Nearly three thousand racers in kids, half-distance, and championship events at 10th running of Grabouw XTERRA

Complete Results / Photos / Video Highlights

February 25, 2013 - Richard Murray and Carla Van Huyssteen won the 10th running of the XTERRA South Africa Championship at the XTERRA World Tour opener in Grabouw, Western Cape today.

It’s the first XTERRA championship title for Murray and second straight SA crown for Van Huyssteen.

As expected Murray led out of the water with four-time XTERRA World Champ Conrad Stoltz roughly 30 seconds back.  Murray was able to hold the lead though the first third of the bike before Stoltz caught up and pulled away with the lead.

“I was uncertain going into the bike and really expected Conrad to catch me sooner,” said Murray.  “It was only on the 10km mark that he caught me and then proceeded to pull away.  He just has so much power in his legs.”

Stoltz took a 40-second lead into the bike-to-run transition but was caught by Murray roughly half-way into the 11-kilometer run.

“From there I just kept it together till the end,” said Murray.  “It was a big day for me.  This is my first South African title.  The Totalsports XTERRA is definitely the most contended race in South Africa.  I had so much fun and will definitely be back next year,” says Murray.

Stoltz ran into the finish in 2nd place, however, course marshals reported that he deviated from the run route and as a result official rules were applied and Stoltz was disqualified.  Dan Hugo therefore took second place on the day, with Nico Pfitzenmaier finishing third.

For Van Huyssteen (pictured, courtesy Cherie Vale/Newsport Media) the successful title defense was a-dream-come true.

“I had to work hard the entire race,” said Van Huyssteen.  “The swim was a bit chaotic in the beginning with me choosing the wrong line.  I still had a good swim though, entering transition first.  I knew I had to work hard as Shonny Vanlandingham is an amazing mountain biker.  I managed to find good rhythm on the bike.  Going into the run I knew I had to give my all as my husband wouldn’t be impressed with me if it looked like I was taking it easy. Today’s race was great.  I had a knot in my stomach the whole way as I really wanted this win”.

Susan Sloan came in second, while Vanlandingham finished third.

XTERRA Managing Director “Kahuna Dave” Nicholas was on-site for the event and brings us more color on how the day unfolded…

The weather was perfect all weekend.  By 7am on Sunday the parking lots were full and literally thousands crowded the compound.  Breakfast pizza’s, coffee vendors and the always nervous athletes chat permeated the scene.

The very quick swimmers Richard Murray and Theo Blignaut could do no better than 5th and 6th out of the water.  SA had some incredible teams entered and had 4 of the top 10 overall finishers.  Former World Champ Tim Don was even a swimmer for one of the teams.

Out on the bike Murray quickly asserted his skills and at the 5K mark was leading Conrad by just under a minute and Conrad had Dan Hugo right on his rear wheel.  The first 8K or so is wide and allows easy passing and has the majority of the climbing.  By the 10K mark Caveman was in front by 30 seconds, Murray looking very strong in 2nd followed by Hugo.   Knowing how fast Murray can run – just as fast as Javier Gomez – we all figured Conrad would need 2-3 minutes on Murray off the bike to win.

In the women’s race Carla Van Huyssteen burst past Silvia von Trump for the lead with Carina Wasle coming up strong in the initial first kilometers.  Shonny Vanlandingham lost a full four minutes to Carla getting out of T1.  “I started way to the right of the pack. I went out at the gun and when I took my 2^nd breath saw at least 100 people running way to the right of me” Shonny grinned.  “I figured best to let them go”.

Young Bradley Weiss, who had made an Ali-style prediction of top 3 on YouTube, was riding very well and up to 5th with Stuart Marais in 4th and Nico Pfitzenmaier coming on strong.

By the time I got to the famous Rock Garden, Conrad still held a nice lead, but it was under 2 minutes.  Murray actually was grinning and got a bit of air and did a semi table top with his handlebars.  What?  This is an ITU guy?  Dan was comfortable in 3rd and now Pfitzenmaier was up to 4th and his ride through the rocks and switchbacks was poetic.

We had not seen the women for a while and Carla came down and across the rickety bridge in a pack of men with Vanlandingham 2:30 behind.

