA 100 75 69 82 90 45 41 DNS 37 DNF Totals 372 334 334 326 310 194 191 176 163 144 Also: Kim Baugh (133), Emma Garrard (123), Carla Van Huyssteen (82), Christine Jeffrey (63), Kate Major (58), Michelle Flipo (58), Jacqui Slack (58), Beth Walsh (53), Shae Vaughn (53), Katie Button (53), Carina Wasle (53), Brandi Heisterman (49), Kathryn Ross (45), Jennifer Gersbach (45), Courtenay Brown (37), Jennifer Todd (34). 1 - April 14 - XTERRA West Championship (Aston MonteLago Village Resort - Lake Las Vegas, NV) 2 - May 19 - XTERRA Southeast Championship (Oak Mountain State Park - Pelham, AL) 3 - June 10 - XTERRA East Championship (Richmond, VA) 4 - July 14 - XTERRA Mountain Championship (Beaver Creek Resort - Avon, CO) 5 - Sept. 22 - XTERRA USA Championship (Ogden/Snowbasin Resort, UT) Key: 1=100, 2=90, 3=82, 4=75, 5=69, 6=63, 7-58, 8=53, 9=49, 10=45, 11=41, 12=37, 13=34, 14=31, 15=28 DNS - Did Not Start DNP - Did Not Place DNF - Did Not Finish 52 TOP 5 IN XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES SINCE 1999 2012 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 375 1. Lesley Paterson 2. Josiah Middaugh 370 2. Melanie McQuaid 3. David Henestrosa 264 3. Renata Bucher 4. Craig Evans 264 4. Danelle Kabush 5. Branden Rakita 260 5. Suzie Snyder 2005 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 390 1. Jamie Whitmore 2. Mike Vine 310 2. Melanie McQuaid 3. Olivier Marceau 309 3. Candy Angle 4. Brent McMahon 283 4. Jessica Harrison 5. Francisco Serrano 275 5. Melissa Thomas 6. Josiah Middaugh 252 372 334 334 326 310 2011 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 565 1. Melanie McQuaid 2. Josiah Middaugh 529 2. S. Vanlandingham 3. Nico Lebrun 476 3. Christine Jeffrey 4. Branden Rakita 427 4. Emma Garrard 5. Dan Hugo 360 5. Suzie Snyder 580 528 440 421 380 2004 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Sylvain Dodet 290 1. Jamie Whitmore 2. Josiah Middaugh 264 2. Melanie McQuaid 3. Conrad Stoltz 249 3. Candy Angle 4. Nicolas LeBrun 247 4. Janae Deverell 5. Justin Thomas 179 5. Lynley Allison 300 280 239 209 208 2010 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 500 1. S. Vanlandingham 2. Josiah Middaugh 434 2. Melanie McQuaid 3. Seth Wealing 378 3. Renata Bucher 4. Nico Lebrun 341 4. Emma Garrard 5. Craig Evans 318 5. Christine Jeffrey 452 444 401 347 345 2003 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 290 1. Jamie Whitmore 2. Steve Larsen 280 2. Melanie McQuaid 3. Nicolas LeBrun 264 3. Melissa Thomas 4. Justin Thomas 218 4. Jenny Tobin 5. Jason Chalker 207 5. Candy Angle 300 270 232 202 200 2009 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 572 1. Melanie McQuaid 2. Nico Lebrun 562 2. S. Vanlandingham 3. Josiah Middaugh 534 3. Renata Bucher 4. Mike Vine 487 4. Danelle Kabush 5. Dan Hugo 414 5. Christine Jeffrey 600 552 463 447 426 2002 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 300 1. Jamie Whitmore 2. Nicolas LeBrun 248 2. Melanie McQuaid 3. Kerry Classen 235 3. Raeleigh Tennant 4. Mike Vine 228 4. Kerstin Weule 5. Andrew Noble 201 5. Melissa Thomas 290 265 234 222 214 2008 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 353 1. Melanie McQuaid 2. Dan Hugo 345 2. S. Vanlandingham 3. Josiah Middaugh 326 3. Jenny Smith 4. Brian Smith 290 4. Danelle Kabush 5. Mike Vine 276 5. Lesley Paterson 400 330 316 282 281 2001 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 465 1. Anke Erlank 2. Nicolas LeBrun 404 2. Monique Merrill 3. Ned Overend 373 3. Raeleigh Tennant 4. Mike Vine 365 4. Jenny Tobin 5. Kerry Classen 319 5. Cheri Touchette 469 375 343 326 309 2007 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Conrad Stoltz 400 1. Jamie Whitmore 2. Mike Vine 337 2. Melanie McQuaid 3. Josiah Middaugh 322 3. Jennifer Smith 4. Seth Wealing 322 4. Candy Angle 5. Andrew Noble 303 5. Amber Monforte 400 349 329 314 258 2000 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Michael Tobin 826 1. Kerstin Weule 2. Mike Vine 820 2. Jody Purcell 3. Kerry Classen 802 3. Lorraine Barrows 4. Ned Overend 697 4. Jenny Tobin 5. Dave Harrison 596 5. Linda Gabor 890 810 688 635 524 2006 U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS Men Women 1. Seth Wealing 428 1. Melanie McQuaid 2. Brent McMahan 413 2. Jamie Whitmore 3. Andrew Noble 391 3. Candy Angle 4. Conrad Stoltz 303 4. Danelle Kabush 5. Brian Smith 300 5. Janae Pritchett 480 459 403 354 320 1999* U.S. PRO POINTS SERIES RESULTS (First year) Men Women 1. Michael Tobin 886 1. Kerstin Weule 2. Jimmy Riccitello 732 2. Jody Purcell 3. John Koenig 676 3. Lorraine Barrows 4. Ned Overend 660 4. Jenny Wood 5. Kerry Classen 635 5. Linda Gabor 886 827 718 708 675 53 390 380 302 282 271 2013 XTERRA WORLD TOUR Date Feb 24 March 2 March 9 March 9 March 23 April 7 April 13 April 28 June 2 June 15 June 22 June 29 July 7 July 14 July 20 Aug 3 Aug 4 Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 24 Sept 8 Sept 21 Oct 27 Event / Pro Winners XTERRA South Africa Championship Richard Murray and Carla Van Huyssteen XTERRA Philippines Championship Ben Allen and Lesley Paterson XTERRA Motatapu Braden Currie and Nicky Samuels XTERRA Saipan Championship Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack XTERRA Guam Championship Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack XTERRA Great Ocean Road Courtney Atkinson and Renata Bucher XTERRA New Zealand Championship Ben Allen and Renata Bucher XTERRA Malaysia Ben Allen and Renata Bucher XTERRA Spain Championship+ Ruben Ruzafa and Renata Bucher XTERRA Greece+ Ben Allen and Helena Erbenova XTERRA Brazil Championship Conrad Stoltz and Shonny Vanlandingham XTERRA Switzerland Championship+ Victor Del Corral and Helena Erbenova XTERRA France Championship+ Nicolas Lebrun and Helena Erbenova XTERRA Victoria Brent McMahon and Melanie McQuaid XTERRA Abruzzo+ Conrad Stoltz and Helena Erbenova XTERRA Mexico Championship Leonardo Chacon and Fabiola Corona XTERRA Canmore Mike Vine and Chantell Widney XTERRA Czech Championship+ Felix Schumann and Helena Erbenova XTERRA Germany Championship+ Ruben Ruzafa and Jacqui Slack XTERRA Japan Championship Dan Hugo and Mieko Carey XTERRA England+ Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack XTERRA USA Championship XTERRA World Championship 54 Location Grabouw, Western Cape Cebu South Island, New Zealand Northern Marianas Piti Angelsea, Victoria Rotorua Putrajaya Cieza, Murcia Lake Plastira Ilhabela, Sao Paulo Vallee de Joux Xonrupt, Gerardmer Vancouver Island, BC, Canada Scanno, L'Aquila, Italy Tapalpa, Jalisco Alberta, Canada Prachatice Zittau Marunuma Cranleigh, Surrey Ogden/Snowbasin, UT Maui, Hawaii 2013 XTERRA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - OCTOBER 27 Following an action-packed racing season that will span 18 countries with more than 100 events, XTERRA will host its 18th XTERRA World Championship at the Kapalua Resort in Maui on October 27. A season-ending blow-out like no other, the World Championship is the culmination of a worldwide series of races held in South Africa, Guam, Philippines, Saipan, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Italy, Brazil, France, Czech, Mexico, Germany, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, England, Greece, and the United States. The race course, considered one of XTERRA's toughest and most grueling, will consist of a 1.5-kilometer roughwater swim, a grueling 30- kilometer mountain bike, and a 10-kilometer trail run. The maxed-out field is limited to 750 competitors, who represent the best offroad, multisport athletes on the planet. It is a "winner take all" race, with one of the richest pro purses in multisport at $100,000, and it is awarded solely on the basis of the Maui performance. Since this race is a stand-alone event, it offers a unique opportunity to competitors. Even those who have had a less than stellar season, are given an opportunity to redeem themselves and earn the coveted title of XTERRA World Champion. 55 QUALIFYING FOR MAUI Amateur athletes can qualify for the XTERRA World Championship by finishing in one of the 40 qualifying spots available at each World Tour Championship event or one of the 43 qualifying spots (see below) at any of the six XTERRA Championship Series races. There are also a limited number of at-large slots available early in the year. DIVISION 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+ 65-69 70-74 75+ PC Total Men 1 1 2 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 23 Women 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 NA NA 3 19 Total 2 2 4 5 5 5 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 6 43 HOW THE XTERRA AMERICA TOUR WORKS FOR AMATEURS The XTERRA America Tour is designed to provide age group athletes with a bona-fide championship to compete for within their geographic region. At the end of the regular season the top performers in each of eight regions are invited to compete against other athletes their same age - but from different regions - at the national championship in Utah on September 22. This year there are 70 races in 39 states across the country, as well as the U.S. Territory of Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan). It marks the 16th straight year of expansion for XTERRA. Here's how the Series works: 1) CHOOSE REGION: There are 8 regions, determined by a competitor's primary residence at the time of their first race: NORTHEAST (NE) - Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C. SOUTHEAST (SE) - Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands. MIDWEST (MW) - Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky. SOUTHCENTRAL (SC) - Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas. MOUNTAIN (MT) - Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming. NORTHWEST (NW) - Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska. WEST (W) - California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Pacific Territories. 2) DETERMINE YOUR DIVISION/AGE GROUP: "XTERRA Age" is based on a competitor's age on December 31, 2013. Athletes compete in the following age categories: 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+ (w), 65-69 (m), 70-74 (m), and 75+ (m), and we also have Physically Challenged Divisions. Physically Challenged Division: There are two physically challenged age groups, 15-39 and 40+, and 6 categories: Below the knee amputee, above the knee amputee, below the elbow amputee, above the elbow amputee, blind and impaired/les autres. 3) RACE AND SCORE: Series competitors race for points at their choice of 70 events - including XTERRA Points Series (XPS) races & XTERRA Championship Series (XCS) races. Competitors can enter as many events as they'd like and their best four finishes count towards their total points score. Competitors are required to race in at least one event in their region, and must COUNT two events in their region. Note: You don’t have to race in two, but you have to count two in your region. Bottom line, to play the game (to qualify for nationals and win a regional championship) you have to race in at least one event in your region, and everything more than that is gravy and increases your chances of winning. 4) COUNT ‘EM UP: Points are awarded to the top 15 finishers in each age group at each race. Athletes can earn more points at XCS races because, generally, participation is higher and the courses are tougher. If an athlete races at more than one XCS event, only the best finish counts at full points. Any other finishes earn points at the same rate as an XPS race. There are two points systems: XTERRA Championship Series Races: 1st 100 2nd 90 3rd 82 4th 75 5th 69 6th 7th 8th 63 58 53 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 49 45 41 37 34 31 28 XTERRA Points Series Races: 1st 75 2nd 67 3rd 61 4th 56 5th 51 6th 7th 8th 47 43 39 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 36 33 30 27 25 23 21 56 HOW THE XTERRA AMERICA TOUR WORKS CONTINUED... 5) BECOMING A REGIONAL CHAMP: At the end of the regular season in late August, the athlete with the most points by gender, by division, by region - earns the title of XTERRA Regional Champion. In addition, the highest points scorers in each region are invited to compete for a national title at the XTERRA USA Championship in Utah (qualifying spots based on chart below). XTERRA USA Championship Slots Available in each of eight regions: DIVISION Male Female 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 4 14 18 18 20 4 8 18 18 16 40-44 20 12 45-49 14 10 50-54 14 10 55-59 10 4 60-64 65-69 70-74 75+ PC 6 4 4 2 2per cat 4 2 2per cat And then comes the showdown! Win in Utah, and you are the XTERRA National Age Group Champion. Note: All XTERRA America Tour events are sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the national governing body of multisport in the United States. As such all athletes are subject to the rules and regulations set forth by the USAT. Details available at usatriathlon.org. The XTERRA Points Series races are a collection of independently produced off-road triathlons owned and operated by local promoters, while the Championship Series events are bigger races with pro purses on full-length courses operated by the TEAM Unlimited / XTERRA staff. 57 All the technical details on How the Series Works can be found online at xterraplanet.com - - - - - - - - - - - 2013 XTERRA WOM REGION 15-19 DIVISION NE Caroline Slyer Averill Park, NY SE Ashley Johnston Gainesville, GA MW Jenny Brostrom Bayside, WI SC Hailey Fortin Albuquerque, NM 3Erin Quinn MT Littleton, CO NW Winter Vinecki Salem, OR $* 2Hannah Rae Finchamp W Altadena, CA 20-24 DIVISION Rachel Desantis Holli, NH Katherine Croft Evans, GA Stephanie Truitt Milwaukee, WI Mary Doughty Ruston, LA Tess Amer Boulder, CO Desiree Hepworth Buhl. ID $* 2Elizabeth Gruber Loma Linda, CA 25-29 DIVISION Elizabeth Govan Crownsville, MD Lucy Jefferson Collierville, TN Jenna Blandford Louisville, KY Melissa White Houston, TX Emily Witman Ogden, UT Heather Zimchek Olympia, WA * 2Kara Lapoint Truckee, CA 30-34 DIVISION Corrine Banks Ocean City, MD Jennifer Moos Ft Lauderdale, FL 2Kristen Wade Plano, IL Hilary Bravenec Aztec, NM 3Maia Ignatz Boulder, CO Solana Kline Bend, OR Debbie Sullivan Roseville, CA 35-39 DIVISION 2Maria Smit Syosset, NY Beata Wronska Boynton Beach, FL 2Amanda Frost Columbia, OH 3Melanie Etherton Austin, TX Ashlie Angel Durango, CO 2Sara Lloyd Boise, ID 2Julie Baker Sonora, CA - - - - - - - - - - - 2013 XTERRA ME Region NE SE MW SC MT NW W 15-19 DIVISION 20-24 DIVISION Roman Brown Thomas Canzano 25-29 DIVISION 3Alex Modestou Shoreham, NY Farmington, NY Silver Spring, MD 30-34 DIVISION 2Joshua Loren 35-39 DIVISION 5Anthony Snoble 40-44 DIVISION 2Daryl Weaver Wilmington, DE East Islip, NY Alonso Munoz Kyle Wachenheim Benjamin Dillon Matthew Schneider Josh Schaffer Lititz, PA 2Marcus Barton Atlanta, GA Flowery Branch, GA Pensacola, FL Athens, GA Pendleton, SC Waxhaw, NC Cole Bunn * Matt Alexander Potter Dominic Couturier Rowan Jones Bence Roemer Bettendorf, IA Bloomington, IN Connor Molthen Red Wing, MN 3Jack Parks Grand Rapids, MI 11Kyle Grieser Waverly, KY 2Noah Wright Austin, KY 2Steve Etherton Katy, TX Bellaire, TX Allen, TX 2James Ellis Marble Falls, TX Austin, TX Austin, TX Jeffrey Dewitt Matthew Campbell Eric Snowberg Castle Rock,CO 5Justin Barnhart Park City, UT Golden, CO Robert Jackson Kevin Donovan Sammamish, WA 2Romolo Forcino Oak Hills, CA Riley Grayson Keppler Will Foley Steve Croucher Golden, CO Vail, CO Jacob Bustamante Mintuen, CO 4Mathieu Signoretty Portland, OR Sammamish, WA Portland, OR Matthew Balzer Portland, OR * 3Bryce Phinney Reno., NV Tucson, AZ Blair Bronson Alex Blake Stephen McGee Corvallis, ID 2George Mainas Folsom, CA Los Gatos, CA San Francisco, CA - - - - - - - - - PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED REGIONAL CHAMPIONS - - - - - - - - 40+ NW Arm Impairment $4 Willie Stewart 40+ MT Blind * 5 Michael Stone 15-39 MT Les Autres 6 Craig Vogtsberger 15-39 NE Les Autres 4 Syd Lea Honolulu, HI Boulder, CO Highlands Ranch, CO Taneytown, MD 15-39 W Moderate Leg Impairment Andre Szucs Encinitas, CA As of 9.6.13 MEN’S REGIONAL CHAMPIONS - - - - - - - - - - 40-44 DIVISION 7Kathy Couthino Fairfax Station, VA Melissa Scott Ft Lauderdale, FL $3Mimi Stockton Stevensville, MI 2Kristi Kees Cedar Park, TX Catherine Richmond Crested Butte, CO Molly Obetz Coeur D'Alene, ID Kim Greene Reno, NV 45-49 DIVISION Janell Smith Ligoneir, PA 2Tanya Houghton Weddington, NC 6Ellen Sauter Powell, OH Cynthia Bradley Rogersville, MO Christy Geyer Edwards, CO Bobbie Howard Kirkland, WA 3Karen Brisson Forest Knolls, CA 50-54 DIVISION 9Valerie Hardin Doylestown, PA Tamora Thompson Tallahassee, FL 4Heather McNamara Brighton, MI 7Karen Robertson Grapevine, TX Betsy Spiegel Salt Lake City, UT 3Lisa Brummond Canby, OR 4Tamara Tabeek San Diego, CA 55-59 DIVISION 8Annette MacNiven Wainscott, NY $* 7Lucia Colbert Cordova, TN 12Beverly Enslow Metamora, IL 2Kim Bear Santa Fe, NM 4Susan Griffin-Kaklikian Castlerock, CO Lynn Dever Tense, ID 11Barbara Peterson Berkeley, CA 60-64 DIVISION 10Linda Usher Upton, MA 65+ DIVISION 7Charlotte Mahan Lenoir City, TN Laura Scherff St Charles, MO * 11Cindi Toepel Littleton, CO Linda Wilson 2Carol Lyndell Colorado Springs, CO 7Lorenn Walker 3Wendy Minor Waialua, HI Kamuela, HI N’S REGIONAL CHAMPIONS - - - - - - - - - - 45-49 DIVISION 3Karl Gordon 50-54 DIVISION 2Dave Desantis 55-59 DIVISION 5John King 60-64 DIVISION 10Russell Clark 65-69 DIVISION 4Stuart Christie Richmond, VA Milton, MA Scotia, NY Hugh Myrick Ali Arasta Shelburne, VT 13Steve Cole Charleston. SC 3Brian Parker Asheboro, NC 2Greg Seaman Alpharetta, GA Mark Heithoff Morrison,IL Brighton, MI Indianapolis, IN Charlie Dixon Charles Wood David Chapman Beaumont, TX Highlands, TX Cashion, OK 70-74 DIVISION 75+ DIVISION $5Nathaniel Grew Frank George Dedham, MA * 3James Rawie 7Peter Lilley 9Errol Lassiter Rome, GA 2Alan Moore San Juan, PR 4Terry Hutchins Charlotte, NC 9GL Brown Woodstock. GA Mount Vernon, IN 5James Dewlen Kalamazoo, MI Bryan Bowker Ada, MI 2Ronald Scranton Stillwater, TX 2Galen Classen Edgewood, NM Tijeras, NM Scott Fliegelman Dennis Farrell Carl Horton Boulder, CO Littleton CO 2Phil Barnhart Sandy, UT Don Moote Denver, CO 2Glenn Matsuda Plummer. ID 2Todd Gottfried Portland, OR Bruce Wilson Portland, OR 2Cliff