The Bridge must be as old as I am.  Big, thick planks on thicker stringers over a stone gulch about 30-feet across and 10’ deep.  You do not want to fall off this one.  Hendrico Burger, the race director, and I had run up to the top of Rock Garden to get some shots.  When Hugo went past, we scrambled down to the bridge knowing how narrow and rocky the trail is and knowing we would never have time once 700+ of our closest friends starting coming down.  I crossed first but Hendrico stepped on the wrong board and CRACK – it broke in half.  He quickly got his leg out and fortunately the rest of the planks held up and wheels simply rolled over the 5” space.  Hendrico is the nicest guy you could ever meet.  He was bleeding a bit from his shin and said (with a South African accent) “Gotta have somebody fix that one”.

It was Conrad into T2 first but not by enough.  Murray went out on the run and was worried.  “I took off fine but started cramping a bit and had to slow down.  If Conrad had another minute I would never have caught him”.  He then grinned a bit and said “We don’t have hills like this in ITU 10k’s.”

Hugo was solid in 3^rd and Pfitzey was running very well.  Last year he lost a position or two on the run, but not this year.  Marais had a nice race to 5th but never felt super strong as he was in 2012.

Ultimately, Richard Murray proved his youth skills riding a mountain bike were not wasted and claimed a convincing win at Grabouw.

For the women, Carla had given a lot out on the bike and had to hold herself back on the last few K’s into T2.  “I was really out of energy and had to catch my breath to have something for the run”.  She had more than enough and took first by four minutes over Susan Sloan.  Vanlandingham was feeling physically good but had not done any speed work this early in the season yet.

“I have one speed – and that’s diesel” she said.  Sloan made up more than two minutes on the American and passed her on the very last part of the run for second-place.

Post-race it was discovered that Conrad had inadvertently followed last year’s run course.  Our rules are quite specific and it was a horrible but correct decision to DQ the winningest and arguably the nicest man in XTERRA history.  There’s more to the story, but the Caveman acknowledged his mistake, testament to a very honorable and honest man.

As for the Yanks, GL Brown won his age group, Lisa Brummond finished 2nd in her age group and all the Americans had a blast.

South Africa, the Cape area is simply gorgeous.  Great people, great food, and unbelievable things to see and do.  Yes, it is a long way from the U.S. or Europe, but so well worth the trip.

Onward to the Philippines.

For more information on the TOTALSPORTS XTERRA presented by REHIDRAT® SPORT visit www.stillwatersports.com or contact Jacky McClean at 083 291 9283 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

ALL-TIME XTERRA SOUTH AFRICA CHAMPIONS (PRO DIVISION)

Next on the XTERRA World Tour: The XTERRA South Africa Championship race was the first world tour event to qualify amateur athletes into the XTERRA World Championship to be held in Kapalua, Maui (Hawaii) on October 27, 2013.  Next up, the XTERRA Triple Crown in the Western Pacific featuring the XTERRA Philippines, Saipan, and Guam Championship races in March.  The first of two Maui qualifying events in New Zealand is also in March, with XTERRA Motatapu taking place on the South Island on the 9th.

Date – Race, Location Feb 24 - XTERRA South Africa Championship, Western Cape

• Mar 2 – XTERRA Philippines Championship, Cebu
• Mar 9 – XTERRA Motatapu, South Island, New Zealand
• Mar 9 – XTERRA Saipan Championship, Northern Marianas
• Mar 23 – XTERRA Guam Championship, Piti
• Apr 7 – XTERRA Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, Victoria, Australia
• Apr 13 – XTERRA New Zealand Championship, Rotorua
• Apr 28 – XTERRA Malaysia Championhip, Putrajaya
• June 2   -XTERRA Spain Championship, Cieza, Murcia
• June 15 – XTERRA Greece, Lake Plastira
• June 29 – XTERRA Switzerland Championship, Vallee de Joux
• July 7 – XTERRA France Championship, Xonrupt, Gerardmer
• July 20 – XTERRA Brazil Championship, Ilhabela, SP
• July 20 – XTERRA Abruzzo, Lago di Scanno, Italy
• Aug 3 – XTERRA Mexico Championship, Tapalpa, Jalisco
• Aug 10 – XTERRA Czech Championship, Prachatice
• Aug 17 -XTERRA Germany Championship, Zittau
• Aug 24 -XTERRA Japan Championship, Marunuma
• Sept 8 – XTERRA England, Cranleigh, Surrey
• Sept 21 – XTERRA USA Championship, Ogden/Snowbasin, UT
• Oct 27   – XTERRA World Championship, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii

XTERRA, the nation’s premier off-road triathlon and trail running series, has selected the Virtual Race Bags™ online platform to provide event participants special offers and messages from national and local sponsors, as well as XTERRA licensees, at its U.S. Championship events.

Honolulu, HI (February 19, 2013)  – XTERRA, the nation’s premier off-road triathlon and trail running series, has selected the Virtual Race Bags™ online platform to provide event participants special offers and messages from national and local sponsors, as well as XTERRA licensees, at its U.S. Championship events.

“It’s a better solution for the environment and for our sponsors,” said XTERRA President Janet Clark.  “We’ll still provide the highly coveted Paul Mitchell samples and things of this nature, but everything that used to come as paper – flyers, postcards, and such – will now go online. In addition to cutting the waste, our sponsors will be able to tell immediately what offers are working and what are not so they can adjust accordingly as the season progresses.”

Virtual Race Bags delivers sponsor deals, offers and messages to event participants using an online platform that is customized for each event.

“We are thrilled to be working with Team Unlimited for the XTERRA Championships to provide our turn-key marketing platform that delivers value to participants, sponsors and national brands,” said Gary Schwake, President & Co-Founder of Virtual Race Bags™.  “We look forward to helping advance the digital and environmental initiatives for events of all sizes across the U.S. and Canada.”

What do you think about the idea of Virtual Race Bags? Go to the TriEdge facebook page and tell us what you think!

About TEAM Unlimited/XTERRA

TEAM Unlimited is a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, founded in 1988.  It owns and produces XTERRA and in 2013 will produce more than 100 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.  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 Media Contact:
Trey Garman, Vice President
Phone: 808-792-2603 // Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Virtual Race Bags™

Virtual Race Bags provides a turn-key online platform for Organizers of endurance events to efficiently and cost-effectively deliver sponsor messages to event participants.  Much more than a simple “virtual goody bag,” Virtual Race Bags delivers sponsor deals, offers and messages to event participants using an online platform that is customized for each event.  Virtual Race Bags was founded in 2010 by a team seeking to leverage their experience as Event Directors, Sponsors and Athletes to help significantly improve the experience with the iconic race bag.  Learn more about us at www.VirtualRaceBags.com

Virtual Race Bags™ … Get Your Green On!

For More Information Contact:
Gary Schwake, President & Co-Founder
Virtual Race Bags™
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The 17th edition of the XTERRA World Championship on October 28 at Kapalua, Maui will feature one of the strongest, most diverse professional fields in triathlon history

October 9, 2012 (Honolulu, HI) – The 17th edition of the XTERRA World Championship on October 28 at Kapalua, Maui will feature one of the strongest, most diverse professional fields in triathlon history.

There are more than 70 pros representing 20 countries headed to Maui, including some of the biggest names from the Olympics, XTERRA, ITU, Ironman, 70.3, Duathlon, Winter Tri, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and adventure racing scenes.

Here is a look at some of the headliners:

• Conrad Stoltz, RSA – Unprecedented four-time XTERRA World Champion, 10x US Pro Series Champion
• Javier Gomez, ESP – Olympic Silver Medalist (current ITU No. 2)
• Sebastien Kienle, GER – 2012 IM 70.3 World Champion
• Eneko Llanos, ESP – 3x XTERRA World Champion
• Tim Don, GBR – 2006 World Champion (current ITU WTS No. 16)\
• Victor Del Corral, ESP – 2012 IM Lanzarote and ETU Cross Tri Champ, 2011 XTERRA France Champion Olivier Marceau, SUI – Three-time Olympian and XTERRA European Tour Champion
• Nicolas Lebrun – 2012 XTERRA European Tour Champion, 2005 XTERRA World Champion
• Josiah Middaugh, USA – 2012 XTERRA USA Champion
• Richard Ussher, NZL – World Adventure Racing Champion
• Chris Legh, AUS –  Nearly 100 professional triathlon victories
• Francisco “Paco” Serrano, MEX – 2008 Olympian
• Brent McMahon, CAN – 2012 Olympian (current ITU WTS No.37)
• Ben Allen, AUS – Won 5 straight XTERRA’s in Guam, Philippines, Saipan, New Zealand, and Italy this year
• Asa Shaw, FRA – Captured the XTERRA France and Germany Championships
• Mike Vine, CAN – Won the XTERRA Canada Championship