Millemann Valencia, CA Temecula, CA Davis, CA Joel Kopf KEY Robert Craig *7Ron Hill Lynnwood, WA 4John Royson Bremerton, WA Hayden, ID Dennis Freeman Jim Meskimen Albany, CA Phoenix, AZ Truckee, CA 2013 marks the 13th year of the XTERRA USA Championship Series NE - Northeast Region SE - Southeast Region MW - Midwest Region SC - South Central Region MT - Mountain Region # denotes number of regional championships NW - Northwest Region * denotes 2012 XTERRA USA Champion W - West Region $ denotes 2012 XTERRA World Champion 2013 SCHEDULE DATE 3/9 3/23 3/24 3/24 3/24 3/30 4/6 4/13 4/21 4/27 4/28 5/4 5/5 5/12 5/18 5/19 5/19 5/19 6/1 6/2 6/8 6/9 6/9 6/9 6/15 6/16 6/22 6/22 6/23 6/23 6/23 6/29 6/29 6/29 7/7 7/7 7/14 7/14 7/14 7/20 7/20 7/20 7/20 7/20 7/27 7/27 7/27 7/28 7/28 8/4 8/4 8/10 8/10 8/10 8/11 8/17 8/17 8/17 8/18 8/18 8/24 8/25 9/7 9/15 9/28 10/6 10/26 10/26 9/21 9/21 10/27 Race XTERRA Saipan Championship XTERRA Guam Championship XTERRA Miami XTERRA Camp Eagle XTERRA Hickory Knob XTERRA REAL XTERRA Renegade XTERRA West Championship XTERRA Bluebonnet XTERRA Fort Yargo XTERRA Jersey Devil XTERRA Epic - Rustman XTERRA Gator Terra XTERRA Key Biscayne XTERRA Southeast Championship XTERRA King Of The Hill XTERRA Last Stand XTERRA Muleshoe XTERRA Four Corners XTERRA Tsali XTERRA Moab XTERRA East Championship XTERRA Eureka Springs XTERRA East Fork XTERRA Scales Lake XTERRA Torn Shirt XTERRA Clemson XTERRA Pipestem Creek XTERRA Sugar Bottom XTERRA Curt Gowdy XTERRA Cameron Park XTERRA Tahoe City XTERRA Dairyland XTERRA Lock 4 Blast XTERRA Freedom Fest XTERRA Vashon Island XTERRA Magnolia Hill XTERRA Whitewater XTERRA EX2 XTERRA Mountain Championship XTERRA Sky High XTERRA La Grande XTERRA Hammerman XTERRA DINO Versailles XTERRA Snow Valley XTERRA Indian Peaks XTERRA Les Bois XTERRA Panther Creek XTERRA Wild Horse Creek XTERRA Appalachia XTERRA Black Diamond XTERRA DINO Logansport XTERRA Portland XTERRA Lory XTERRA STOAKED XTERRA Iron Creek XTERRA Lake Tahoe XTERRA Illinois Wilds XTERRA Charlottesville XTERRA Wild Ride XTERRA Buffalo Creek XTERRA MountainMan XTERRA Epic - Marquette (2014) XTERRA Pagosa Springs (2014) XTERRA Dread Mon (2014) XTERRA Grand Rapids (2014) XTERRA Epic - Iron Mountain (2014) XTERRA Degray Lake (2014) XTERRA Utah (short and long course open races) XTERRA USA Championship XTERRA World Championship Location Northern Marianas Piti North Miami, Florida Rocksprings, Texas McCormick South Carolina Granite Bay, California San Dimas, California Lake Las Vegas, NV Burnet, Texas Winder, Georgia Barnegat, New Jersey Ruston, Louisiana Ruston, Louisiana Key Biscayne, Florida Pelham, Alabama Lebanon, New Jersey Augusta, Michigan Spicewood, Texas Farmington, New Mexico Bryson City, North Carolina Moab, Utah Richmond, Virginia Eureka Springs, Arkansas Bethel, Ohio Boonville, Indiana Brighton, Michigan Clemson, South Carolina Jamestown, North Dakota North Liberty, Iowa Cheyenne, Wyoming Waco, Texas Tahoe City, California Sheboygan, Wisconsin Gallatin, Tennessee Ka’a’awa, Hawaii Vashon Island, Washington Navasota, Texas Charlotte, North Carolina Flintstone, Maryland Beaver Creek Resort, Avon, CO Grafton, New York La Grande, Oregon Anchorage, Alaska Versailles, Indiana Running Springs, California Nederland, Colorado Boise, Idaho Morristown, Tennessee Bozeman, Montana Indiana, Pennsylvania Black Diamond, Washington Logansport, Indiana Forest Grove, Oregon Bellvue, Colorado Hanover, New Hampshire Spearfish, South Dakota Incline Village, Nevada Hanna City, Illinois Charlottesville, Virginia McCall, Idaho Bailey, Colorado Ka’a’awa, Hawaii Marquette, Michigan Pagosa Springs, CO Truth or Consequences, New Mexico Middleville, Michigan Arkadelphia, Arkansas Arkadelphia, Arkansas Ogden/Snowbasin Resort, UT Ogden/Snowbasin Resort, UT Kapalua, Maui, HI Red = America Tour Championship Race (Worlds Qualifier) NOTE: Races shown in GREY award points toward the 2014 season Regions: NE - Northeast / SE - Southeast / MW - Midwest / SC - South Central / MT - Mountain / NW - Northwest / W - West Tentative as of 2.14.13. For more information visit www.xterraplanet.com or call toll-free to 877-751-8880 Region W W SE SC SE W W W SC SE NE SC SC SE SE NE MW SC SC SE MT NE SC MW MW MW SE MT MW MT SC W MW SE W NW SC SE NE MT NE NW NW MW W MT NW SE MT NE NW MW NW MT NE MT W MW NE NW MT W MW MT SC MW SC SC 2012 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP - PRO RACE REVIEW September 22, 2012 (Ogden, UT) - Josiah Middaugh of Colorado and Lesley Paterson from Scotland earned longawaited victories at the XTERRA USA Championship at the Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, Utah. Middaugh was the overall winner, breaking a string of frustratingly-close performances in this event. Paterson took the women’s title after back-to-back runner-up showings in 2010 and 2011. Conrad Stoltz of South Africa placed fourth, but earned enough points to win his unprecedented 10th XTERRA U.S. Pro Series championship. Paterson captured her first XTERRA U.S. Pro Series title in the women’s division. Middaugh, 34, has been the top-ranked American male in the XTERRA Series for seven of the past eight years, but until today, had never placed higher than third at the USA Championship. He finished with a winning time of 2:26:34. “Finally,” said Middaugh, who resides in Eagle-Vail, Colorado. “More relief than anything. This is a really special win for me to pull this off for the first time.” Paterson’s performance continued an amazing run over the past 11 months. In that span, she has won the 2011 XTERRA World Championship, the 2012 ITU Cross Tri World Championship, and now the 2012 XTERRA USA Championship. “It was awesome,” said Paterson, 31. “I did a lot of prep for this – came out 10 days early. It’s the first time in an XTERRA race that I went into the lead on the bike and held it. So I went into the run actually in the lead, which is very unusual for me, so I think my bike is finally coming together.” PRO MEN Pl Name Age Hometown Time 1 Josiah Middaugh 34 Vail, Colorado 2:26:57 2 Ben Allen 27 North Wollongong, Australia 2:28:46 3 Nicolas Lebrun 39 Digne-les-Bains, France 2:29:02 4 Conrad Stoltz 38 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:30:47 5 Branden Rakita 31 Colorado Springs, Colorado 2:34:01 6 David Henestrosa 35 Manresa, Spain 2:35:24 7 Will Kelsay 30 Boulder, Colorado 2:36:29 8 Ryan Ignatz 33 Boulder, Colorado 2:36:44 9 Cody Waite 33 Lakewood, Colorado 2:36:49 10 Sam Gardner 37 Surrey, Great Britain 2:40:05 Also: Adam Wirth (41), Will Ross (37), Craig Evans (34), Damian Gonzalez (31), Scott Gall (28) Purse $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,200 $900 $700 $500 $350 $200 $150 PRO WOMEN Pl Name Age Hometown 1 Lesley Paterson 31 San Diego, California (Scotland) 2 Suzie Snyder 29 Fredericksburg, Virginia 3 Danelle Kabush 36 Calgary, Alberta, Canada 4 Melanie McQuaid 38 Victoria, B.C., Canada 5 Renata Bucher 34 Lucerne, Switzerland 6 Christine Jeffrey 39 Guelph, Ontario, Canada 7 Jacqui Slack 29 Stoke-on-Trent, Great Britain 8 Carina Wasle 28 Kundl, Austria 9 Kim Baugh 32 Colorado Springs, Colorado 10 Tamara Donelson 36 Edwards, Colorado Also: Heather Holmes (41), Caroline Colonna (37) Purse $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,200 $900 $700 $500 $350 $200 $150 Fastest Swim (1.5km): Ben Allen (22:25), Christine Jeffrey (23:14) Fastest Bike (28km): Josiah Miiddaugh (1:21:52), Renata Bucher (1:36:56) Fastest Run (10km): Nico Lebrun (39:19), Lesley Paterson (45:04) Time 2:49:09 2:52:43 2:52:56 2:54:56 2:56:10 3:01:03 3:03:01 3:09:33 3:09:55 3:11:08 2012 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP - AMATEUR RACING The future of XTERRA came of age in the amateur division as two teenagers – Neilson Powless and Hannah Rae Finchamp – took top honors. swim, which was a little bit of a challenge,” she said. “But I just put my head down and with the true XTERRA spirit, just fight through anything and everything.” Powless and Finchamp are both16, making them the youngest competitors to ever win the overall titles in the amateur division of the XTERRA USA Championship. Genevieve Evans finished right behind Finchamp and was the second female amateur with a time of 3:04:29. Anne Gonzales from Colorado was third in 3:05:16. Shayna Powless – Neilson’s sister – placed second to Finchamp in the female 15-19 division. Powless, 16 and a sophomore at Roosevelt High School in Roseville, Calif., was the first overall amateur with a time of 2:43:32. It was good for 12th overall, topped only by 11 professionals. “It was awesome,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better race. I wasn’t expecting to win top overall because there are some incredible athletes here.” Cindi Toepel from Littleton, Colorado, won the women’s 6064 division, and it was her eighth XTERRA age-group national championship. Finchamp (2) and Evans (2) were the only other females to win for a second time. In the men’s division, Tom Monica (55-59) won his third national title, while Powless, Ron Hill (75-older) and Michael Stone (physically challenged) all won their second. Powless said he was made aware of his position in the pack at the end of the bike, when his father told him that he was in the lead. “At that point, I actually did pick it up,” he said. “I got really excited, and then I kind of had to hold myself back because I didn’t want to go too hard at the start of the run.” XTERRA USA CHAMPIONS (FEMALE AGE GROUP) Division Name Time Hometown 15 - 19 *Hannah Rae Finchamp (2) 3:03:59 Altadena, CA 20 - 24 Elizabeth Gruber 3:14:23 Redding, CA 25 - 29 Kara Lapoint 3:11:40 Truckee, CA 30 - 34 Meghan Sheridan 3:05:28 Sandy, UT 35 - 39 Genevieve Evans (2) 3:04:29 Carnelian Bay, CA 40 - 44 Jennifer Kandolin 3:22:53 Jackson, WY 45 - 49 Paula Maresh 3:30:50 Littleton, CO 50 - 54 Anne Gonzales 3:05:16 Aspen, CO 55 - 59 Lucia Colbert 3:47:44 Memphis, TN 60 - 64 Cindi Toepel (8) 3:58:17 Littleton, CO PC Judith Abrahams 5:50:21 Kenai, AK Bryce Phinney of Arizona was the second overall amateur (and first in the 35-39 age group) with a time of 2:45:39. Nick Goodman, also from Arizona, was third overall (first in 30-34) at 2:50:01. Powless also won the 15-19 age group for the second consecutive year. Finchamp also repeated as a national champion in the 15-19 female group, and added the overall title to her already-impressive XTERRA resume. “It was a phenomenal day out there on the course,” she said. “I’ve been with XTERRA since I was 10 and I’ve always considered myself a little bit of an XTERRA girl. Today, everything just fell into place and God was with me every second.” XTERRA USA CHAMPIONS (MALE AGE GROUP) Division Name Time Hometown 15 - 19 *Neilson Powless (2) 2:43:32 Roseville, CA 20 - 24 Matt Riley 3:12:00 Red Wing, MN 25 - 29 Charles Karstrom 2:56:35 La Jolla, CA 30 - 34 Nick Goodman 2:50:01 Fountain Hills, AZ 35 - 39 Bryce Phinney 2:45:39 Tucson, AZ 40 - 44 Chris Scott 2:51:53 Morrison, IL 45 - 49 Bruce Rogers 3:02:44 Bend, OR 50 - 54 Charlie Wertheim 3:00:03 Carbondale, CO 55 - 59 Tom Monica (3) 3:06:56 Thousand Oaks, CA 60 - 64 Tryg Fortun 3:19:22 Kenmore, WA 65 - 69 James Rawie 4:32:06 Incline Village, NV 75+ Ron Hill (2) 6:04:30 Hayden, ID PC Michael Stone (2) 3:59:58 Boulder, CO * TOP AMATEURS She placed eighth overall among all the females – less than a minute behind top British pro Jacqui Slack. Finchamp, 16 and a junior at Maranatha High School in Altadena, Calif., said she was not aware of her impressive accomplishment until she approached the finish line and heard the crowd. “I had no idea,” she said. “I’m very surprised because all these athletes are so great. We all work so hard and everyone’s goal out there was to have all their training pay off and it definitely did for me.” Making it more impressive, Finchamp competed with her injured left elbow taped for protection. “It got kicked in the 62 2011 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP - PRO RACE REVIEW September 24, 2011 (Ogden, UT) - There was a lot of hype entering the 2011 XTERRA USA Championship, and Nicolas Lebrun didn’t receive much of it. But when it was all said and done, the top off-road triathlete from France proved that the XTERRA USA Championship is a bit different from a Tour de France. Lebrun rallied from a slow swim with the fastest bike split of the day, and then finished with a strong run to run off with top honors at the XTERRA USA Championship at Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, Utah. It was his second USA title in the last three years. “This is a very good race to win today,” said Lebrun, 38. "I think a lot of athletes knew that this morning. With more media, more people around, it would be a very big victory. So I am really happy to have my best race of the year here.” Melanie McQuaid of Canada also had a very good race, and took top honors among the women. It was McQuaid’s fourth consecutive women’s USA Championship, and her fifth overall. “Obviously, this race is good for me,” said McQuaid, 38. It was one of the most anticipated events in XTERRA history, mostly because of the XTERRA debut of American cycling legend Lance Armstrong (pictured) – the seven-time Tour de France winner. Armstrong, 40, was in third place for most of the race, but finished in fifth overall. “At 40 years old, I guess I could have gone home and drank beer and played golf all day long,” Armstrong said. “But it’s cool to come out here and test yourself, and also just support a sport that I think is really cool.” PRO MEN Pl Name Age Hometown Time Purse 1 Nicolas Lebrun 38 Digne-les-Bains, France 2:24:26 $2,500 2 Dan Hugo 26 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:24:50 $2,000 3 Josiah Middaugh 33 Vail, Colorado 2:25:37 $1,500 4 Conrad Stoltz 37 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:27:30 $1,200 5 Lance Armstrong 40 Austin, Texas 2:29:25 $900 6 Branden Rakita 30 Colorado Springs, Colorado 2:30:07 $700 7 Ben Allen 26 North Wollongong, Australia 2:33:26 $500 8 David Henestrosa 34 Manresa, Spain 2:33:28 350 9 Brad Zoller 34 Avon, Colorado 2:33:35 200 10 Cody Waite 32 Lakewood, Colorado 2:34:20 150 Also: Will Kelsay (41), Seth Wealing (37), Jason Michalak (34), Tim DeBoom (31), Adam Wirth (28), Craig Evans, Will Ross, Lewellyn Holmes, Chris Ganter, Michael Hiscott, Jimmy Archer, Patrick Valentine, Greg Gibson PRO WOMEN Pl Name Age Hometown Time Purse 1 Melanie McQuaid 38 Victoria, B.C., Canada 2:43:00 $2,500 2 Lesley Paterson 30 San Diego, California (Scotland) 2:45:59 $2,000 3 Danelle Kabush 36 Calgary, Alberta, Canada 2:47:43 $1,500 4 Kelley Cullen 30 New Castle, Colorado 2:49:24 $1,200 5 Emma Garrard 30 Park City, Utah 2:52:01 $900 6 Christine Jeffrey 38 Guelph, Ontario, Canada 2:53:43 $700 7 Shonny Vanlandingham 41 Durango, Colorado 2:54:16 $500 8 Sara Tarkington 30 Boulder, Colorado 2:43:33 350 9 Suzie Snyder 29 Fredericksburg, Virginia 2:54:48 200 10 Jessica Noyola 29 San Diego, California 2:59:41 150 Also: Carina Wasle (41), Luisa Bryce (37), Tracy Thelen (34), Tammy Jacques (31), Mical Dyck (28), Caroline Colonna, Kim Baugh Fastest Swim (1.5km): Ben Allen (20:46), Christine Jeffrey (21:32) Fastest Bike (28km): Nico Lebrun (1:21:59), Melanie McQuaid (1:34:16) Fastest Run (10km): David Henestrosa (37:47), Lesley Paterson (40:55) 2011 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP - AMATEUR RACING A former and future professional were at the top of the standings of the amateur division of the XTERRA USA Championship at Snowbasin Resort, near Ogden, Utah. XTERRA USA CHAMPIONS (FEMALE AGE GROUP) Division Name Time Hometown 15 - 19 Hannah Rae Finchamp 3:17:52 Altadena, CA 20 - 24 Laurel Peak 3:55:07 Augusta, MI 25 - 29 Margaret Peterson 3:20:31 Wenatchee, WA 30 - 34 Heather Lyman 3:05:06 South Lake Tahoe, CA 35 - 39 Tamara Donelson (2) 3:04:01 Edwards, CO 40 - 44 Gina Rau 3:13:45 Sandy, UT 45 - 49 Keri Grosse (3) 3:25:13 Spokane, WA 50 - 54 Beverly Enslow (6) 3:27:52 Metamora, IL 55 - 59 Barbara Peterson (7) 3:50:14 Berkeley, CA 60 - 64 Cindi Toepel (7) 3:45:53 Littleton, CO Ryan Ignatz, a former top-10 finisher in the pro division of the USA Championship, took first place overall among the amateurs this year. He finished with a time of 2:37:26, which was topped only by 11 professionals. Ignatz, who is 33 and resides in Boulder, Colo., was an XTERRA pro as recently as 2009, and placed sixth at the 2006 XTERRA USA Championship. Ogden’s own Nick Fisher was the second amateur, finishing with a time of 2:38:15. Fisher, 25, may soon join the professional ranks. XTERRA USA CHAMPIONS (MALE AGE GROUP) Division Name Time Hometown 15 - 19 Nielsen Powless 2:54:24 Roseville, CA 20 - 24 Mathieu Signoretty 2:48:49 Sammamish, WA 25 - 29 Nick Fisher 2:38:15 Ogden, UT 30 - 34 Ryan Ignatz 2:37:26 Boulder, CO 35 - 39 Jason Jablonski (2) 2:40:31 Wenatchee, WA 40 - 44 Kevin Donovan 2:49:39 Boise, ID 45 - 49 Rob Laurie 2:54:55 Incline Village, NV 50 - 54 Brent Peacock 3:00:07 Jackson, WY 55 - 59 Steve Cole 3:20:14 Olive Branch, MS 60 - 64 Michael Orendorff 3:21:03 Pueblo, CO 65 - 69 Bruce Wacker 3:37:46 Colorado Springs, CO 70+ Nataniel Grew (2) 6:05:58 South Woodstock, VT PC Willie Stewart (3) 3:18:17 Boise, ID * TOP AMATEURS The top amateur female was Tamara Donelson of Edwards, Colo. She finished with a time of 3:04:01. Donelson, 36, also won the women’s 35-39 age group for the second consecutive year. Heather Lyman of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., placed second with a time of 3:05:06. Several triathletes added to their list of titles from the USA Championship, including two women who have now won seven. Barbara Peterson of Berkeley, Calif., won her seventh USA amateur title, and her first since 2006. She won the women’s 55-59 division for the first time. Her previous titles came in the 40-44, 45-49 and 50-54 age groups. Cindi Toepel of Littleton, Colo., also won her seventh USA amateur championship, and fifth in a row. She placed first in the women’s 60-64 division with a time of 3:45:18, which was more than an hour ahead of the next finsiher in that age group. Beverly Enslow of Metamora, Ill., won her sixth consecutive USA amateur title – the longest active streak. She won the women’s 50-54 age group with a time of 3:27:52. Her first title came in 2006, when she was in the 45-49 age