For the women…

• Lesley Paterson, GBR – Reigning XTERRA World Champ, ITU Cross Tri World Champion
• Erin Densham, AUS – Olympic Bronze Medalist (current ITU No. 1)
• Mary Beth Ellis, USA – 2012 Ironman Texas and New York Champion (70.3 wins in Norway, Singapore)
• Barbara Riveros, CHI – London Olympian (current ITU WTS No. 7)
• Magali Tisseyre, CAN – 2012 IM 70.3 Calgary, Mooseman, and Mount Tremblant Champion
• Marion Lorblanchet, FRA – 2010, 2011 XTERRA European Tour Champion
• Helena Erbenova, CZE – 2012 XTERRA European Tour Champion, 2006 Winter Olympian
• Renata Bucher, SUI – 29 career XTERRA Championship wins, 4 Euro Tour titles
• Melanie McQuaid, CAN – 3x XTERRA World Champ, 2011 ITU Cross Tri World Champion
• Shonny Vanlandingham, USA – 2010 XTERRA World Champ, American Mountain Biking Legend
• Heather Jackson, USA – 2012 Wildflower Long Course and San Diego Int’l Triathlon Champion
• Danelle Kabush, CAN – Won the XTERRA Mountain Championship
• Jacqui Slack, GBR – Won XTERRA New Zealand and XTERRA Italy Championships

FOLLOW IT LIVE ON XTERRAMAUI.COM

XTERRA and Luck Stone are teaming up to bring fans a comprehensive slate of coverage for the XTERRA World Championship on xterraMAUI.com starting Sunday, October 28 at 9am Hawaii time (12 noon PST, 3pm EST, 9pm in Europe, 5am in Sydney, Australia, 8am in New Zealand, 4pm in Brazil).

One screen will feature live video feeds from several spots around the course, another will showcase a social media (GIS) map of the course with detailed positioning and tweets from strategically positioned spotters; and every elite athlete is being equipped with a GPS tracking device that will allow followers to see their every movement.  The “shadow” device reports location, speed, distance, and elevation.

The Google Chrome browser seems to be the best browser for viewing and for the GPS Tracker you can download a free app for the iPhone that is pretty cool.  Just go to www.xterraMAUI.com and follow the various links for more info.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DOUBLE

The Hawaiian Airlines “Double” award is given to the pro and amateur man and woman with the fastest combined 2012 XTERRA World Championship and Ironman Hawaii Championship time, a feat reserved for the world’s leading endurance athletes.  Hawaiian Airlines pays $2,500 to the pros and presents the amateur winners with round trip tickets for two. There are several elites racing at the Ironman World Championship that also plan on racing at XTERRA Worlds including Sebastien Kienle, Maxim Kriat, Eneko Llanos, Josh Rix, and Mary Beth Ellis.

TENTATIVE XTERRA WORLD’S PRO LIST – 10.9.12

(Place at last year’s WC) – Name – Age, Hometown (origin)
(3) – Eneko Llanos – 35, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
(4) - Josiah Middaugh – 34, Vail, Colorado, USA (Michigan)
(6) – Olivier Marceau – 39, Vallauris, France, (Switzerland)
(8) – Richard Ussher – 36, Nelson, New Zealand
(9) – Jan Kubicek – 32, Chodov City, Czech Republic
(10) – Chris Legh – 39, Lyons, Colorado, USA, (Australia)
(11) – Sam Gardner – 37, Surrey, United Kingdom
(13) – Nicolas Lebrun – 39, Digne-les-Bains, France
(14) – Mike Vine – 39, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
(17) – Jim Thijs – 32, Huldenberg, Belgium
(18) – Branden Rakita – 31, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
(22) – Llewellyn Holmes – 30, Bristol, United Kingdom
(23) – Felipe Moletta – 25, Sao Jose Dos Pinhais, Brazil
(29) – Ben Allen – 27, North Wollongong, Australia
(31) – Cody Waite – 34, Lakewood, Colorado, USA
(32) – Cid Santos – 30, Natal, Brazil
(33) – Will Ross – 23, Anchorage, Alaska USA
(36) – Pierre Facomprez – 29, Nervers, France
(39) – Yu Yumoto – 34, Tokyo, Japan
Francois Carloni – 27, Frejus, France
Leonardo Chacon – 28, Liberia, Costa Rica
Leo Corrales – 28, Liberia, Costa Rica
Braden Currie – 26, Wanaka, New Zealand
Brice Daubord – 27, Orleans, France
Gianpietro De Faveri – 43, Vittorio Veneto, Italy
Victor Del Corral – 32, Santa Olivia, Spain
Tim Don – 34, London, United Kingdom
Craig Evans – 34, Hendersonville, Tennessee, USA
Jan Francke – 43, Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic
Javier Gomez – 29, Pontevedra, Spain
Damian Gonzalez – 36, Stockton, California, USA
Brendan Halpin – 28, Missoula, Montana, USA

Women’s Tentative Pro Start List
(Place at last year’s WC) – Name – Age, Hometown (origin)
(1) – Lesley Paterson – 32, San Diego, California, USA, (United Kingdom)
(2) – Marion Lorblanchet – 29, Clermont Ferrand, France
(3) – Helena Erbenova – 33, Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic
(4) – Renata Bucher – 35, Lucerne, Switzerland
(5) – Danelle Kabush – 37, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(6) – Erin Densham – 27, Melbourne, Australia
(9) – Brandi Heisterman – 37, Brackendale, B.C., Canada
(15) – Suzie Snyder – 30, Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA
(17) – Catherine Dunn – 50, Wellington, New Zealand
(21) – Caroline Colonna – 48, Taos, New Mexico, USA
Katie Button – 28, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
Mary Beth Ellis – 35, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, USA
Heather Jackson – 28, Carlsbad, California, USA
Christine Jeffrey – 40, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Melanie McQuaid – 39, Victoria, B.C., Canada
Elizabeth Orchard – 26, Epsom, New Zealand
Mari Rabie – 26, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Barbara Riveros – 25, La Pintana ,Chile
Jacqui Slack – 29, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Magali Tisseyre – 31, St-Sauveur, Canada
Shonny Vanlandingham – 43, Durango, Colorado, USA

The XTERRA World Championship is presented by Paul Mitchell, AVIA, Hawaiian Airlines, The Ritz-Carlton, Maui Visitors Bureau and Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. Sponsors include the Kapalua Resort, PowerBar, Gatorade, Zorrel, Kona Brewing Company, Hawaii Tourism Authority, T S Restaurants, Rudy Project, XTERRA Wetsuits, XTERRAShop.com, XTERRA Footwear, and XTERRA Fitness.

About TEAM Unlimited/XTERRA

TEAM Unlimited is a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, founded in 1988.  It owns and produces XTERRA and in 2011 produced more than 100 XTERRA off-road triathlon and trail running races in 15 countries worldwide.  In the U.S. alone nearly 200,000 participants took part in the XTERRA lifestyle last year while XTERRA’s TV, publicity, advertising, online, and grassroots marketing efforts generated more than 400 million impressions.  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.

The world-class facilities at Snowbasin Resort and the high-adventure recreation destination of Ogden, Utah team-up to host XTERRA Nationals for the fourth straight year on September 22-23.

HONOLULU, HI (August 28, 2012) – The world-class facilities at Snowbasin Resort and the high-adventure recreation destination of Ogden, Utah team-up to host XTERRA Nationals for the fourth straight year on September 22-23.

“Nationals” is the culmination of all 140 XTERRA U.S. off-road triathlon and trail running events in 2012. The 70-race XTERRA America Tour ended its regular season Sunday and invites to Utah were sent to the top performers in each age group from across the country – setting up a bona-fide USA championship race to determine the best-of-the-best in off-road triathlon.

The off-road tri Nationals is Saturday, Sept. 22, along with full and half-distance XTERRA Utah races open to everyone.

The XTERRA Trail Run Nationals half-marathon is Sunday, Sept. 23, accompanied by 5K and 10K trail runs.  Both events will be filmed for nationally syndicated TV programs exposing the beauty of Utah to millions.

While the USA Championship off-road triathlon is an invite only race, the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship is open to the public, so one and all can challenge XTERRA’s most decorated trail runners and race for a national championship.