group. Also of note, Steve Cole of Olive Branch, Miss., won his first XTERRA USA Championship. He placed first in the men’s 55-59 age division, one night after receiving the “Mr. XTERRA” award. Cole is a long-time XTERRA triathlete, and owns a record 11 regional titles. The other triathletes who added to their list of USA Championships: Kerri Grosse (women 45-49), three titles; Jason Jablonski (men 35-39), two titles; Bruce Wacker (men 60-64), two titles; Nathaniel Grew (men 70-older), two titles; Willie Stewart (physically challenged), three titles. Ryan Ignatz 64 2010 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP - PRO RACE REVIEW Snowbasin Resort / Ogden, UT (September 25, 2010) – Conrad Stoltz from South Africa and Melanie McQuaid from Canada won the grueling XTERRA USA Championship offroad triathlon on an incredibly beautiful fall day at Snowbasin Resort. Stoltz, a two-time Olympian, completed the 1-mile swim, 19mile mountain bike ride, and 6.5-mile trail run in 2:24:03, a five full minutes in front of last year’s race winner, Nicolas Lebrun from France. With the victory, Stoltz also won the six-stop XTERRA U.S. Pro Series for the eighth time since 2001, and took home $12,500 in prize money. “I’m really, really surprised with my performance today,” said Stoltz. “I’ve said before that this is the anti-Conrad course because there are 3,000-feet of climbing and not a whole lot of descending, and because I’m 180 pounds it is especially PRO MEN Pl Name 1 Conrad Stoltz 2 Nicolas Lebrun 3 Josiah Middaugh 4 Dan Hugo 5 Felix Schumann 6 Seth Wealing 7 Branden Rakita 8 Cody Waite 9 Will Kelsay 10 Matt Lieto Also: Adam Wirth (41), Scott Gall (37), challenging for me, but my legs felt amazing and the Specialized 29’er I was riding was incredible, it just rolled over all the roots and rocks.” Stoltz’ five-minute margin of victory was by far the most dominating performance in the history of the XTERRA USA Championship race, and his prowess on the mountain bike turned it into a race for second place early on. Three-time XTERRA World Champ Melanie McQuaid hadn’t won a race in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series all year, until today, perhaps the result of a focused year-long training plan specifically designed to peak for this race and next month’s XTERRA World Championship. “I feel like I’ve got something brewing,” said McQuaid. “I’ve gotten the ones I wanted – the XTERRA European Championship in Italy, the XTERRA Canada Championship, this one.” Age Hometown Time 36 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:24:03 37 Digne, France 2:29:02 31 Vail, Colorado 2:29:38 25 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:29:44 28 Tuebingen, Germany 2:30:03 31 Boulder, Colorado 2:32:17 30 Manitou Springs, Colorado 2:36:41 31 Lakewood, Colorado 2:37:29 28 Boulder, Colorado 2:37:40 32 Bend, Oregon 2:40:47 Craig Evans (34), Brad Zoller (31), Justin Hurd (28) PRO WOMEN Pl Name 1 Melanie McQuaid 2 Lesley Paterson 3 Shonny Vanlandingham 4 Jenny Smith 5 Christine Jeffrey 6 Renata Bucher 7 Sara Tarkington 8 Emma Garrard 9 Suzie Snyder 10 Carina Wasle Also: Fabiola Corona (41), Tracy Thelen Age Hometown 36 Victoria, B.C., Canada 29 Sterling, Scotland 41 Durango, Colorado 37 Gunnison, Colorado 37 Guelph, Ontario, Canada 32 Lucerne, Switzerland 29 Boulder, Colorado 28 Truckee, California 28 Stafford, Vermont 26 Kundl, Austria (37), Katie Ellis (34), Erin Collins (31) Time 2:49:57 2:51:39 2:53:29 2:57:23 2:58:00 2:58:39 2:58:52 3:02:02 3:02:37 3:02:59 Fastest Swim (1.5km): Seth Wealing/Branden Rakita (20:44), Christine Jeffrey (21:42) Fastest Bike (30km): Conrad Stoltz (1:25:11), Melanie McQuaid (1:43:02) Fastest Run (10km): Scott Gall (35:13), Lesley Paterson (38:33) 65 Pts 100 90 82 75 69 63 58 53 49 45 Purse $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,200 $900 $700 $500 $350 $200 $150 Pts 100 90 82 75 69 63 58 53 49 45 Purse $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,200 $900 $700 $500 $350 $200 $150 2010 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP - AMATEUR RACING More than 300 qualified athletes representing 40 states were in Ogden and up at Snowbasin Resort last September for their shot at the national championship of off-road triathlon. Jason Michalak, 32, from Lakewood, Colorado defended his title, while Jessica Noyola, 28, from San Diego, California stole the women’s crown from defending champion Jamie Brede (who placed second overall amateur and won the 30-34 division). Of note, at 71-years-young Hans Dieben won his seventh XTERRA amateur crown, this time in the 70+ division, while Cindi Toepel won her sixth title. Other repeat champs include Beverly Enslow with five, David Rakita (Branden’s dad) with four, Caroline Colonna with three, and Michalak, Brede, Jeroen Keukenkamp, Dave Cloninger, Kevin Shelden, and Linda Usher with two each. Here’s a look at the 2010 class of XTERRA age group National Champions: 2010 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Men Division 15 - 19 20 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 34 35 - 39 40 - 44 45 - 49 50 - 54 55 - 59 60 - 64 65 - 59 70+ Challenged Name (2) Jeroen Keukenkamp Patrick Valentine John Klish (2) Jason Michalak Henry Reed (2) Dave Cloninger (2) Kevin Shelden Andrew Fox Dawes Wilson (4) David Rakita Richard Suggs (7) Hans Dieben Michael Stone Time 3:01:15 2:47:01 2:51:46 2:40:20 2:57:03 2:50:36 2:56:41 2:59:41 3:15:16 3:30:39 4:39:03 5:11:29 3:56:02 Hometown El Dorado Hills, CA Colorado Springs, CO Eagle, CO Lakewood, CO Avon, CO Bend, OR Breckenridge, CO Evergreen, CO Vail, CO Durango, CO Nacogdoches, TX Chula Vista, CA Boulder, CO 2010 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Women Division 15 - 19 20 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 34 35 - 39 40 - 44 45 - 49 50 - 54 55 - 59 60+ Name Shayna Powless Danielle Kehoe Jessica Noyola (2) Jaime Brede Tamara Donelson Karen Oppenheimer (3) Caroline Colonna (5) Beverly Enslow (6) Cindi Toepel (2) Linda Usher * TOP AMATEURS (#) denotes national championships won 66 Time 3:22:53 3:20:33 3:06:29 3:08:45 3:28:57 3:37:34 3:20:22 3:19:31 3:55:08 5:07:00 Hometown Roseville, CA Arvada, CO San Diego, CA Breckenridge, CO Edwards, CO Bend, OR Taos, NM Metamora, IL Littleton, CO West Upton, MA 2009 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP- PRO RACE REVIEW Snowbasin Resort - Ogden, Utah (September 26, 2009) Nicolas “Nico” Lebrun chased down the defending champ Conrad Stoltz during the last quarter of the run while Melanie McQuaid held off a hard-charging Shonny Vanlandingham to capture the men’s and women’s XTERRA USA Championship titles on an absolutely epic day in Northern Utah’s Wasatch Range. “I felt really strong on the run,” said a jubilated Lebrun shortly after he crossed the finish line. “It’s a very big day for me. I’ve come to the U.S. four times before for this race and have never been very good. This course was perfect for me, and I had a lot of confidence coming into it,” said the 2005 XTERRA World Champ who grew up climbing around ski resorts in the French Alps. “Maybe for the first time ever I’m content with second,” said PRO MEN Pl Name 1 Nico Lebrun 2 Conrad Stoltz 3 Josiah Middaugh 4 Mike Vine 5 Seth Wealing 6 Branden Rakita 7 Cody Waite 8 Ryan Ignatz 9 Brian Smith 10 Will Kelsay Also: Craig Evans (41, $150), Scott Gall Stoltz, who with the finish secured an unprecedented 7th XTERRA U. S. Pro Series title. “Considering the injuries I had this year and my sketchy training as a result I’m very happy to keep it all together and still win the series. Plus, Nico is just a Billy goat, and he was the strongest guy out there today.” The three-time XTERRA World Champ came out of the water more than three minutes behind Christine Jeffrey undaunted, and by midway through the bike had a two minute lead on Jeffrey, Sara Tarkington, and Shonny Vanlandingham. At the awards ceremony McQuaid spoke for the entire field when she said, “the people and volunteers here in Utah are crazy amazing. The hospitality they show is insane, they’re just so happy to have us and I can tell you we are happy to be here. I can’t imagine a funner place to enjoy the end of the U.S. series.” Age Hometown Time Pts 35 Digne-les-Bains, France 2:21:57 100 35 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:22:49 90 30 Vail, Colorado 2:26:08 82 35 Victoria, B.C., Canada 2:26:40 75 30 Boulder, Colorado 2:30:44 69 28 Manitou Springs, Colorado 2:32:30 63 30 Lakewood, Colorado 2:32:56 58 30 Boulder, Colorado 2:33:38 53 33 Gunnison, Colorado 2:34:29 49 27 Boulder, Colorado 2:37:32 45 (37, $100), Damian Gonzalez (34), Guy Perry (31), Matt Boobar (28) Purse $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,200 $900 $700 $500 $350 $250 $200 TOP PRO WOMEN Pl Name Age Hometown Time Pts Purse 1 Melanie McQuaid 36 Victoria, B.C., Canada 2:48:37 100 $2,500 2 Shonny Vanlandingham 40 Durango, Colorado 2:49:24 90 $2,000 3 Lesley Paterson 28 Sterling, Scotland 2:50:34 82 $1,500 4 Carina Wasle 24 Kundl, Austria 2:51:00 75 $1,200 5 Jenny Smith 36 Westport, New Zealand 2:55:23 69 $900 6 Sara Tarkington 28 Boulder, Colorado 2:57:05 63 $700 7 Danelle Kabush 34 Canmore, Alberta, Canada 2:57:32 58 $500 8 Renata Bucher 31 Lucerne, Switzerland 2:58:43 53 $350 9 Christine Jeffrey 36 Guelph, Ontario, Canada 2:58:56 49 $250 10 Rebecca Dussault 28 Crested Butte, Colorado 3:01:53 45 $200 Also: Emma Garrard (41, $150), Tracy Thelen (37, $100), Alexandra Borrelly (34), Brandyn Roark-Gray (31), Cameron Randolph (28) Fastest Swim (1.5km): Seth Wealing (19:20), Christine Jeffrey (19:27) Fastest Bike (30km): Nico Lebrun (1:25:36), Melanie McQuaid (1:41:37) Fastest Run (10km): Nico Lebrun (34:44), Carina Wasle (39:25) 67 2009 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP AMATEUR RACE REVIEW More than 300 qualified athletes representing 42 states were at Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, Utah for their shot at the national championship of off-road triathlon. Jason Michalak, 31, from Lakewood, Colorado edged former XTERRA pro Jason Jablonski from Wenatchee, Washington by just 28 seconds to win the men’s amateur overall crown. In the women’s race Jaime Brede, 32, from Breckenridge, CO topped Keri Grosse, 43, of Leavenworth, WA by more than a minute. Kent Robison from Reno (one of the members of the inaugural class of 2001 XTERRA National Champions) won the 60-64 division for his 7th national title - tying him with his partner in crime Tom Lyons, also from Reno, for the all-time record. Lyons streak of seven straight national championships came to an end today at the hands of Kevin Shelden who edged him by just two minutes. Former Mrs. XTERRA Cindi Toepel picked up her 5th national title, Beverly Enslow won her fourth, and Caroline Colonna, Keri Grosse, Katherine Pollard, Megan Fisher, Wayne Avery, and Randy Beckner each won their second. Pictured: Jason Michalak / Cindi Toepel 2009 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Women Division 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60+ PC Name (2) Katherine Pollard Amelia Vandyke Erin Collins Jaime Brede Genevieve Evans (2) Keri Grosse (2) Caroline Colonna (4) Beverly Enslow (5) Cindi Toepel Linda Usher (2) Megan Fisher Hometown Roseville, CA Vail, CO Cedar Hills, UT Breckenridge, CO Carnelian Bay, CA Leavenworth, WA Taos, NM Metamora, IL Littleton, CO West Upton, MA Missoula, MT Time 3:59:30 4:12:29 3:17:35 3:13:23 3:18:24 3:14:56 3:24:08 3:33:40 3:55:03 5:29:03 4:20:19 2009 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Men Div Name 15-19 Jeroen Keukenkamp 20-24 John Donovan 25-29 Kaleb Vanort 30-34 Jason Michalak 35-39 Jason Jablonski 40-44 Ed Oliver 45-49 Kevin Shelden 50-54 (2) Wayne Avery 55-59 (2) Randy Beckner 60-64 (7) Kent Robison 65-69 Jim Meskimen 70+ Ron Hill PC Craig Vogtsberger (#) denotes national championships won 68 Hometown El Dorado Hills, CA Incline Village, NV Mishawaka, IN Lakewood, CO Wenatchee, WA Broomfield, CO Breckenridge, CO Reno, NV Helena, MT Reno, NV Truckee, CA Hayden, ID Kalamazoo, MI Time 3:04:48 2:52:13 2:50:28 2:41:04 2:41:32 2:47:57 2:51:43 2:57:08 3:12:54 3:16:29 4:19:41 5:21:22 3:51:25 2008 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 – INCLINE VILLAGE, NV – Inspired by 5-time XTERRA USA Champ and now cancer-stricken athlete Jamie Whitmore - Canadians Mike Vine and Melanie McQuaid powered their way through a chilly morning and grueling course to win the eighth annual XTERRA USA Championship on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. TOP 20 PRO MEN Place Name Age Hometown Time Race $$$/Series Purse 1 Mike Vine 35 Victoria, B.C., Canada 2:32:38 $5,000/$2,000 2 Seth Wealing 29 Incline Village, Nevada 2:34:03 $4,000/$1,200 3 Josiah Middaugh 29 Vail, Colorado 2:35:12 $3,000/$4,500 4 Dan Hugo 23 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:36:14 $2,400/$7,000 5 Branden Rakita 27 Mawitoo Springs, Colorado 2:37:00 $1,800/$450 6 Brian Smith 32 Gunnison, Colorado 2:37:33 $1,400/$3,000 7 Chris Legh 35 Melbourne, Australia 2:38:02 $1,000/$0 8 Conrad Stoltz 34 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:40:17 $700/$14,000 9 Ryan Ignatz 29 Boulder, Colorado 2:42:00 $500/$500 10 Rom Akerson 24 Tambor, Costa Rica 2:42:05 $400/$700 Also: Sam Gardner ($300/$0), Will Kelsay ($200/$0), Cody Waite ($0/$350), Craig Evans ($0/$900), Andrew Noble ($0/$300), Jim Vance, Jim McConnel, Damian Gonzalez, Scott Gall, Ryan DeCook. TOP 19 PRO WOMEN Place Name Age Hometown Time Race $$$/Series Purse 1 Melanie McQuaid 35 Victoria, B.C., Canada 2:56:17 $5,000/$14,000 2 Renata Bucher 31 Lucerne, Switzerland 2:59:34 $4,000/$0 3 Carina Wasle 22 Kundl, Austria 3:00:30 $3,000/$0 4 Lesley Paterson 28 Stirling, Scotland 3:02:24 $2,400/$2,000 5 Jenny Smith 34 Westport, New Zealand 3:02:36 $1,800/$4,500 6 Danelle Kabush 33 Canmore, Alberta, Canada 3:02:43 $1,400/$3,000 7 Shonny Vanlandingham 38 Durango, Colorado 3:03:42 $1,000/$7,000 8 Jenny Tobin 39 Boise, Idaho 3:04:44 $700/$1,200 9 Sari Anderson 30 Glenwood Springs, CO 3:06:45 $0/$0 10 Sara Tarkington 27 Boulder, Colorado 3:07:12 $0/$0 Also: Christine Jeffrey ($0/$900), Emma Garrard ($0/$0), Susan Williams ($0/$0), Fabiola Corona ($0/$0), Lisa Isom ($0/$0), Marion Summerer ($0/$700), Kristy Lanier ($0/$450), Amber Monforte ($0/$500), Linda Gallo. Fastest Swim (0.93 Miles): Seth Wealing (23:16), Christine Jeffrey (23:45) Fastest Bike (21.7 Miles): Mike Vine (1:31:32), Renata Bucher (1:43:49) Fastest Run (6.1 Miles): Chris Legh (35:48), Danelle Kabush (39:19) 2008 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Men Division Name Hometown 15 - 19 2 Joshua Olmstead Sacramento, CA 20 - 24 John Donovan Incline Village, NV 25 - 29 Luke Jay Littleton, CO 30 - 34 Grant Folske Beaverton, OR 35 - 39 2 Tim Menoher Erlanger, KY 40 - 44 Stephen White Vail, CO 45 - 49 7 Tom Lyons Reno, NV 50 - 54 Wayne Avery Reno, NV 55 - 59 Randy Beckner Helena, MT 60 - 64 Bruce Wacker Colorado Springs, CO 65 - 69 Peter Lilley Charlotte, NC 70+ Nathaniel Grew Boston, MA PC Craig Vogtsberger Kalamazoo, MI 2008 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Women Division Name Hometown Time 15 - 19 Katherine Pollard Roseville, CA 4:28:11 20 - 24 Erin Kummer Boulder, CO 3:18:09 25 - 29 4 Suzie Snyder Wallingford, CT 3:27:07 30 - 34 Ashlie Angel Durango, CO 3:43:59 35 - 39 Sarah McMahan Incline Village, NV 3:32:21 40 - 44 Keri Grosse Leavenworth, WA 3:26:10 45 - 49 2 Kathy Eckert Denver, CO 3:40:53 50 - 54 3 Beverly Enslow Metamora, IL 3:39:02 55 - 59 4 Cindi Toepel Littleton, CO 3:55:04 60+ 3 Katherine Frank Bend, OR 5:09:38 PC Megan Fisher Missoula, MT 4:58:22 69 Time 2:51:32 3:06:06 2:53:13 2:56:23 2:52:03 2:55:56 2:58:30 3:08:29 3:13:33 3:43:55 4:37:46 5:42:46 3:59:19 2007 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 – Both Stoltz and Whitmore reclaimed the XTERRA titles that slipped away from them in 2006 when Stoltz (who won this race in 2001, ’02 and ’03) broke his back and wrist pre-riding and Whitmore (who won four straight from 2002-05) suffered through a series of flats that left her out of the title chase. Stoltz and Whitmore finished with perfect 400-point scores in the five-stop XTERRA U.S. Pro Series and thus earned $19,000 for their efforts ($14,000 for winning the Series and $5,000 for winning the race). TOP PRO MEN Place Name Age Hometown Time Race $$$/Series Purse 1 Conrad Stoltz 33 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:34:08 $5,000/$14,000 2 Mike Vine 33 Victoria, B.C., Canada 2:35:40 $4,000/$7,000 3 Andrew Noble 41 Gold Coast, Australia 2:37:18 $3,000/$2,000 4 Josiah Middaugh 28 Vail, Colorado 2:37:47 $2,400/$4,500 5 Seth Wealing 28 Boulder, Colorado 2:39:55 $1,800/$3,000 6 Ryan Ignatz 28 Boulder, Colorado 2:40:27 $1,400/$450 7 Greg Krause 30 Littleton, Colorado 2:40:51 $1,000/$700 8 Brian Smith 31 Gunnison, Colorado 2:42:15 $700/$1,200 9 Bucky Schafer 25 Englewood, Colorado 2:44:24 $500/NA 10 Andrew Biglow 36 Boulder, Colorado 2:46:55 $400/$200 Also: Jimmy Archer ($300/$400), Luke Way ($200/$300), Will Kelsay (/$350), Sam Gardner, Cody Waite (/$900) Place Name Age 1 Jamie Whitmore 31 2 Jennifer Smith 34 3 Dara Marks Marino 31 4 Candy Angle 37 5 Melanie McQuaid 34 6 Amber Monforte 29 7 Shonny Vanlandingham 38 8 Erin Ford 31 9 Sara Tarkington 26 10 Sabra Davison 21 Also: Kim Jennings TOP PRO WOMEN Hometown Somerset, California Westport, New Zealand Flagstaff, Arizona Weymouth, Massachusetts Victoria, B.C., Canada Reno, Nevada Durango, Colorado The Dalles, Oregon Boulder, Colorado Jericho, Vermont Time 2:59:18 3:01:26 3:04:42 3:10:01 3:10:25 3:12:41 3:13:44 3:14:58 3:15:10 3:36:12 Race $$$/Series Purse $5,000/$14,000 $4,000/$4,500 $3,000/$1,200 $2,400/$3,000 $1,800/$7,000 $1,400/$2,000 $1,000/$900 $700/NA /$500 /$450 Fastest Swim (0.93 Miles): Seth Wealing (24:17), Melanie McQuaid (26:29) Fastest Bike (21.7 Miles): Conrad Stoltz (1:32:17), Jennifer Smith (1:47:17) Fastest Run (6.1 Miles): Josiah Middaugh (35:52), Jamie Whitmore (40:56) 2007 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Women Division Name Hometown Time 15 - 19 Becca Finley Johnston, IA 3:44:04 20 - 24 2 Sara Hanson Blacksburg, VA 3:31:25 25 - 29 Emma Garrard Truckee, CA 3:15:57 30 - 34 Kelly Hovland Portland, OR 3:22:28 35 - 39 Lisa Lieb Durango, CO 3:33:26 40 - 44 Caroline Colonna Taos, NM 3:28:43 45 - 49 2 Katrin Tobin Santa Cruz, CA 3:19:10 50 - 54 2 Beverly Enslow Metamora, IL 3:40:41 55 - 59 3 Cindi Toepel Littleton, CO 4:04:57 60+ 2 Katherine Frank Bend, OR 5:10:32 * Overall Amateur National Champions 70 2007 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Men Division Name Hometown 15 - 19 Joshua Olmstead Elk Grove, CA 20 - 24 Chris Pickerell Harrisonburg, VA 25 - 29 Jeff Smith Sandpoint, ID 30 - 34 Damian Gonzalez Stockton, CA 35 - 39 4 Matt Boobar Plymouth, NH 40 - 44 Scott Zavack Los Gatos, CA 45 - 49 6 Tom Lyons Reno, NV 50 - 54 2 Tom Monica Walnut Creek, CA 55 - 59 Don Morrison West Brandywine, PA 60 - 64 6 Kent Robison Reno, NV 65 + 6 Hans Dieben Chula Vista, CA PC 2 Willie Stewart Redlands, CA Time 3:07:17 2:55:05 2:49:15 2:57:01 2:49:02 3:04:39 3:04:10 3:11:57 3:29:07 3:24:40 4:40:47 3:32:03 2006 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006 – On an incredibly beautiful crisp and clear day on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe Seth Wealing became the first American male to win the XTERRA USA Championship in the six-year history of the event, edging Mike Vine from Canada by just over a minute with a winning time of 2:34:41. In the women's pro race Melanie McQuaid from Canada snapped American Jamie Whitmore's four-year run to become the first non-U.S. female to win the race since Anke Erlank (South Africa) in 2001. Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Name Seth Wealing Mike Vine Chris Legh Andrew Noble Bucky Schafer Ryan Ignatz Josiah Middaugh Justin Thomas Greg Krause John Koenig Age 27 33 33 41 24 28 28 31 29 36 - - -TOP 10 PRO MEN - - Hometown Boulder, Colorado Victoria, B.C., Canada Melbourne, Australia Gold Coast, Australia Englewood, Colorado Boulder, Colorado Vail, Colorado Reno, Nevada Denver, Colorado Glenview, Illinois Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Name Melanie McQuaid Jennifer Smith Danelle Kabush Candy Angle Jamie Whitmore Melissa Thomas Janae Pritchett Erin Ford Shonny Vanlandingham Kerry Barnholt Age 33 33 31 37 30 36 30 30 37 33 - - -TOP 10 PRO WOMEN - - Hometown Time Victoria, B.C., Canada 3:00:22 Westport, New Zealand 3:02:31 Canmore, Alberta, Canada 3:03:40 Weymouth, Massachusetts 3:05:02 Sacramento, California 3:06:02 Boulder, Colorado 3:08:45 Crested Butte, Colorado 3:11:25 Dalles, Oregon 3:14:25 Durango, Colorado 3:16:10 Boulder, Colorado 3:18:25 Time 2:34:41 2:35:46 2:36:12 2:37:58 2:41:08 2:41:29 2:43:07 2:43:35 2:43:46 2:45:02 Race $$$/Series Purse $5,000/$14,000 $4,000/$900 $3,000/none $2,400/$4,500 $1,800/none $1,200/$1,200 $900/$300 $700/$700 $500/$200 $450/none Race/Series Purse $5,000/$14,000 $4,000/$900 $3,000/$3,000 $2,400/4,500 $1,800/$7,000 $1,200/$1,200 $900/$2,000 $700/none Fastest 1.5k Swim (0.93 Miles): Seth Wealing (22:47), Janae Pritchett (25:02) Fastest 32k Bike (19 Miles): Mike Vine (1:37:04), Jennifer Smith (1:48:30) Fastest 10k Run (6.2 Miles): Chris Legh (33:17), Danelle Kabush (38:34) AGE GROUP CHAMPS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2006 XTERRA National Champions - Amateur Women Division Name Hometown 15 - 19 Sara Hanson McLean, VA 20 - 24 * Suzie Snyder Colorado Springs, CO 25 - 29 Elizabeth Vollmer Denver, CO 30 - 34 Laura Home Santa Cruz, CA 35 - 39 Birgit Johnston Los Gatos, CA 40 - 44 Katrin Tobin Santa Cruz, CA 45 - 49 Beverly Enslow Peoria, IL 50 - 54 $ Barbara Peterson Berkeley, CA 55 - 59 Mary Ellen Laberge LaGrande, OR 2006 XTERRA National Champions - Amateur Men Division Name Hometown 15 - 19 Ryan Ognibene Santa Ana, CA 20 - 24 Kent Finley Johnstown, IA 25 - 29 Cody Waite Denver, CO 30 - 34 * Matt Boobar Plymouth, NH 35 - 39 Ross McMahan Incline Village, NV 40 - 44 Tim Johnston Los Gatos, CA 45 - 49 ! Tom Lyons Reno, NV 50 - 54 * Ian Davidson, Jr. Clemson, SC 55 - 59 ! Kent Robinson Reno, NV 60 - 64 + Peter Wood La Jolla, CA 65 + ! Hans Dieben Chula Vista, CA Challenged Ryan Levinson San Diego, CA Time 3:52:24 3:28:42 3:30:35 3:18:51 3:34:50 3:22:06 3:46:45 3:56:35 4:23:07 * Overall Amateur National Champions 71 Time 3:20:34 3:08:22 2:52:18 2:51:35 2:57:15 2:58:49 3:04:43 3:13:17 3:23:06 3:54:18 4:34:23 4:48:44 2005 USA CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS Fastest 1.5k Swim (0.93 Miles): Brent McMahon (22:31), Barb Lindquist (23:07) Fastest 32k Bike (22 Miles): Conrad Stoltz (1:33:52), Jimena Florit (1:47:12) Fastest 10k Run (6.2 Miles): Chris Legh (36:13), Jessica Harrison (42:14) TOP 10 PRO MEN Place Name 1 Eneko Llanos 2 Conrad Stoltz 3 Mike Vine 4 Seth Wealing 5 Francisco Serrano 6 Olivier Marceau 7 Chris Legh 8 Andrew Noble 9 Josiah Middaugh 10 Michael Simpson Age 28 31 31 26 24 32 32 40 27 22 Hometown Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain Stellenbosch, South Africa Victoria, B.C., Canada Boulder, Colorado Garza Garcia, Mexico Cannes, France Melbourne, Australia Gold Coast, Australia Vail, Colorado Vancouver, B.C., Canada Time 2:36:13 2:37:15 2:38:26 2:39:42 2:40:45 2:41:12 2:41:14 2:42:35 2:42:47 2:42:54 Points - Race Purse 100 - $5,000/$200 90 - $4,000/$14,000 82 - $3,000/$7,000 75 - $2,400/$400 69 - $1,800/$2,000 63 - $1,400/$4,500 58 - $1,000/none 53 - $700/$700 49 - $500/$1,200 45 - $400/$400 TOP 10 PRO WOMEN Place Name 1 Jamie Whitmore 2 Melanie McQuaid 3 Barb Lindquist 4 Danelle Kabush 5 Candy Angle 6 Jessica Harrison 7 Melissa Thomas 8 Jenny Tobin 9 Janae Pritchett 10 Lisa Isom Age 29 31 35 30 35 27 35 35 29 33 Hometown Elk Grove, California Victoria, B.C., Canada Alta, Wyoming Canmore, Alberta, Canada Weymouth, Massachusetts Perpignan, France Boulder, Colorado Boise, Idaho Crested Butte, Colorado Vail, Colorado Time 3:01:30 3:02:05 3:03:07 3:09:45 3:10:07 3:12:04 3:12:57 3:14:04 3:15:51 3:17:54 Points - Race Purse 100 - $5,000/$14,000 90 - $4,000/$7,000 82 - $3,000/none 75 - $2,400/$3,000 69 - $1,800/$4,500 63 - $1,400/$3,000 58 - $1,000/$2,000 53 - $700/$900 49 - none/$700 45 - none/none XTERRA National Champions - Amateur Men Division Name Hometown 15 - 19 Alex Modestou North Liberty, IA 20 - 24 Ryan DeCook Rochester, MI 25 - 29 Craig Evans Spring Hill, TN 30 - 34 Andrew Biglow Boulder, CO 35 - 39 David Cloninger Bend, OR 40 - 44 #Tom Lyons Reno, NV 45 - 49 Kevin Deighan Vail, CO 50 - 54 +Ian Davidson, Jr. Clemson, SC 55 - 59 #Kent Robinson Reno, NV 60 - 64 Ronald Scranton Albuquerque, NM 65 + #Hans Dieben Chula Vista, CA CAF Willie Stewart Redlands, CA XTERRA National Champions Division Name 15 - 19 +Kate Chapman 20 - 24 +Suzanne Snyder 25 - 29 Amber Monforte 30 - 34 Aracelly Clouse 35 - 39 +Karen Lefebre 40 - 44 Kathy Eckert 45 - 49 ! Barbara Peterson 50 - 54 +Cindi Toepel 55 - 59 Kathy Frank Time 3:06:57 3:05:52 2:53:34 2:52:05 2:58:31 3:05:07 3:20:58 3:16:23 3:44:14 4:54:52 4:44:16 3:35:00 - Amateur Women Hometown Breckenridge, CO Colorado Springs, CO Reno, NV Cameron Park, CA Big Sky, MT Denver, CO Berkeley, CA Littleton, CO Bend, OR Top Amateurs +two-time, *three-time, #four-time, !five-time champs 72 Time 3:39:32 3:38:18 3:20:33 3:26:12 4:00:20 3:51:20 3:57:51 4:11:24 2004 USA CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS Fastest 1.5k Swim (0.93 Miles): Kerry Classen (21:48), Lynley Allison (24:41) Fastest 32k Bike (22 Miles): Josiah Middaugh (1:36:26), Jamie Whitmore (1:51:08) Fastest 10k Run (6.2 Miles): Josiah Middaugh (36:53), Jamie Whitmore (44:30) TOP 10 PRO MEN Place Name 1 Eneko Llanos 2 Sylvain Dodet 3 Josiah Middaugh 4 Nicolas LeBrun 5 Conrad Stoltz 6 David Henestrosa 7 Jason Chalker 8 Francisco Serrano 9 Greg Krause 10 Jan Rehula Age 27 29 26 31 30 26 29 23 26 30 Hometown Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain Antibes, France Vail, Colorado Villeneuve-Loubet, France Stellenbosch, South Africa Barcelona, Spain Sydney, Australia Garza Garcia, Mexico Denver, Colorado Ceskebudejovice, Czech Republic Time 2:36:36 2:37:25 2:39:15 2:39:51 2:40:06 2:40:48 2:42:02 2:42:15 2:42:38 2:43:31 Race Purse $5,000 $4,000 $3,000 $2,400 $1,800 $1,400 $1,000 $700 $500 $400 Points 100 90 82 75 69 63 58 53 49 45 TOP 10 PRO WOMEN Place Name 1 Jamie Whitmore 2 Melanie McQuaid 3 Candy Angle 4 Lynley Allison 5 Janae Deverell 6 Lisa Isom 7 Cherie Touchette 8 Erin McCarty 9 Linda Gabor 10 Christy Murphy Age 27 30 34 31 28 32 40 33 31 34 Hometown Elk Grove, California Victoria, B.C., Canada Weymouth, Massachusetts Auckland, New Zealand Crested Butte, Colorado Vail, Colorado Incline Village, Nevada San Jose, California Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin Novato, California Time 3:01:47 3:06:53 3:08:52 3:16:01 3:18:07 3:21:40 3:26:04 3:32:26 3:38:52 3:39:20 Purse $5,000 $4,000 $3,000 $2,400 $1,800 $1,400 $1,000 $700 $500 $400 Points 100 90 82 75 69 63 58 53 49 45 XTERRA National Champions - Amateur Women Division Name Hometown Time 15 - 19 Kate Chapman Breckenridge, CO 3:56:54 20 - 24 Suzie Snyder Averill Park, NY 3:58:14 25 - 29 Nicole Rutkowski Avon, CO 3:36:51 30 - 34 *Lara Usinowicz Denver, CO 3:31:14 35 - 39 Karen Lefebre Big Sky, MT 3:46:55 40 - 44 Jean Hadley Avon, CO 3:48:44 45 - 49 ` Barbara Peterson Berkeley, CA 3:56:11 50 - 54 Cindi Toepel Littleton, CO 4:14:10 55 - 59 # Wendy Minor Honolulu, HI 5:35:55 # Two-time, ^Three-time, and `Four-time national champions * Top Amateurs XTERRA National Champions Division Name 15 - 19 * Taylor Tolleson 20 - 24 Maxwell King 25 - 29 Jim Vance 30 - 34 Tim Menoher 35 - 39 Mike Smith 40 - 44 ^ Tom Lyons 45 - 49 Ian Davidson 50 - 54 David Rakita 55 - 59 ^ Kent Robinson 60+ Peter Wood 73 - Amateur Men Hometown Pacific Grove, CA Bend, OR San Diego, CA Erlanger, KY Santa Barbara, CA Reno, NV Clemson, SC Durango, CO Reno, NV La Jolla, CA Time 2:50:00 3:01:20 2:53:50 2:55:22 3:07:47 2:59:44 3:14:09 3:26:25 3:30:19 3:51:45 2003 USA CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS Fastest 1.5k Swim (0.93 Miles): Conrad Stoltz (21:11), Janae Deverell (23:58) Fastest 32k Bike (22 Miles): Steve Larsen (1:31:43), Jamie Whitmore (1:52:23) Fastest 10k Run (6.2 Miles): Nicolas Lebrun (37:43), Jenny Tobin (44:34) TOP 10 PRO MEN Place Name 1 Conrad Stoltz 2 Steve Larsen 3 Nicolas LeBrun 4 Tyler Johnson 5 Andrew Noble 6 Jason Chalker 7 Josiah Middaugh 8 Justin Thomas 9 Raynard Tissink 10 Stefan Jakobsen TOP 10 Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PRO WOMEN Name Jamie Whitmore Melanie McQuaid Shari Kain Melissa Thomas Candy Angle Jenny Tobin Jari Kirkland Katherine Zambrana Karen Masson Christina Ruiter Age 29 32 29 22 37 28 24 27 29 29 Hometown Stellenbosch, South Africa Davis, California Villeneuve-Loubet, France Chester, Connecticut Gold Coast, Australia Sydney, Australia Vail, Colorado Fairfax, Virginia Weltevreden Park, South Africa Nanaimo, B.C., Canada Time 2:35:10 2:35:43 2:40:35 2:42:14 2:43:43 2:44:35 2:44:50 2:45:36 2:47:57 2:48:47 Purse $4,400 $3,400 $2,400 $1,600 $1,200 $800 $600 $500 $400 $300 Age 26 29 38 32 33 34 26 26 34 Hometown Elk Grove, California Victoria, B.C., Canada Cupertino, California Boulder, Colorado Weymouth, Massachusetts Boise, Idaho Breckenridge, Colorado Steamboat Springs, Colorado Atlanta, Georgia Durango, Colorado Time 3:02:43 3:05:46 3:09:24 3:11:14 3:14:00 3:14:47 3:23:31 3:24:43 3:25:45 3:25:59 Purse $4,400 $3,400 $2,400 $1,600 $1,200 $800 $600 XTERRA National Champions - Male Age Group Division Name Hometown Time 15 - 19 Taylor Tolleson Pacific Grove, CA 3:09:54 20 - 24 Tomas Petriko Solano Beach, CA 3:10:29 25 - 29 Greg Krause Littleton, CO 2:52:26 30 - 34 Matt Boobar Plymouth, NH 2:55:32 35 - 39 Michael Nahom New Milford, CT 3:01:04 40 - 44 Tom Lyons Reno, NV 3:02:42 45 - 49 Tom Monica Walnut Creek, CA 3:18:57 50 - 54 David Rakita Durango, CO 3:31:29 55 - 59 Kent Robinson Reno, NV 3:27:54 * Top Amateur Male Points 100 90 82 75 69 63 58 53 49 45 Points 100 90 82 75 69 63 58 53 49 45 XTERRA National Champions - Female Age Group Division Name Hometown Time 20 - 24 Shae Rainer Austin, TX 3:35:12 25 - 29 Janae Deverell Crested Butte, CO 3:17:14 30 - 34 Lisa Isom Vail, CO 3:29:18 35 - 39 Serena Warner Provo, UT 3:33:39 40 - 44 Karen Hagner Grapevine, TX 3:58:55 45 - 49 Barbara Peterson Berkeley, CA 3:50:43 * Top Amateur Female 74 2001-2002 USA CHAMPIONS 2002 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONS PRO 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60+ MEN’S CHAMPIONS *Repeat champs Conrad Stoltz Stellenbosch, South Africa Jeremy Chandler Bristol, Tennessee Josiah Middaugh Vail, Colorado Darren Lacy Minturn, Colorado Michael Nahom New Milford, Connecticut Bob Mueller Solana Beach, California Tom Lyons Reno, Nevada Hugo Kenyon Tahoe City, California David Rakita Durango, Colorado * Joe Amato Ellicott City, Maryland * Hans Dieben Chula Vista, California N/A South East Mountain Mountain North East South West South West South West Mountain Mid Atlantic South West PRO 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS *Repeat champs Jamie Whitmore Elk Grove, California Carmen Klube Alameda, California * Jari Kirkland Breckenridge, Colorado Kayleen Uibel Spokane, Washington * Serena Warner Provo, Utah Valerie Hardin Doylestown, Pennsylvania * Barbara Peterson Berkeley, California * Susi Chandler Bristol, Tennessee Wendy Minor Honolulu, Hawaii N/A South West Mountain North West Mountain Mid Atlantic South West South East South West 2001 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONS The Inaugural Class MEN’S CHAMPIONS HOMETOWN Stellenbosch, South Africa Latham, New York Madison, Wisconsin Plymouth, New Hampshire Salinas, California Royal Oak, Michigan Walnut Creek, California Breckenridge, Colorado Reno, Nevada Ellicott City, Maryland Chula Vista, California AGE GROUP PRO 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60+ NAME Conrad Stoltz Brian Bradke Andrew Tainter Matt Boobar Greg Perkins Todd Scott Howard Jones Rob Noyes Kent Robison Joe Amato Hans Dieben AGE GROUP PRO 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 50-54 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS NAME HOMETOWN Anke Erlank Stellenbosch, South Africa Jari Kirkland Breckenridge, Colorado Jessica Burwell Durango, Colorado Serena Warner Provo, Utah Jodi Ruby La Verne, California Barbara Peterson Berkeley, California Susi Chandler Bristol, Tennessee 75 REGION N/A North East North Central North East South West North Central South West Mountain South West Mid Atlantic South West REGION N/A Mountain Mountain Mountain South West South West South East TOM LYONS XTERRA.TV - FREE 24/7 WEB TV NETWORK Check out XTERRA.TV to watch a wide variety of XTERRA programming right now. Available content, which is updated weekly, features everything from the XTERRA USA Championship show to adventures in Utah. To see the XTERRA broadcast schedule listing shows that are on in your hometown check out our network TV Schedule. Photo by Dennis Montgomery 76 2013 XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS GUIDE 77 XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS PREVIEW After two successful years at the Snowbasin Resort, it is safe to say that the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship has taken a liking to its new home near Ogden, Utah. More than 700 runners representing more than 30 states from across the country will gather on the breathtaking trails alongside the Snowbasin Resort on September 22 to determine XTERRA’s national champions of trail running for 2013. The venue served as host for the event in 2011 and 2012, and received rave reviews from runners. “That course is one of my favorites for a trail run course,” said Oregon’s Max King, who won both the 2011 and 2012 races at Snowbasin. “It's beautiful that time of year with the changing colors and the crisp fall morning temps. The course is challenging but you can really run fast on it, which for me, plays to my strengths. I think it’s a good mix of technical trail running, good climbing, fast smooth single tracks, and sweeping downhills. It has it all.” King should know. He is the five-time defending champion of the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. His first three titles came in his hometown of Bend, Oregon, then he proved his worth by winning the next two in Utah. Making it more impressive, King won the 2011 and 2012 titles while completing a “double championship” weekend. Both years, he won the USATF 50K Trail Championship in Oregon on a Saturday, then took a flight to Utah and won the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship the next day. There is no such schedule conflict this year, so King will be able to maintain his focus on the Snowbasin race for the entire weekend. “Training won't change and neither will the physical prep, but what could easily change is my mentality in approaching XTERRA,” he said. “I can't let my guard down and think that it's going to be easy. The minute I do that will be my downfall. Each race you have to approach as if it's going to be the hardest thing you've ever done, that's how you have successful races. So, going in I have to keep the mental strength there as if I were going to do the two races.” There will be a slew of contenders from across the country – and even beyond international borders – at this year’s race. 78 Max King XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS PREVIEW Most notable, Joseph Gray from Washington is entered in the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals for the first time since 2008. Gray has emerged as one of the top trail runners in the country, and he tied with Ben Bruce to win the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship (King did not attend that race). Gray has finished ahead of King at several races this year, including the USA Mountain Running Championship at New Hampshire in June. B.J. Christenson from Salt Lake City has placed third at this event each of the past two years, and looks to be the top home-state contender again. Several other elite runners from Utah are entered for the first time this year, including John Coyle, Jace Nye, Nathan Peters, Patrick Smyth and John Tribbia. Runners coming from outside of Utah who could contend include Eric Koenig (Florida), Dan Kuch (Arizona), Roberto Mandje (Colorado), Karl Remsen (Colorado) and David Wall (Alabama). There are also a couple of first-time entries from Mexico who could be contenders. Victor Mercado is considered one of the top trail runners in all of