Both events finish at Snowbasin Resort – a world-class ski resort that hosted the downhill and super G races for the 2002 Winter Olympics.  Located just 35 miles north of Salt Lake City, Snowbasin is easy get to and boasts an incredible collection of trails, which are nothing short of spectacular in late September as the fall colors start bursting in an array of red, pink, orange, and yellow.

The two events will bring more than 1,000 amateur and professional triathletes and trail runners to battle for the title of XTERRA National Champion.

In addition to the races, XTERRA will host an expo in downtown Ogden with free kids races, vendor booths, a Paul Mitchell hair cut-a-thon for charity, and evening dinner parties. Simultaneously, Ogden hosts its 11th annual Harvest Moon Festival with a wealth of family-friendly activities planned for all ages including live music, kid’s activities, and downtown crit races.

“We love bringing the XTERRA Tribe together in Utah, the energy level is off-the-charts,” said Janet Clark, president of XTERRA. “Ogden and Snowbasin are simply the best – between the facilities at Snowbasin, the great restaurants and atmosphere along Historic 25th Street in Ogden, the Harvest Moon Festival, and the unbelievably supportive community – we can’t ask for a better venue.”

For more information and links to registration visit xterrautah.com, or call toll-free to 877-XTERRA-1. 

The XTERRA USA Championship weekend is sponsored by the Paul Mitchell, AVIA, and the Utah Sports Commission.  Sponsors include PowerBar, Gatorade, Rudy Project, XTERRAShop.com, Zorrel, Snowbasin Resort, ENVE Composites, GOAL Foundation, MediaOne of Utah, U.S. Forest Service, KSL TV, XTERRA Wetsuits, XTERRA Fitness, and XTERRA Footwear.

XTERRA National Championships of Triathlon and Trail Running Event Schedule

Sept 21-23, 2012 // Ogden/Snowbasin Resort, Utah 

Friday, September 21

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 – XTERRA Utah/XTERRA USA
Championship/XTERRA Trail Run Nationals, 10K and 5K)

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)

3:30pm – “Ask AVIA” one-on-one session with AVIA Pro

4pm – XTERRA Kids Bike Race (free)

4:30-6pm – XTERRA University, presented by Paul Mitchell – Art of XTERRA

5pm – XTERRA Kids Sprint (free)

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 Champions, ENVE “Performer of the Year” & Mr/Ms XTERRA 2012.  Admission: complimentary for USA Championship competitors, $25 for guests/public.  Note that tickets are limited – first come, first served.

Saturday, September 22

XTERRATRIATHLON at Snowbasin Resort 

6am – Shuttle operating to/from Snowbasin to Port Ramp Marina, Pineview Reservoir

6:30am – Late packet pickup at Port Ramp Marina, Pineview Reservoir (no registration)

6:30am – T1 open for set-up at Port Ramp Marina, Pineview Reservoir

6:30am – T2 open for Set-up at Snowbasin

6:30am – Body marking at Port Ramp Marina, Pineview Reservoir

8:20am – Last shuttle from Snowbasin to Port Ramp Marina

9:00am – XTERRA USA Championship Start at Port Ramp Marina (1.5k swim, 30k mtb, 10k trail run)

9:20am – XTERRA Utah Start – Long Course at Port Ramp Marina (1.5k swim, 30k mtb, 10k trail run)                               

9:40am – XTERRA Utah Start – Sprint Course at Port Ramp Marina (750m swim, 16k 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

10:15am – Last shuttle from Port Ramp Marina to Snowbasin

10:30-2:30pm – Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon - benefit for the Challenged Athletes Foundation

11am – XTERRA Sprint Course 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

1:50pm – XTERRA Cut-off at T2

2pm – XTERRA USA Championship/XTERRA Utah Awards Ceremony at Snowbasin

After Party at Harvest Moon Festival in downtown Ogden

12-10:00pm – Harvest Moon Festival on 25^th Street – kids activities, farmer’s market, food booths, and live bands

8:00pm – XTERRA USA Championship highlight video showing and introduction of Champions – Main Stage 

Sunday, September 23

XTERRA TRAIL RUNNING at Snowbasin Resort

7:00-8:00am – Late Registration

7:00-8:30am – Late packet pick up

8:00am – XTERRA Expo open

9:00am – XTERRA Trail Running National Championship Half Marathon Start

9:05am – XTERRA 5km and 10km Trail Run starts

9:00am-2:00pm – Paul Mitchell Cut-a-Thon, a benefit for the Challenged Athletes Foundation