Mexico, and he recently placed 10th overall at the North America Central America Caribbean (NACAC) Mountain Championships. Also, 17year-old Mauricio Mendez has burst onto the scene this year as a future triathlon star, and he will try the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals for the first time. The women’s field is led by defending champion Lindsey Anderson, who won the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship in her first try last year. She resides in South Ogden, so she is accustomed to the weather and conditions, and will only have to make a short drive to get to the starting line. Interestingly enough, she has not been back on the trails at Snowbasin since her victory last year. “I think it definitely helps to know the course, so it will be nice that it will at least be familiar from last year,” she said. “It definitely doesn't hurt to run the course one or more times before the race and I was hoping that I'd get an opportunity to go run up there during the summer but it just hasn't worked out so I'll go off what I remember and be confident that even though I had never run the course last year I was still able to pull out the win.” This year’s intriguing first-year XTERRA entry is Maria Dalzot from Bellingham, Washington. She won the 2011 North America Mountain Running Championships and has fared well in numerous national races since. Other female runners from outside of Utah looking to contend include Polina Babkina (Hawaii), Anna Kharlamova (Colorado), Corinne Malcolm (Montana) and Deanna McCurdy (Georgia). Of course, last-minute entries and dark horse contenders are the norm for XTERRA Trail Run races, so the winner could literally come from anywhere in the country. In addition to the overall national champions, age-group national champions will also be crowned at the event. Every age-group winner (male and female) from the 21K course will be considered a 2013 XTERRA National Champion. The age groups range from 9-younger to 75-older. PRIZE MONEY AND AWARDS The fastest runners will be racing for $5,000 in prize money, awarded to the top five overall men and women. XTERRA will also be crowning national champs in age groups starting at 9-under, then every five years (ex. 10-14, 15-19, etc) up to 80-older. Champs win a commemorative long-sleeve winners T-shirt and will receive a free entry to race at the 2013 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, which is scheduled for November 24 at Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii. All registered racers get a short sleeve shirt and goody bag filled with cool swag. Place 1 2 3 4 5 79 Men $1,000 $600 $400 $300 $200 Women $1,000 $600 $400 $300 $200 XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS COURSE The Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, Utah, has already served as the host site for world-class sporting events, including several of the skiing competitions at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and the XTERRA USA Championship offroad triathlon. Now, the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship has made Snowbasin Resort its home. With the snowfall still a month or so away, the changing colors of the fall season and the majestic Wasatch Range surrounding Snowbasin Resort will provide the perfect backdrop for the 2013 XTERRA Trail Run Nationals. The elevation and terrain of the Wasatch Mountains will make the course breathtaking in more ways than one. Runners can expect to face more than 2,200 feet of total climbing over the 21-kilometer championship course, and the peak of the trail will reach an elevation of approximately 7,300 feet. National Championship at Snowbasin Resort in both 2011 and 2012. He described the course as both bold and beautiful: “The XTERRA Trail Run Nationals 21K course provides diverse terrain that ranges from long climbs up fire roads to rocky single track along the upper ridges of the mountain. Shortly after the fast start in the parking lot, runners will be immediately challenged by a long climb up the mountain. The trails at this point will consist mostly of dirt fire roads that gradually take athletes to the top of the mountain. The terrain along the initial climb isn’t too technical and most of the trails are relatively wide. As you run along the arête near the summit, you’ll experience more technical running with an abundance of rocks and narrower trails. “Once you’ve ascended the summit, stunning panoramic views allow you to take in the natural beauty that surrounds Snowbasin. You’ll be able to see for endless miles out into the valley, which will provide a breathtaking backdrop of the fall foliage and crystal clear blue skies. After running along the upper ridges for a couple of miles, you’ll descend the mountain on a long switchback ski trail that will provide an adrenaline pumping experience. It’s a long and fast descend, which enables runners to open up and coast down the mountain. After approaching the bottom of the long switchback, runners will then blaze through a gently rolling trail that is embraced with beautiful Aspens. The final push to the finish will include a small, but very steep climb up another fire road, followed by a downhill finish into Snowbasin Resort.” It should be noted that there are also 10-kilometer and 5kilometer races at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, but only the results from the 21K course will be used to determine the national championships. The 10K and 5K courses will follow much of the same trails as the first half of the 21K course. The course can basically be broken down into two sections: the first “loop” will feature some gradual climbs with some technical single track; the second “loop” features several grueling uphill climbs and fast descents. Richard Burgunder, an XTERRA Trail Run Ambassador from Colorado, participated in the XTERRA Trail Run 80 XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS COURSE MAP 81 MEET SOME OF THE 2013 RUNNERS LINDSEY ANDERSON South Ogden, Utah Age: 28 Rundown: Lindsey burst onto the XTERRA Trail Run scene last year, when she won the overall women’s championship at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. It was not only her first XTERRA race, but the first trail run race of her illustrious running career. She was a member of the 2008 United State Olympic Team for the steeplechase, and competed in the Games at Beijing, China. She is a twotime former NCAA All-American in the steeplechase at Weber State University, and still holds numerous school and conference records. She currently works as an assistant coach for the Weber State track & field team. JASE BELL Madison, Alabama Age: 15 Rundown: Jase won the male 10-14 age division at both the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship and XTERRA Trail Run World Championship events last year, and he is moving up to the 15-19 division this year. He is a cross country and track standout at James Clemens High School in Alabama, and already owns nine state records in track. He has earned All-America status for his age group in several track events. DANETTE BETTS Alpharetta, Georgia Age: 49 Rundown: Danette was one of the top female runners in the XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series, and finished the 201213 season with a perfect score of 600 for the 45-49 age division. And she wasn't just fast for her age group, she was fast, period. Betts often placed in the top five overall among all females, and was the top "masters" female (ages 40 and older) at several of the races. This will be her first appearance at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship in Utah. Richard Lindsey POLINA BABKINA Honolulu, Hawaii Age: 25 Rundown: Polina is originally from Russia, but traveled to America in 2009 to attend college. She started as a tennis player at the University of West Alabama, before taking up cross country. She transferred to Hawaii Pacific University in 2011 Polina and earned all-region honors in NCAA Division II cross country. She placed third overall in the women’s division at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship at Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii. She was also the top Hawaii female finisher at the 2012 Honolulu Marathon. This will be her first appearance at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship in Utah. RICHARD BURGUNDER Boulder, Colorado Age: 33 Rundown: Richard added yet another XTERRA Regional title to his collection in 2013, winning his age group in the XTERRA Utah Trail Run Series. He previously won titles in New England (2009), Northern Ohio (2011) and Pocono (2011 and 2012). He is the only runner in XTERRA history to win age-group championships in four different regions. He placed sixth in his age group at the 2009 XTERRA Nationals in Bend, Oregon, and was 16th in his age group at the 2011 XTERRA Nationals at Snowbasin Resort, Utah. He is a certified running coach and also serves as a Field Marketing Associate for PowerBar. 82 MEET SOME OF THE 2013 RUNNERS B.J. CHRISTENSON Salt Lake City, Utah Age: 35 Rundown: B.J. has been the top “local” runner at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship in each of the past two years. He finished third overall – and first among Utah runners – at both the 2011 and 2012 XTERRA Trail Run Nationals. He is also an Ironman triathlete competitor, and has completed the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii five times. He is a former track and cross country standout at the University of Utah. At 6-feet-7, he is easy to spot on the starting line. B.J. RACHEL CIESLEWICZ St. George, Utah Age: 33 Rundown: Rachel is no stranger to XTERRA Trail Run success. She has won the overall female division at several events in recent years, including the XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run (2010 and 2011), the XTERRA Santa Cruz Trail Run (2011) and the XTERRA Wheeler Canyon Trail Run (2008 and 2009).She placed 10th overall among the females, and fifth in her age group at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. In 2009, she placed fifth overall among the women, and first Rachel in her age group, at the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals, when it was held in Bend, Oregon. She is also a former age-group champion at the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Hawaii. Rachel is also a regular contributor to the XTERRA Trail Mix e-mail newsletter with her “Tips for the Trail” columns. DAVID CLINGER Sandy, Utah Age: 35 Rundown: David placed 10th overall and first in the men’s 35-39 age division at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. It was quite an improvement from the 2011 race, when he placed 36th overall and ninth in his age group. He is a former professional road cyclist. JOHN COYLE Logan, Utah Age: 23 Rundown: John recently completed a successful collegiate career at Weber State University. He was ranked 12th in the NCAA for the steeplechase as a senior in 2013. Earlier this summer, he placed third overall out of more than 500 runners at the Deseret News 10K in Salt Lake City. This will be his first appearance at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. MARIA DALZOT Bellingham, Washington Age: 25 Rundown: Maria has emerged as one of the top female trail runners in America in recent years. Most notable, she captured first place at the 2011 North American Mountain Running Championships in Mexico. In 2012, she placed third at the North American Mountain Running Championships at Canada, and also placed third at the USATF Trail 10K National Championship at North Carolina. She competed in track and cross country at West Virginia University, and a former member of the U.S. Mountain Junior Running Team. She is a registered dietician with a Master of Science Degree in Human Nutrition & Food Science. AMY GALBRAITH Venice, Calif. Age: 70 Rundown: Amy is a veteran of XTERRA Trail Runs, with a history of success at the XTERRA Nationals. She was an age-group XTERRA National Champion in 2008, 2009 and 2012, and placed second in her age group in 2010 and 2011. She is a 2013 XTERRA SoCal Regional Champion, having won her age group in that series for the sixth consecutive year. 83 MEET SOME OF THE 2013 RUNNERS JOSEPH GRAY Lakewood, Washington Age: 29 Rundown: Joseph is one of the most successful and recognized runners in American trail running. He is the current co-champion of the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, having tied for the 2012 victory at that event with Ben Bruce. In July of this year, he won the North American Central American Caribbean (NACAC) Mountain Running Championship at New Hampshire. He has been selected to the U.S. Mountain Running Team every year since 2008, the longest current streak among all runners. Also this year, he placed 17th overall and seventh among all Americans at the Boston Marathon. Joe ANNA KHARLAMOVA Manitou Springs, Colorado Age: 28 Rundown: Anna had a successful season in the 2013 XTERRA Colorado Trail Run Series, placing second overall among females at both the XTERRA Beaver Creek Trail Run 21K and the XTERRA Cheyenne Mountain Trail Run 24K. She placed first for the season in the Colorado Series for the women’s 25-29 age division. MAX KING Bend, Oregon Age: 33 Rundown: Max remains the King of XTERRA Trail Runs, with a nine-for-nine record in XTERRA Championship events. He is the five-time defending overall champion of the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, and has won the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship four times (2008-11). He completed last year’s XTERRA Trail Run National Championship 21K course in 1:22:12, which was one minute and 36 seconds faster than the runner-up. Among Max’s victories in 2013 are the Way Too Cool 50K in California, the Lost Creek Trail Run 30K in Oregon, and the Yankee Springs Trail Run 26K in Michigan. He placed third overall at the 2013 USA Mountain Running Championships, and earned a spot on the U.S. Mountain Running Team that will compete in the World Mountain Running Championships. He won the 2011 World Mountain Running Championships. CLARK JACKSON Charlottesville, Virginia Age: 57 Rundown: Clark is fast becoming one of the fastest runners in the 55+ age group on the entire XTERRA Trail Run circuit. He won his age group in two different regions in 2013: North Carolina and Virginia. In the XTERRA Virginia Trail Run Series, he placed second overall in two different races in 2013. He is an XTERRA Trail Run Ambassador for the North Carolina and Virginia regions. Clark 84 Max MEET SOME OF THE 2013 RUNNERS ERIC KOENIG Lutz, Florida Age: 24 Rundown: Eric emerged as the top runner in the XTERRA Florida Trail Run Series in 2013. He placed first overall at all three races in the Florida Series, and by an average margin of five minutes per race. He grew up running in Colorado, then competed collegiately at Beloit College in Wisconsin before moving to Florida in 2012. BRYCE LARKIN Eden, Utah Age: 70 Rundown: Bryce placed first in the men’s 65-69 age division at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, finishing more than five minutes ahead of the other runners in his age group. He won his age group at the 2012 Park City Half Marathon. Andy ANDY LEE Lakeway, Texas Age: 41 Rundown: Andy turned in an impressive performance last year by winning the men’s 40-44 age division at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. That victory came less than 24 hours after he placed eighth overall among amateurs and second in the men’s 40-44 age division of the XTERRA National Championship off-road triathlon. Both events were held at Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, Utah. Andy’s priority is still in the triathlon, and last year’s XTERRA Trail Run National Championship was his first running race in more than a decade. Jake JAKE MACKLEER Hampstead, North Carolina Age: 9 Rundown: Jake is the youngest runner in this year’s 21K championship field, and he earned his way into the race. He placed first in the 9-younger age group for the 2013 XTERRA North Carolina Trail Run Series, and thus earned an invitation to compete at Nationals. He also competes in triathlons, and is races to help raise funds and awareness for the Pender County Humane Society. TAHA MAHMOOD West Valley, Utah Age: 50 Rundown: Taha is one of the top masters runners in Utah, and has fared well in past XTERRA races. He placed fourth overall at the 2012 XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run in April, and placed 33rd overall out of more than 5,700 runners at the 2012 St. George Marathon. He placed 20th overall and third in his age group at the 2011 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. CORINNE MALCOLM Bozeman, Montana Age: 23 Rundown: Corinne is a member of the U.S. National Winter Biathlon Team who is aiming to qualify for the 2014 Olympics. She is a former member of both the cross country and skiing teams at Montana State University. She uses trail running as part of her training, and finished 20th overall among women at the 2012 U.S. Mountain Running Championships. 85 MEET SOME OF THE 2013 RUNNERS ROBERTO MANDJE Boulder, Colorado Age: 31 Rundown: Roberto was the overall winner at two different XTERRA races in 2012 – the XTERRA Cheyenne Mountain Trail Run 12K and the XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run 21K. He also placed second overall at the XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Run 20K and the XTERRA Beaver Creek Trail Run 10K. He is a former Olympic runner, having represented Equatorial Guinea in the 1,500-meter run at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. VICTOR MERCADO Michoacan, Mexico Age: 28 Rundown: Victor is one of the top trail runners in Mexico, and recently placed 10th overall at the North America Central America Caribbean (NACAC) Mountain Running Championship at New Hampshire. He was the top placing non-American runner at the event. He was also the top runner from Mexico (63rd overall) at the 2012 World Mountain Running Championship in Italy. DON MORRISON West Brandywine, Pennsylvania Age: 63 Rundown: Don captured a double championship in 2013, winning his age group in both the XTERRA Pocono Trail Run Series and the XTERRA Atlantic Trail Run Series. He placed second in his age group at the 2010 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship in Bend, Oregon. He is also an avid XTERRA off-road triathlon competitor, and is a fivetime former age-group champion in the Northeast Region. Roberto DEANNA McCURDY Peachtree City, Georgia Age: 39 Rundown: Deanna made a late – and great – splash into the XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series when she placed first overall among all females at the final event of the 2013 season (XTERRA Deep South 15K). It was her first ever XTERRA Trail Run event, and prompted her to enter the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. She is also the founder head coach of Team Miles for Smiles, a charity running team that raises funding for research through the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (F.A.S.T.). One of her daughters was diagnosed in 2009 with Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. JACE NYE Layton, Utah Age: 28 Rundown: Jace placed third overall in the 2013 La Sportiva Mountain Cup. Among his results this year, he placed second at the Jemez Mountain Half-Marathon in New Mexico, second at the Moab Red Hot 33K, and third at the Jupiter Park Steeplechase 16-miler in Park City, Utah. He is a former track and cross country athlete at Weber State University. This will be his first appearance in an XTERRA Trail Run race. JIMMY PATTERSON Tampa, Florida Age: 20 Rundown: Jimmy is a former age-group champion of the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. He won the male Jimmy 15-19 division in 2011, and placed second in the division in 2012. He is a two-time age-group champion in the XTERRA Florida Trail Run Series, and is a consistent top-10 overall finisher in the Florida races. He is also an XTERRA Trail Run Ambassador for the Florida Region. 86 MEET SOME OF THE 2013 RUNNERS NATHAN PETERS Salt Lake City, Utah Age: 24 Rundown: Nathan has emerged as one of the top distance runners in the state of Utah. He won the Skyline Marathon last month with a record time of 3:24:07, while covering more than 4,500 feet of climbing. He also won the Park City Cross Country Half Marathon last October, and won the 2011 Hidden Peak Challenge 6K uphill race by seven minutes. He attended the University of Michigan, and placed third overall at the NIRCA Cross Country National Championships in 2010. This will be his first appearance at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. KARL REMSEN Leadville, Colorado Age: 32 Rundown: Karl is a proven winner in races with altitude. He won the Vasque Golden Leaf Half Marathon at Aspen, Colorado, in both 2011 and 2012, topping a field of more than 1,000 runners. His 2012 victory in that event was by more than five minutes faster than the runner-up. More recently, he won the Fish Hatchery 5K in his hometown of Leadville. This will be his first appearance at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. PATRICK SMYTH Salt Lake City, Utah Age: 27 Rundown: Patrick placed second overall at the 2010 USA Half Marathon Championship in Houston, Texas, and third overall at the same event in 2011. He was also the top American finisher at the 2010 World Cross Country Championship in Poland. He was a seven-time AllAmerican in track and cross country at the University of Notre Dame. This will be his first appearance at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. BRIAN STANLEY Kansas City, Missouri Age: 55 Rundown: Brian is a former age-group champion at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. He won the men’s 50-54 division in 2011, and placed sixth in the division last year. He also placed fifth in his age division at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Hawaii. KOREY SHIVELY Madison, Alabama Age: 13 Rundown: Korey made XTERRA Trail Run history in 2013, when he became the youngest runner to win age-group championships in two different regions. He won the 10-14 division in both the XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series and the XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series. He is in the eighth grade at Liberty Middle School, but already competes for the varsity cross country and track teams at James Clemens High School. JACLYN SHOKEY Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Age: 36 Rundown: Jaclyn has been the dominant female runner in the XTERRA Pocono Trail Run Series for the past two years. She went undefeated in 2013, placing first overall at all five of the races in the Pocono Series. She placed third in her age group at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. Liz LIZ STEPHEN East Montpelier, Vermont Age: 26 Rundown: Liz placed second overall at the 2011 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, and missed last year’s event due to a schedule conflict. She won the 2010 XTERRA Wheeler Canyon Trail Run, which was also held near Ogden, Utah. She is a member of the USA cross country skiing team, and competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics at Vancouver. She recently won the 2013 U.S. Ski Association National Distance Championship 30K race. 87 MEET SOME OF THE 2013 RUNNERS JOHN TRIBBIA Salt Lake City, Utah Age: 31 Rundown: John is an experience trail runner with a long list of accomplishments. He placed fourth overall at the 2009 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Hawaii, and placed third overall at the USA Trail Marathon Championships in both 2010 and 2011 at Ashland, Oregon. He won the America’s Uphill race at Aspen, Colorado, in 2012, and placed second at that event in 2013. Kevin Winter WINTER VINECKI Salem, Oregon Age: 14 Rundown: Winter has become one of the most recognized young names in endurance sports. She is in the process of becoming the youngest person to complete marathons on all seven continents, and has already completed five. She is scheduled to complete the record by the end of this year with marathons coming up in New Zealand and Greece. She is also a nationally-ranked triathlete for her age group, and an aspiring Olympian in the sport of aerial skiing. She has helped raised more than $400,000 through Team Winter, which was founded in 2009 in honor of her father who died of prostate cancer that year. KEVIN TUCK Salt Lake City, Utah Age: 57 Rundown: Kevin is a four-time age-group champion at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, including an impressive 24-minute margin of victory in the 55-59 age division last year. He placed 19th overall at the 2012 race, and was the only runner over the age of 50 to place in the top 25 overall. He placed first overall at the Skyline Mountain Half Marathon last month at Liberty, Utah, and also won the Coldwater Rumble 33K in January at Goodyear, Arizona. NOZOMI WADE Lawrenceville, Georgia Age: 56 Rundown: Nozomi won the women’s 55-59 age division at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Hawaii. She placed second in her age group at last year’s XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. She started running in 2009, at the age of 51, but has already won her age division at numerous races in the state of Georgia. DANIEL VARGO Salt Lake City, Utah Age: 48 Rundown: Daniel won the men’s 45-49 age division at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. He placed first overall at the Fat Dog 70-mile race in Canada in 2012. He won his age group at the 2013 Park City Trail Series. 88 Nozomi MEET SOME OF THE 2013 RUNNERS DAVID WALL Madison, Alabama Age: 26 Rundown: David is one of the top trail runners in the state of Alabama, and has won numerous races in the XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series in recent years. Most notable, he placed first at the XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Run 42K Marathon in 2011, finishing 10 minutes ahead of the rest of the field. ADRIAN WOLFORD Mustang, Oklahoma Age: 75 Rundown: Adrian won the men’s 75-79 division at last year’s XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, and is back to defend his title. He won his age division at two different races in the XTERRA Texas Trail Run Series, and was the men’s 75-79 champion for the season. HEATHER WELSCH Alvin, Texas Age: 11 Rundown: Heather was the youngest runner in the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, and she will be the youngest female in this year’s field. She made history at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship when she became the youngest runner (age 10 at the time) to complete the grueling 21K course at Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii. Welsch Sisters KAYTLYNN WELSCH Alvin, Texas Age: 13 Rundown: Kaytlynn has been described as a running phenom, and she lived up to it in 2013. She placed first overall among all female runners at three different races in the XTERRA Texas Trail Run Series. She placed second overall at two other races in the series. She won her age group at the both the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship and the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in 2012. Earlier this year, she won her age group at both the Houston Marathon and the Houston Towne Lake Triathlon. 89 2012-13 XTERRA REGIONAL CHAMPIONS ARIZONA Female 15-19 Sierra Robinett 25-29 Angela Axmann 30-34 Kristi Johnson 35-39 Teri Twarkins 40-44 Terri Antonino 45-49 Dawn McKenzie 50-54 Kelly O'Halloran 55-59 Leigh Garvie Male 15-19 David Buehler 20-24 Foster Kleinstiver 25-29 Nick Coury 30-34 Nathan Rath 35-39 Dan Kuch 40-44 Jason Ford 45-49 Rob Decot 50-54 Bob Platt 55-59 Bruce Bornhurst 60-64 Steve Averill 65-69 Ron Harding Jr. SOCAL Female 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 Male 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ Paradise Valley, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Oro Valley, AZ Waddell, AZ Alberta, Canada Peoria, AZ Goodyear, AZ Phoenix, AZ Chandler, AZ Lake Havasu, AZ Gilbert, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Surprise, AZ La Canada, CA Glendale, AZ Chandler, AZ Elizabeth Ging Newbury Park, CA Emily Waters Lake Forest, CA Chelsea Alexander Reseda, CA Dara Ditsworth La Jolla, CA Maggie Shearer Trabuco Canyon, CA Diana Pacheco Norwalk, CA Katy McNamara Woodland Hills, CA Susan Duenas Thousand Oaks, CA Erin Fry Anaheim Hills, CA Kathleen Rydgig Oxnard, CA Cheri Uno Los Angeles, CA Amy Galbraith Venice, CA Emmanuel Rubio Ivan Zarate William Caplenor Bradford Smith Joseph Beckerley Adam Hodges Jeffrey Dinkin Eric Rignot Lou Bon Harold Kennedy John Ganahl Hans Unger John Williams Calexico, CA Walnut, CA Reseda, CA La Verne, CA San Diego, CA La Crescenta, CA Pasadena, CA La Crescenta, CA Santa Monica, CA Apple Valley, CA Orange, CA Sylmar, CA Culver City, CA FLORIDA Female 25-29 Sandra Batassa 30-34 Laura Kelly 35-39 Erin Volz 40-44 Jessica Wagner 45-49 Adriana Nieves 50-54 Peggy Brinkley Male 20-24 Eric Koenig 25-29 Eric Law 30-34 Adam Smehyl 35-39 Ray Smith 40-44 Greg Fann 45-49 Zvonko Smlatic 50-54 Mark Maxwell 55-59 Rance Blair 60-64 Thomas Hutson 65-69 John Mitchell ALABAMA Female 20-24 Ali Edwards 25-29 Elaina Pribyl 30-34 Sasha Robertson 35-39 Kristie Northern 40-44 Sunny Workman 45-49 Cindy Jackson 50-54 Lynne Leonard 60-64 Luvern Blackwood Male 10-14 Korey Shively 15-19 Jase Bell 20-24 Steven Romo 25-29 David Wall 30-34 William Paulk 35-39 Jay Crosby 40-44 Matt Brown 45-49 Rick Rantamaki 50-54 Matt Holdbrooks 55-59 Mark Richey 60-64 James Durant 65-69 Dan Catchings 70-74 Bruce Greene Tampa, FL Tampa, FL Orlando, FL Windermere, FL Seminole, FL Seminole, FL Lutz, FL Clearwater, FL Sebring, FL St. Petersburg, FL Clearwater, FL Sarasota, FL Tampa, FL Tampa, FL Houston, TX Almonte Springs, FL Birmingham, AL Gardendale, AL Anniston, AL Trussville, AL Pelham, AL Huntsville, AL Lucedale, AL Trafford, AL Madison, AL Madison, AL Dothan, AL Madison, AL Birmingham, AL Madison, AL Boaz, AL Dacula, GA Trussville, AL Gadsden, AL Hoover, AL Oxford, AL Anniston, AL Names in bold indicate they are running at XTERRA Trail Run Nationals this year 90 GEORGIA Female 20-24 Samantha Finch 25-29 Jennifer Wallace 30-34 Tara Gormley 35-39 Kara Scroggs 40-44 Mary Deane Davis 45-49 Danette Betts 50-54 Lori Brown 55-59 Andrea Morgan 60-64 Linda Romero Male 10-14 Korey Shively 20-24 Kyle Wachenheim 25-29 Matt Haley 30-34 Robert Allen 35-39 James Taylor 40-44 Carlos Resendiz 45-49 Todd Wilson 50-54 Johnny Garner 55-59 Dave Morgan 60-64 Richard Stokes 65-69 Jim Merritt VIRGINIA Male 30-34 Josh Didawick 55-59 Clark Jackson Lawrenceville, GA Oxford, GA Marietta, GA Gainesville, GA Lilburn, GA Alpharetta, GA Suwanee, GA Atlanta, GA Snelville, GA Madison, AL Flowery Branch, GA Buford, GA Winder, GA Roswell, GA Tucker, GA Suwanee, GA Oakwood, Ga Atlanta, GA Ball Ground, GA Buford, GA Staunton, VA Charlottesville, VA ATLANTIC Female 25-29 Jackie Palmer Newark, DE 30-34 Laura Gilmour Rockville, MD 35-39 Jebby Rasputnis Silver Spring, MD 50-54 Diana Massey Laytonsville, MD 55-59 Cathleen Bartholomew Aberdeen, MD Male 10-14 Deion Jones Wilmington, DE 25-29 Alan Needle Elkton, MD 30-34 Grant Farrell Lancaster, PA 35-39 Adam Davidson Wilmington, DE 40-44 Glenn Humphrey Columbia, MD 45-49 Robert Bartholomew Aberdeen, MD 60-64 Don Morrison W.Brandywine, PA POCONO Female 15-19 Betsy Hochman 25-29 Tabby Dunn 30-34 Marissa Vavrek 35-39 Jaclyn Shokey 40-44 Michelle Brown 45-49 Wendy Kaminski 50-54 Jill Hildebrand Lansdale, PA Monroeton, PA Schwemksville, PA Jim Thorpe, PA Tunkhannock, PA Wapwallopen, PA Wapwallopen, PA 2012-13 XTERRA REGIONAL CHAMPIONS POCONO Male 10-14 Josh Edwards 20-24 Anthony Wilkie 25-29 Zebulon Dunn 30-34 Grant Farrell 35-39 Jason Maskaly 40-44 Chuck Thompson 45-49 Keith Austin 50-54 Bill Lawrence 55-59 Jim Simmons 60-64 Don Morrison Mountain Top, PA Wilkes-Barre, PA Monroeton, PA Lancaster, PA Factoryville, PA Chalfont, PA Sweet Valley, PA Scranton, PA Wyoming, PA W.Brandywine, PA PUERTO RICO Female 35-39 Brenda Rodriguez Vega Baja, PR Male 15-19 Keenan McIntyre Arecibo, PR 20-24 Carlos Rivera Perez Cidra, PR 25-29 Joel Velez Robledo Ponce, PR 30-34 Jason Nieves San Juan, PR 35-39 Luigi Dessy Ponce, PR 40-44 Jose Calcano Rolon Manati, PR 45-49 Terrance McIntyre Arecibo, PR 50-54 Eric Bermudez Guaynabo, PR 60-64 Victor Santana Carolina, PR SOUTH CAROLINA Female 25-29 Shannon Lewis 35-39 Denise Knight 40-44 Lynn Simmons 50-54 Lea Hall Male 25-29 Aaron Benne 30-34 Jose Zavala 35-39 Carl Epley 50-54 Dave Hale 55-59 Geary McAlister 60-64 Thomas Hutson 65-69 Donald Burkett Summerville, SC Hickory, NC Marion, NC Columbia, SC Rock Hill, SC Houston, TX Mineral Bluff, GA TEXAS Female 10-14 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 55-59 65-69 Alvin, TX The Woodlands, TX Denton, TX Austin, TX Cedar Park, TX League City, TX Waco, TX Houston, TX Kaytlynn Welsch Aimee Newsom Tracie Akerhielm Kim Bueno Sandy Hart Shay Robertson Tamra Walthall Jo May Simpsonville, SC Chapin, SC Simpsonville, SC Greenville, SC TEXAS Male 15-19 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 75-79 UTAH Female 30-34 40-44 50-54 Male 30-34 55-59 Ryan Woelfel Round Rock, TX Adrian Slusher League City, TX Christopher Chancey Austin, TX Jimmy Olivares Austin, TX Lonn Hart Cedar Park, TX Jay Yanek Katy, TX Michael Nosalik San Antonio, TX Bill Ewton Salado, TX Tom Hutson Houston, TX Lenord Burns Arlington, TX Adrian Wolford Mustang, OK Veronica Dawson Salt Lake City, UT Blanca Gray Layton, UT Alison Seppi Murray, UT Richard Burgunder Boulder, CO Kevin Tuck Salt Lake City, UT COLORADO Female 25-29 Anna Kharlamova Manitou Springs, CO 30-34 Corrina Tackett Colorado Springs, CO 35-39 Wendy Hernandez Castle Rock, CO 40-44 Danielle Spivey Colorado Springs, CO 45-49 Missy Ross Colorado Springs, CO 60-64 Cindi Toepel Littleton, CO Male 10-14 Reed Vanderlugt Grand Rapids, MI 25-29 Alex Clayton Colorado Springs, CO 30-34 J. Marshall Thomson Crested Butte, CO 35-39 Brian Cusick Denver, CO 40-44 Philip Vanderlugt Grand Rapids, MI 45-49 Dan Vega Colorado Springs, CO 50-54 David Mulligan Colorado Springs, CO 55-59 Randall Rapetti Camino, CA 60-64 Steve Parker Denver, CO 65-69 Carl Nelson Colorado Springs, CO NORTH CAROLINA Female 25-29 Kate Benedict 35-39 Kimberley Hefner 40-44 Lori Taylor 45-49 Marcia Kissel 91 Columbia, SC Rock Hill, SC Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC NORTH CAROLINA Male 9under Jake MacKleer 25-29 Tyler Turnbull 30-34 Matthew Longworth 35-39 Carl Epley 40-44 Cory Sundeen 45-49 Ken Bohn 50-54 David Coleman 55-59 Clark Jackson 65-69 Don Burkett WASHINGTON Female 35-39 Christine Estrada 40-44 Julie Crickman Male 20-24 Moises Iniguez 35-39 Zach Denton 50-54 Jay Grubb TENNESSEE Female 30-34 Jessica Remmer 35-39 Glynetta Vogt 40-44 Melody Roupas 50-54 Lesa Haynes 55-59 Cathy Greear Male 15-19 Josh Simpson 20-24 Adam McElroy 25-29 Gerald Ray 30-34 Jason Suhy 35-39 Carl Epley 40-44 Shawn Cutshall 45-49 Orven Morelock 50-54 Doug Strickland 55-59 Wesley Miller 60-64 Jim Bowers Hampstead, NC Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Marion, NC Charlotte, NC Matthews, NC Mauldin, SC Charlottesville, VA Mineral Bluff, GA Seattle, WA Bothell, WA Seattle, WA Issaquah, WA Seattle, WA Gray, TN Johnson City, TN Johnson City, TN Blountville, TN Kingsport, TN Johnson City, TN Johnson City, TN Church Hill, TN Limestone, TN Marion, NC Fall Branch, TN Mt. Carmel, TN Kingsport, TN Fall Branch, TN Mt. Carmel, TN 2012 XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS REVIEW September 23, 2012 (Ogden, Utah) - Max King from Oregon continued his amazing streak of XTERRA Trail Run Championships with another amazing weekend. King, 32, won the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship for the fifth consecutive year at the Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, Utah. The XTERRA Trail Run National Championship 21K has been staged five times, and King has won each one in convincing fashion. “It means a lot,” he said. “I love coming back. This is actually one of the best courses for a trail run I’ve ever seen. It’s a beautiful course and XTERRA keeps putting on a great race. It’s a phenomenal event.” King’s latest victory is all the remarkable when considering his weekend itinerary. During a 24-hour period, he completed 71 kilometers of trail running in two different states, traveled more than 1,000 flight miles, and won two national events. “I’ve practiced on trails before, but this is my first race,” she said. “My coach told me to try this race and it was great.” Anderson, 27, resides in Ogden and is regarded as one of the top distance runners in the history of the track program at Weber State University, which is located in Ogden. She is currently an assistant coach at Weber State. A lead pack women ran together for the first half of the race, then Anderson and Kerri Lyons took the lead up the climb to Sardine Peak. Anderson eventually broke away for the win and finished more than a minute ahead of Lyons (1:34:27). “It was just a lot of fun,” said Anderson, who took most of the last year off from training due to the birth of her daughter. “I would encourage anybody to do this.” On Saturday, he won the USATF 50K Trail Championship in his hometown of Bend, Oregon. He got on a flight shortly after that race and arrived in Ogden after midnight on Sunday morning. “I didn’t get much sleep,” he said. “It was tough for me to get here. But I got a couple of hours of sleep and got here ready to race.” Perhaps familiarity with such a hectic schedule helped -- he also won those same two races on back-to-back days last year. “It felt just like last year,” he said. “This morning on my warn-up it was tough, but once I got going and got my legs under me, it was alright.” King took the lead for good midway through the 21K course. He finished with a time of 1:22:12, which was 1 minute, 36 seconds faster than the runner-up, J. Marshall Thomson. King said he knew Thomson was a good uphill runner, so he tried to push the pace before they hit the steep climb on the course called “Sardine Peak.” Lindsey Anderson was the hometown hero in the women’s division. She placed 14th overall and was the top female with a time of 1:33:23. Anderson was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympics team for the steeplechase, and this was her first trail run. 92 Men 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80+ Name Jase Bell Nicolas Watson Michael Case Nick Mosey (5) Max King David Clinger Andy Lee Daniel Vargo Clark Fox (4) Kevin Tuck Bob Evers Bryce Larkin (2) Hans Unger Adrian Wolford (5) Don Hildebrand Hometown Madison, AL Riverton, UT Idaho Falls, ID Yorba Linda, CA Bend, OR Sandy, UT Austin, TX Salt Lake City, UT Denver, CO Salt Lake City, UT Park City, UT Eden, UT Sylmar, CA Mustang, OK Sisters, OR Time 2:07:12 1:33:34 1:37:14 1:24:41 1:22:12 1:30:04 1:33:55 1:45:49 1:42:03 1:36:20 1:49:50 2:20:56 2:26:30 2:58:27 3:16:09 Women Name Hometown 10-14 Kaytlynn Welsch Alvin, TX 15-19 Betsy Hochman Lansdale, PA 20-24 Kerri Lyons Salt Lake City, UT 25-29 Lindsey Anderson Ogden, UT 30-34 Amber Moran Asheville, NC 35-39 Alyssa Larsen Jackson, WY 40-44 Nicole Hunt Deer Lodge, MT 45-49 Samantha Pinney San Francisco, CA 50-54 Tamara Tabeek San Diego, CA 55-59 Colleen Conners-Pace Tahoe City, CA 60-64 Kathleen Rydgig Oxnard, CA 65-69 (3) Amy Galbraith Venice, CA (#) Denotes number of XTERRA National Titles Time 2:08:29 2:31:47 1:34:27 1:33:23 1:38:53 1:48:40 1:46:51 2:25:01 2:08:00 2:10:09 3:19:30 3:14:17 2011 XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS REVIEW September 25, 2011 (Ogden, Utah) The trail running kingdom of Max King continues to expand. much the foot speed so I thought that I’d kind of make some people hurt right off the bat on the (first) uphill and see what happened,” said Arritola, 25. “But I still had no idea.” King (pictured) capped an amazing weekend of racing by winning the 2011 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, Utah. It was the first XTERRA Trail Run for Arritola, but not her first experience with trail running. She won another national title this summer in Oregon. It was the fourth consecutive XTERRA National Championship for King, but his first at Snowbasin. His previous three titles came when the event was held in his hometown of Bend, Ore. Stephen, who is from East Montepelier, Vermont, made a late surge and finished second with a time of 1:30:54. “It was awesome,” said Stephen, 24. “I kept looking up at the peaks and saying we’re still going up.” He completed the 21-kilometer trail course in 1 hour, 17 minutes, 59 seconds. King once again dominated the field, beating the other runners by nearly four minutes. Arritola and Stephen were teammates for the United States cross country ski team at the 2010 Winter Olympics. More than 450 runners representing 30 states participated in the race. “I love my hometown of Bend, but this was, I gotta say, a great course,” said King, 31. “It was a lot more climbing than we get in Bend, so this was tough.” Making it even tougher, King was running on tired legs. Less than 24 hours before the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, King was competing in even longer state – and in a different time zone. On Saturday, Sept. 24, King won the USA 50K Trail Championship in Bend, Ore. In essence, the XTERRA Trail Run victory gave him two national titles in less than 24 hours in two different states. “You always have to think positive when you’re an athlete, so I was thinking positive that I could do it,” King said. “It was a matter of how your body holds up and how you feel after the first (race).” Fellow Oregon runner Mario Mendoza and Salt Lake City runner B.J. Christenson pushed King for the first half of the race. In the women’s division, Olympic cross country skiers Morgan Arritola and Liz Stephen showed that they are just as fast in trail running shoes. Arritola, who is from Ketchum, Idaho, captured first place, finishing with a time of 1:29:09. She took the lead early in the course and maintained it the rest of the way. “I kind of figured that climbing is my strength, and not so 93 Male Division 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80+ Name Keegan Dove Jimmy Patterson Jon Gauthier (2) Mario Mendoza (4) Max King Jeremy Hurley Brad Mitchell Andy Ames Brian Stanley (3) Kevin Tuck Bob Evers Hans Unger Raliegh Jensen (4) Don Hildebrand Harold Vance Hometown Waco, TX Tampa, FL Rush, NY Bend, OR Bend, OR Grand Rapids, MI Hailey, ID Boulder, CO Kansas City, MO Salt Lake City, UT Park City, UT Sylmar, CA Boise, ID Sisters, OR Del Mar, CA Female Division Name Hometown 20-24 Liz Stephen East Montpelier, VT 25-29 Morgan Arritola Ketchum, ID 30-34 Lesley Paterson San Diego, CA 35-39 Sarah Raitter Reno, NV 40-44 Michelle Jensen Boise, ID 45-49 Christina Lightfoot Agoura,CA 50-54 Kelly Milligan Park City, UT 55-59 Jo Ann Jetton Cullman, AL 65-69 (4) Jessie Stratton Redding, CA (#) Denotes number of XTERRA National Titles Time 2:50:33 1:45:50 1:27:35 1:21:51 1:17:59 1:30:43 1:26:37 1:28:03 1:54:51 1:32:01 1:44:51 2:20:09 2:29:58 2:49:56 2:49:56 Time 1:30:54 1:29:09 1:33:48 1:40:26 1:35:30 1:58:20 1:48:56 2:35:32 2:53:47 2010 XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS REVIEW BEND, Ore. (Sept. 18, 2010) – Light rain and heavy competition were not enough to stop the reign of Max King at the 2010 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. King won the XTERRA National Championship race for the third consecutive year, completing the 13.9-mile course in 1 hour, 15 minutes, 57 seconds. King, who resides in Bend, used his knowledge of the course to break away from the field late in the race. “When you have good competition and you pull out a win like that, it always feels good, mentally and physically,” said King, 30. “I tried to be relaxed in the first half of the race and see if I could open it up in the second half to get the win, and that’s what I did. It wasn’t easy. This was a very difficult win for me.” Lauren Fleshman, who is from Eugene, Ore., also relied on a late surge to win the women’s national championship for the second consecutive year. Fleshman, 29, finished 10th overall with a time of 1:24:24. The women’s race was also supposed to be close, but Fleshman turned it into a runaway by running away down the stretch. For most of the race before that, Fleshman and Michele Suszek of Colorado stayed near each other. “I just tried to keep pace,” Fleshman said. “Then probably with around 5 (kilometers) left , I really picked up the pace to make it uncomfortable for the other girls in the race.” Suszek finished in second with a time of 1:26:40.“She was right behind me, then she got ahead at the 10-mile mark,” Suszek said of Fleshman. “Then we hit the flat stuff and she was gone. I tried, but she’s really fast.” More than 400 runners from around the world participated in the race. Runners (besides King) to win age-group titles for the third consecutive year were Don Hildebrand (men 7579), Katie Caba (women 35-39) and Jessie Stratton (women 65-69). King’s third consecutive XTERRA National Championship victory was his closest. Fellow Oregonian Greg Mitchell and California’s Mario Mendoza pushed King the entire route. Mitchell, who is from McMinnville, finished second with a time of 1:16:52. The 55-second margin was the closest any runner has come to King at the XTERRA National Championship race in the past three years. Mitchell had the lead for the first half of the race, but King passed him during a flat section along the Deschutes River with around three miles to go. “The first half of the race I felt pretty strong so I pushed it,” said Mitchell, 37. “Then somewhere along the river, Max just came on by like it was nobody’s business. You kind of figure that Max is on a different level, but you never know,” Mitchell said. “It was fun to be right there with him most of the way in a race like this.” Mendoza, who is from Cambria, Calif., also held the lead for a brief stretch before settling for third place in 1:17:16. “I tried to stay with Max at the end there and kind of overextended myself,” said Mendoza, 24. “I would have liked second, but (Mitchell) he passed me.” Mendoza was also racing for the first time in Bend, but it won’t be his last. He plans to move there next month to train on the numerous running trails. He said he will even seek the advice of King. 94 Male Division 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 Name Jaxon Rickel Mario Mendoza Derick Williamson (3) Max King Greg Mitchell Tim Van Orden Scott Frey (2) Jim Bendis Steve Giardini Skip Brown Lawrence Dunlap Kenneth Harrison (3) Don Hildebrand Hometown Tucson, AZ Bend, OR Austin, TX Bend, OR McMinnville, OR Bennington, VT Eugene, OR Palm Springs, CA Bend, OR Bend, OR Eugene, OR Hudson, OH Sisters, OR Time 1:26:07 1:17:16 1:20:05 1:15:57 1:16:52 1:20:08 1:29:04 1:34:15 1:56:03 1:41:22 1:52:44 2:08:35 2:33:46 Female Division 9-under 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 Name Zoe Allen Hannah Schultz (2) Lauren Fleshman Mary Colburn (3) Katie Caba Kami Semick Joan Cottrill Cecilia Kirk Sooki Raphael Lee Saltonstall (3) Jessie Stratton Hometown Hillsboro, OR Seattle, WA Eugene, OR Culver City, CA Bend, OR Bend, OR Cuyahoga Falls, OH Eugene, OR Topanga, CA Kailua, HI Redding, CA Time 3:03:37 1:49:17 1:24:24 1:29:18 1:35:41 1:32:07 1:47:45 1:57:38 2:13:20 2:26:53 2:23:40 2009 XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS REVIEW Bend, OR (September 13, 2009) -A pair of professional runners from the Beaver State – 29-year-old Max King and 27-year-old Lauren Fleshman - dominated the men’s and women’s races at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship half-marathon in Bend, Oregon. Lauren Fleshman from Eugene (originally from California) is a bona-fide superstar – a 5-time NCAA Champion and 15-time All-American at Stanford University, 3-time Olympic trials qualifier, owner of a 14:58 5k, and a member of the Nike Oregon Track Club Elite team. King, a Bend local, won in 1:06:46, a full six minutes ahead of runner-up Ben Bruce (1:12:58) and more than a minute faster than his own record time from last year's race. Fleshman won in 1:19:10, placed 5th overall, and finished more than two minutes ahead of the women’s runner-up and last year’s National Champ, Susannah Beck. “It was a tough course, my best distances are the mile and 5k so this is pretty long for me, and I’ll run this distance for a long run once a week but I never try to run it hard and I never try to run over crazy rocks and roots too often so it was fun just letting it rip and hanging it all out there and running with some really good trail runners,” said Fleshman (pictured), who missed the Olympics by one spot in 2008. The victory is King’s third straight XTERRA Trail Running Championship win (he also won Nationals and Worlds last year) and it also marks the third straight time Bruce has finished 2nd. “Ben (Bruce) went out really hard from the gun so it set a good pace for me, and from there I just tried to go really hard the whole time and be smooth through the technical sections,” said King, a former steeplechase All-American at Cornell University. The XTERRA Trail Run National Championship was the last race in a 50-stop U.S. Tour that hosts races in 15 states. There were 25 regional series champions from Southern California to Georgia, Virginia and beyond that took part, and here’s a look at the 2009 National Champs: Bruce was able to stay with King through about the first 2.5 miles but by mile five King had put a minute on Bruce and by the 8-mile turnaround he was leading by nearly two-anda-half minutes. That’s about when the trail gets truly technical, zigzagging on narrow singletrack along the river, and where King put even more distance on his long-time rival. "Max was just in great form today and he pulled away from me pretty early," said Bruce, a member of the prestigious Nike Oregon Track Club Elite team. “By about mile six he was gone and I looked back and didn’t see anyone behind me so I just settled in, relaxed, and had a good time.” Enjoying the trails and this "Central Oregon mountain town that has it all" was a common theme, especially from the large collection of out-of-state runners. “It was an awesome course, just beautiful,” said Richard Burgunder, a 30-year-old from Astoria, New York. “The venue is amazing and the river trail is epic. Plus, the people in Bend are awesome and the spectators that lined the course were so supportive. There were a couple guys on bikes that rode alongside me for a little bit and really motivated me. It was neat, a real breath of fresh air.” 95 Men 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 75-79 80+ Name Dmitry Ponder Sean Stafford * Max King Andy Martin Mark Robins Scott Dunlap Jim Bendis Jeff Spangler Dave Webster Kenneth Geljack Jerry Graham * Don Hildebrand Charles Hoover Hometown Prineville, OR Reno, NV Bend, OR Bend, OR Aumsville, OR Woodside, CA Palm Springs, CA Bend, OR Bend, OR Bristol, IN Spokane, WA Sisters, OR Bend, OR Time 1:37:40 1:22:01 1:06:46 1:15:07 1:25:12 1:23:09 1:27:24 1:27:15 1:28:14 1:52:52 1:41:28 2:56:03 3:57:04 Women 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 * Repeat Name Kristen Reichardt Kristiann Vlieger Lauren Fleshman Rachel Cieslewicz * Katie Caba Susannah Beck Tawnie McDonald Sue Dougherty Suzanne Ray * Jessie Stratton * Amy Galbraith Champions Hometown Foresthill, CA Sunnyside, WA Eugene, OR Salt Lake City, UT Bend, OR Brunswick, MA Bend, OR Bend, OR Medford, OR Redding, CA Venice, CA Time 1:58:53 1:47:41 1:19:10 1:31:18 1:26:58 1:21:37 1:39:21 1:50:20 1:37:55 2:11:22 2:44:01 2008 XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS REVIEW BEND, OR (September 27, 2008) - Several hundred athletes from 21 states gathered at the upscale Old Mill District in Bend today for the fourth annual XTERRA Trail Running National Championship on an incredibly beautiful, crisp and clear morning along the Deschutes River. Outside Magazine called this the best trail running town in America, and some of the fastest runners from around the state of Oregon and across the nation came to put its reputation to the test. Ultimately the king of XTERRA trail running turned out to be none-other than Bend’s very own Max King (pictured above at mile 8). The local favorite set the standard high turning out close to five-minute miles for a winning 21km course time of 1:08:01. After just winning a six-day 125 mile race through the Rockies earlier this month and coming in second at the 2008 World Mountain Running Championship last weekend, King was able to use his hometown advantage to edge out steeplechase star Ben Bruce, 26, of Eugene, Oregon by just over a minute. Ryan Bak, 27, also from Eugene and King’s teammate on the 2008 USA World Cross Country Team, took third in 1:09:41. In the women’s race it was marathon specialist Susannah Beck, 40, who took home the women’s top prize with her time of 1:23:07. This Eugene native “duked it out” for first place with Bend local Kami Semick, 42, who finished just 19 seconds later. These two ultra trail runners battled each other just six weeks ago at the USATF 50 Mile Trail Championship in Crystal Mountain, Washington where Beck and Semick also took the first and second place. This morning, it was an all out tug of war as Beck took the lead from the start giving way to Semick at mile six, and then regaining the lead at mile ten to take the women’s title. 2008 World Mountain Running Champion Lisa Nye, 40, of Bend, who was under the weather and only made it to the race by her children’s urging, came in third at 1:25:11. “When I spoke to Ryan, he said he was just coming to do the race for fun. Both he and Ben entered the race at the last minute, but I knew they would be tough competition” King said. Being from Bend, King was familiar with the course and was able to run part of the upper track last night giving him a good feel for the twists and turns. “I love to run a course with tight curves. It might be because of my low center of gravity” he joked. It was a close race for the first section, but at mile 3 Max took the lead and never looked back. When talking to Bruce and Bak, they said that as primarily track racers, “The course was more technical than they were used to. Max was able to take the sharp turns and really open up his lead.” “It’s a great course and nice to show all these runners from out of town what we have here in Bend and how you can go from this really cool downtown-type setting to forested single track in just miles,” said King. “Today was beautiful in Bend, the trails weren’t dusty, just perfect. Bend is really a great place for XTERRA to be, and I think that showed today.” 96 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPS Men 15 - 19 20 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 34 35 - 39 40 - 44 45 - 49 50 - 54 55 - 59 60 - 64 65 - 69 75 - 79 80+ Name Eddie Lacy Joseph Gray Max King Rich Skorczewski Richard Bolt Mark Ryan Bernie Boettcher 2 Kevin Tuck Don Morrison Phil Rossi Steven Humphrey Don Hildebrand John Keston Hometown Bend, OR Lakewood, WA Bend, OR Portland, OR Portland, OR Redmond, OR Silt, CO Salt Lake City, UT Brandywine, PA Lake Oswego, OR Reno, NV Sisters, OR Sunriver, OR Time 1:48:20 1:13:53 1:08:01 1:15:01 1:15:32 1:19:21 1:16:16 1:21:53 1:36:18 1:40:06 1:57:48 2:33:14 2:19:16 Women 15 - 19 20 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 34 35 - 39 40 - 44 45 - 49 50 - 54 55 - 59 60 - 64 65 - 69 Name Amanda Root Ixel Sanchez Jenn Shelton Holly Hight Katie Caba Susannah Beck Jodi Ruby Maureen Schlerf Leah Whipple Jessie Stratton Amy Galbraith Hometown Bend, OR Ashland, OR Ashland, OR Wilsonville, OR Bend, OR Eugene, OR La Verne, CA Bend, OR Kimberton, PA Redding, CA Venice, CA Time 1:59:36 1:33:31 1:30:04 1:32:30 1:25:18 1:23:07 1:37:08 2:01:22 1:47:26 2:04:05 2:21:35 HOW THE XTERRA TRAIL RUN SERIES WORKS Trails of all shapes and sizes can be found across America. Runners of all shapes and sizes can be found across America, too. The combination of those two is really what the XTERRA Trail Run Series is all about. If there’s a trail out there, we’ll try to find it. And we’ll invite one and all runners to come and join our races. The 2012-13 XTERRA Trail Run Series featured more than 70 races across the country ranging in distance from 5-kilometers to 42 kilometers. Sixteen regions across the United States hosted an XTERRA Trail Run Series during the 2012-13 season: Alabama, Arizona, Atlantic, Southern California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pocono, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Each region hosts anywhere from three to seven races that runners can compete in and accumulate points towards their regional championship totals. Age-group results are tabulated after each race, and the cumulative results at the end of the season determined the final regional standings. It is worth noting that every race in the XTERRA Trail Run Series is open to runners of all ages and skill levels. Most of the XTERRA races across the country offer two courses – a long course usually between 15 and 21 kilometers for experienced runners, and a short course usually between 5 and 10 kilometers for novice runners and sprinters. Only the long-course results count for points toward the age-group standings. Runners can enter as many XTERRA Trail Run events as they choose, and they are not restricted to race only in their closest region. For example, a runner who resides in Georgia can enter races in the Georgia Series, as well as Florida Series, North Carolina Series, South Carolina Series, or any others – and earn points in each series. Every age-group winner at the end of the season is considered an XTERRA Regional Champion and is awarded free entry into the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. At the end of the 2012-13 season, more than 220 runners won an age-group Regional Championship, and they ranged in age from 9 to 76. Close to 100 of those Regional Champions will make their way to Utah to compete in the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship race. There are also several independent XTERRA Trail Run races in the U.S. for runners who are in a region that does not have a full series. States that hosted independent XTERRA Trail Runs this year included Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, Nevada and Oregon. What’s more, XTERRA Trail Runs are global, with races in such exotic locations as Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Italy, France, Brazil, Philippines, South Africa and Switzerland. At the end of the year, runners from all over the world will unite on the beautiful and majestic island of Oahu for the ultimate trail run - the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in November. 97 2013 XTERRA TRAIL RUN SERIES SCHEDULE DATE 1/6/2013 1/6/2013 1/12/2013 1/27/2013 2/3/2013 2/3/2013 2/23/2013 3/9/2013 3/10/2013 3/23/2013 3/23/2013 3/24/2013 3/24/2013 4/6/2013 4/6/2013 4/6/2013 4/6/2013 4/14/2013 4/14/2013 4/20/2013 4/27/2013 4/27/2013 4/28/2013 5/4/2013 5/18/2013 5/18/2013 5/18/2013 5/18/2013 5/19/2013 5/25/2013 6/1/2013 6/1/2013 6/1/2013 6/8/2013 6/8/2013 6/8/2013 6/15/2013 6/15/2013 6/16/2013 6/22/2013 6/22/2013 6/22/2013 6/29/2013 7/6/2013 7/7/2013 7/13-14/2013 7/13/2013 7/13/2013 7/13/2013 7/21/2013 7/21/2013 7/28/2013 7/28/2013 8/10/2013 8/11/2013 8/17/2013 8/18/2013 8/31/2013 9/14/2013 9/21/2013 9/21/2013 9/22/2013 9/22/2013 9/28/2013 10/6/2013 10/12/2013 10/12/2013 10/13/2013 10/19/2013 10/19/2013 10/26/2013 11/2/2013 11/3/2013 11/10/2013 11/16/2013 11/24/2013 11/28/2013 11/30/2013 12/1/2013 12/7/2013 12/7/2013 12/8/2013 RACE XTERRA Boney Mountain Xduro Trail Run XTERRA White Tanks Trail Run XTERRA Monte Sano Trail Run XTERRA Bayamon Trail Run XTERRA Mission Gorge Trail Run XTERRA McDowell Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Thrill in the Hills Trail Run XTERRA Brandywine Creek Trail Run XTERRA Eco Lonestar Trail Run XTERRA Camp Eagle Trail Run XTERRA Hickory Knob Trail Run XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Run XTERRA Trout Creek Trail Runs XTERRA Power to the Tower Trail Run XTERRA Hungry Mother Trail Run XTERRA Cheyenne Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Seneca Creek Trail Run XTERRA Black Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run XTERRA Bluebonnet Trail Run XTERRA Fairy Stone Trail Run XTERRA Soaring Eagle Trail Run XTERRA Claw Trail Run XTERRA Big Pocono Trail Run XTERRA Seven Tubs Trail Run XTERRA Muleshoe Trail Run XTERRA Malibu Creek Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Fajardo Trail Run XTERRA Oak Mountain Mud and Trail Runs XTERRA Lums Pond Trail Run XTERRA Deep South Trail Run XTERRA Hickory Trail Run XTERRA HideoutTrail Run XTERRA Moab Trail Run XTERRA Richmond Trail Run XTERRA Eureka Springs Trail Run XTERRA Earth Conservancy Trail Run XTERRA Turkey Track Trail Run XTERRA Gator Bait Trail Run XTERRA Big Elk Trail Run XTERRA Cameron Park Trail Run XTERRA Sugar Bottom Trail Run XTERRA Gouldsboro Trail Run XTERRA Freedom Fest Trail Run XTERRA Harbison Trail Run XTERRA Festival of Running XTERRA Whitewater Trail Run XTERRA Wolf Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Magnolia Trail Run XTERRA Lord Hill Trail Run XTERRA Beaver Creek Trail Run XTERRA Beech Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Snow Valley Trail Run XTERRA Bays Blaze Trail Run XTERRA Oregon Trail Run XTERRA Table Rock Trail Run XTERRA Cerro Gordo Trail Run XTERRA Fisher Farm Trail Run XTERRA Red Mountain Park Trail Run XTERRA Harbins Park Trail Run XTERRA Lake Superior Shore Trail Run XTERRA Trail Running National Championship XTERRA Marathon of Trail Races XTERRA Cheaha Trail Run XTERRA Estrella Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Fort Yargo Trail Run XTERRA Harvest Half Trail Run XTERRA Point Mugu Trail Run XTERRA Henry Farms Trail Run XTERRA Gunstock Trail Run XTERRA Kapalua Beach Trail Run XTERRA Battle at Big Creek Trail Run XTERRA Wild Horse Trail Run XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Little Mulberry Park Trail Run XTERRA Trail Running World Championship XTERRA Topanga Turkey Trot Trail Run XTERRA Coldwater Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Salinas Trail Run XTERRA Victoria Bryant Trail Run XTERRA Rocky Top Trail Run XTERRA Crystal Cove Trail Run LOCATION Newbury Park, CA Waddell, AZ Huntsville, AL Bayamon, PR Santee, CA Fountain Hills, AZ Winder, GA Wilmington, DE Cedar Hill, TX Rocksprings, TX McCormick, SC Rock Springs, AZ Tampa, FL Kingsport, TN Marion, VA Colorado Springs, CO Gaithersburg, MD Rancho Penasquito, CA Henderson, NV Burnet, TX Stuart, VA Sammamish, WA Alafia, FL Tannersville, PA Wilkes-Barre, PA Spicewood, TX Malibu, CA Fajardo, PR Pelham, AL Bear, DE Jackson, GA White Haven, PA Kamas, UT Moab, UT Richmond, VA Eureka Springs, AR Mocanaqua, PA Pagosa Springs, CO Huntsville, TX Elkton, MD Waco, TX North Liberty, IA Gouldsboro, PA Ka’a’awa, Oahu, HI Columbia, SC Keystone, CO Charlotte, NC Eden, UT Navasota, TX Snohomish, WA Avon, CO Beech Mountain, NC Running Springs, CA Kingsport, TN Gaston, OR Pickens, SC Vega Alta, PR Davidson, NC Birmingham, AL Dacula, GA Marquette, MI Ogden, UT Colorado Springs, CO Delta, AL Goodyear, AZ Winder, GA Kenmore, WA Oxnard, CA Jacksonville, AL Laie, HI Kapalua, HI Roswell, GA Tampa, FL Pelham, AL Dacula, GA Ka’a’awa, Oahu, HI Calabasas, CA Anniston, AL Salinas, PR Royston, GA Kingsport, TN Newport Beach, CA 98 DISTANCE/PART OF SERIES 6/21km – SoCal Series #4 8/20km – Arizona Series #2 5/15km - Alabama Series #5 5/10km - Puerto Rico Series #2 5/15km – SoCal Series #5 7/24km – Arizona Series #3 21/42km – Georgia Series #5 5/13km -Atlantic Series #1 5/15km - Texas Series #1 6/21km - Texas Series #2 5/12/23/42/50km - South Carolina #1 9/21km - Arizona Series #4 5/15km – Florida Series #2 8/21/50km - Tennessee Series #2 8/10km - Virginia Series #1 5/12/24km - Colorado Series #2 5/10km -Atlantic Series #2 6/16km – SoCal Series #6 5/10/21km – America Tour 5/15km - Texas Series #3 8/13km - Virginia Series #2 8/21km - Washington Series #2 8/16km – Florida Series #3 5km – Pocono Series #1 5km – Pocono Series #2 6/16km - Texas Series #4 6/22km – SoCal Series #7 5/10/21km - Puerto Rico Series #3 5/10/21/42km – Alabama Series #6 5/10km - Atlantic Series #3 5/15km – Georgia Series #6 11km – Pocono Series #3 5/10/22km - Utah Series #1 5km - Utah Series #2 10/21km – Virginia Series #3 6/12km - America Tour 21km – Pocono Series #4 21/42km - Colorado Series #3 5/15km - Texas Series #5 21/42km - Atlantic Series #4 5/21km - Texas Series #6 5/10km - America Tour 13km – Pocono Series #5 5/10km – America Tour 5/21km - South Carolina Series #2 Various 6/13km – North Carolina Series #1 5/10km - Utah Series #3 6/21km - Texas Series #7 10/21km - Washington Series #3 5/10km - Colorado Series - #4 5/15km – North Carolina #2 10/21km – America Tour 8/15km - Tennessee Series #3 10/22km - America Tour 6/15km - South Carolina Series #3 5/10km - Puerto Rico Series #4 8/16km – North Carolina Series #3 7/15km - Alabama Series #1 - 2014 10km – Georgia Series #1 – 2014 5/21km - America Tour - 2014 5/10/21km – America Tour 5/21/42km – Colorado Series #1 – 2014 10km – Alabama Series #2 - 2014 8/20km – Arizona Series #1 - 2014 5/10km - Georgia Series #2 - 2014 10/21km - Washington Series #1 - 2014 11/18km – SoCal Series #1 – 2014 6km - Alabama Series #3 - 2014 5/21km - Hawaii Series #1 - 2014 5/10km – Hawaii Series #2 - 2014 8/15km – Georgia Series #3 – 2014 5/10/16/21km – Florida #1 – 2014 5/10/21km – Alabama Series #4 – 2014 5/10km - Georgia Series #4 - 2014 5/10/21km – World Tour 5/10/15km – SoCal Series #2 - 2014 4/15km - Alabama Series #5 - 2014 8/16km - Puerto Rico Series #1 - 2014 5/10km – Georgia Series #5 – 2014 10/21km - Tennesee Series #1 -2014 6/15km – SoCal Series #3 - 2014 HOW XTERRA GOT STARTED IT REALLY STARTED in the late '80's. That's when Tom Kiely (CEO of TEAM Unlimited - owners and producers of XTERRA) was tasked with creating more publicity for the Waikiki Oahu Visitors Association. His idea was sports TV. "First, sports is part of our life blood in Hawaii, and second, what looks good on TV? The beaches and the ocean," explained Kiely. The concept was pretty simple. TV sports and entertainment is one of the biggest industries in the world. The travel industry is THE BIGGEST industry in the world. Bring those two together in programming, and you've got something big. So he came up with the idea for the Hawaiian International Ocean Challenge - a lifeguard skills competition that attracted water safety specialists from Australia, New Zealand, California, and of course, Hawaii. Then, he forged a relationship with ESPN - the worldwide leader in sports. In 1990 the Ocean Challenge was broadcast on ESPN, and millions of viewers were exposed to the beauty of Waikiki - the sun, sand, and crystal clear blue water of the Pacific Ocean. Subsequently, this is where David "Kahuna" Nicholas enters the picture - as "race director." "So we get into producing the Ocean Challenge," says Kiely. "And now I'm thinking I've got all these athletes and TV crews and if it costs me this much to produce one show, it'll cost less for another, and even less for a third." ESPN approves two more shows (Waikiki King's Race and Diamond Head Wahine Windsurfing Classic) and in 1991 TEAM Unlimited produces three events and three TV shows. The concept is working, and Hawaii is reaping the benefits of the outdoor exposure the shows are generating. "So the next year (1992) we produced seven Hawaiian Sports Adventure Showsmultiple segments, different stories, great scenics, and 30-minutes of entertaining, good fun stuff," said Kiely. Those seven shows were in addition to the Ocean Challenge and a few others televised events, including the inaugural Tour O' Hawaii. "Now that was a great event," said Nicholas - now the managing director of the XTERRA Global Tour. "The Tour O' Hawaii happened before professional cyclists were allowed to compete in the Olympics so the top riders from every country kept their amateur status so they could race in the Olympics. We just missed Lance because he signed with Motorola, but we had George Hincapie, Jan Ulrich, Tyler Hamilton, and dozens of others. Looking back, the field was a who's who of international cycling." A few years later the Olympics allowed pros to compete, road cycling in the U.S. was on the decline, and the Tour O' Hawaii was no more. At the same time, however, mountain biking was taking off. So in 1995, in addition to 12 other TV shows and several events, TEAM Unlimited produced the Hawaiian Mountain Tour. In doing so Nicholas and mountain bike Hall-of-Famer Dean Crandall established the rules and held the first-ever mountain bike stage race. This is also where many of the XTERRA greats first appeared. The likes of Ned Overend, Shari Kain, Melanie McQuaid, Steve Larsen, Mike Kloser, Leslie Tomlinson, and host of others were taking part in the Hawaiian Mountain Tour. Now these races took place at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, where the Koolau mountain range meets the ocean, and the story goes that after their races the mountain bikers would ride down to the beach and jump in the water. It sparked a thoughtwhy not have a mountain bike triathlon? By 1996 TEAM Unlimited had produced more than 50 shows and sporting events, and while the idea of an off-road triathlon was enticing - who'd pay for it? Almost simultaneously, the Aston Hotel in Maui (now the Wailea Marriott Resort) was shopping for a good idea for their grand opening and the Maui Visitors Bureau was looking for a new event that could tell a different story about Maui's south shore because all the exposure up to that point was golf. Well, what better way to show off the hotel and south shore than 1) starting the race at this beautiful beach in front of the sponsor hotel, 2) follow a race that covers 21 miles of terrain with two dozen camera's, and 3) put it on TV for the whole world to see? Add a phone call to Kiely from a friendly competitor in the marketplace (to remain unnamed) inquiring on the very subject of producing an off-road triathlon and you have all the main ingredients for XTERRA's birth. Kiely likes to define luck as the "intersection of opportunity and activity." He recalls bringing Nicholas and VP of Marketing Janet Clark into his office. "Look, I said, so-and-so called me and said that they were thinking about doing an off-road tri and if they do, then we're forever second, so we have to be the first ones to do it. I immediately called Aston and the MVB and said O.K., I've got the idea, here's the thing, bing, bang, boom," said Kiely. "And that's what got us started in XTERRA." 99 TEAM UNLIMITED TEAM Unlimited is a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, founded in 1988. It owns and produces XTERRA and in 2013 will offer more than 300 XTERRA off-road triathlon and trail running races in 18 countries worldwide. In the U.S. alone nearly 200,000 participants took part in the XTERRA lifestyle last year. In addition, TEAM TV has produced more than 300 adventure television shows resulting in three Emmy’s and 42 Telly Awards for production excellence since 1990. View samples at www.xterra.tv, and learn more at xterraplanet.com and xterratrailrun.com. XTERRA THROUGH TIME 1996: Jimmy Riccitello and Michellie Jones win inaugural event in Wailea, Maui. 1997: XTERRA adds two events in California, and one in Louisiana in addition to World Championship. 1998: The XTERRA tour goes to Michigan, Colorado, Oregon, and back to Louisiana. 1999: 11 races spanning from California to New Jersey. First year of Pro Points Series. 2000: XTERRA goes global with its first international races in England, Japan, and Canada. 2001: The first year of the XTERRA USA Championship Series, Australia and the Netherlands. 2002: The inaugural XTERRA Saipan Championship, and races in Germany and the Czech Republic. The XTERRA USA Championship Series expands to 31 races. 2003: The seventh consecutive year of expansion provides more than 50 events to compete in. 2004: Forty-five events in the U.S., plus 33 international races and a full-fledged XTERRA European Tour 2005: First year of the stand-alone XTERRA Trail Running Series and Nevada Passage Adventure Competition. 2011: More than 100 XTERRA off-road triathlon races and 70+ XTERRA Trail Runs. First year for XTERRA Philippines. 2012: First year for the XTERRA Guam Championship and the “Triple Crown” of Guam, Philippines, and Saipan on backto-back-to-back weekends in March. 2013: The expansion of the world tour continues in Malaysia, Spain, Canada, Greece, Italy, and England TEAM TV Since 1990 TEAM TV has produced more than 300 television shows resulting in three regional Emmy’s and 42 Telly Awards for production excellence. 100