9:20am/9:40am – 5km/10km winners expected

10:06/10:19am – Men’s and Women’s National Championship male/female winners expected

11:00am – XTERRA Kids Sprint (free)

11:00am – XTERRA 5km and 10km awards ceremony

11:45am – XTERRA National Championship race awards ceremony

2:00pm – XTERRA Expo closes

After Party in downtown Ogden

6:00pm – XTERRA After Party (Location TBA)

7:00pm – Video Highlights

About TEAM Unlimited/XTERRA

TEAM Unlimited is a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, founded in 1988.  It owns and produces XTERRA and in 2012 produced more than 100 XTERRA off-road triathlon and trail running races in 15 countries worldwide.  View samples at www.xterra.tv, and learn more at xterraplanet.com and xterratrailrun.com.

For Stoltz, not altitude, not a bear, not even Josiah Middaugh - a mountain master on his home course - could disrupt his perfect 2012 season.

XTERRA Photo Gallery I XTERRA Mountain Championship Results

July 14, 2012 (Beaver Creek Resort – Avon, CO) – Conrad Stoltz, 38, of Stellenbosch, South Africa and Danelle Kabush, 36, of Calgary, Canada won the XTERRA Mountain Championship at Beaver Creek Resort in Avon, Colorado on Saturday.

For Stoltz, not altitude, not a bear, not even Josiah Middaugh – a mountain master on his home course – could disrupt his perfect 2012 season.  Stoltz started the year with a win at the XTERRA South Africa Championship, then swept through the XTERRA regional championships in Nevada, Alabama, Virginia, & now Colorado to bring his unprecedented XTERRA all-time championship wins total to 47.

“I must admit it was a very pleasurable experience,” said Stoltz, who raced here at the XTERRA Mountain Championships in Beaver Creek for the first time today.  “I didn’t expect to come up here and have fun but it was a lot of fun.  The course is beautiful, and I was amazed at all the spectators even out in the middle of the forest. I saw a black bear up there while I was racing.  I heard some branches break and I could see it getting away and Josiah saw it too.  So, it was very memorable.  I was really surprised at my win. I thought Josiah was going to take it, because beating him on this course is really tough so I think I had a very special day.  I have to thank Specialized who put a lot of time and effort into my bike.”

Stoltz came out of the mile-swim in the 66-degree waters of  Nottingham Lake on the heels of leader Craig Evans and Branden Rakita, with Ben Hoffman directly behind him and David Henestrosa and Middaugh a minute back.

By the three-mile mark, and after the first of nearly four-thousand feet of climbing from the lake which sits at 7,400-feet, Stoltz led by a minute with Hoffman and Middaugh chasing together.  At mile 10, Middaugh moved into second but hadn’t closed the gap and by the bike-to-run transition Stoltz, who had the fastest bike split of the day in 1:09:46, had more than a two-minute lead.

“When you put together a good race and get beat it’s not because something went wrong, it’s just that you’re not fit enough,” said Middaugh, who has now finished runner-up to the “Caveman” in three of the last four races.  “Conrad had an awesome race and kudos to him for having that fitness and power that I’m going to be looking for in the next few months.”

Ben Hoffman had an incredible race in his first major XTERRA, and by the looks of his post-race grin it seems certain not to be his last.

“It was awesome today, I’m fired up, had fun out there,” said Hoffman, who had quite the support crew with the Specialized team in full force.  “I think most people hear XTERRA has a little more laid back vibe and fun atmosphere and being here definitely confirmed that for me.  Seeing it firsthand; the volunteers are psyched, it’s a well-run race, well-marked course, and super challenging but fair, an honest course.  There’s no hiding here, it’s what you got on the day.”

David Henestrosa from Spain, who is now living and teaching in Clearfield, Utah with his wife and two girls, won XTERRA Italy back in 2004 and last finished in the top 5 of a major XTERRA in the U.S. that same year at the Mountain Championships in Keystone, Colorado.  Today, he finished fourth.

“I feel OK in the altitude. I grew up just outside of Barcelona at a little over 4,000-feet and now in Utah its similar and its very comfortable.  I had a wonderful race, and am having so much fun racing XTERRA, it’s great to be here,” said Henestrosa.

Rounding out the top five podium was Cody Waite, posting his best finish of the season at one of the most grueling races in the Series.

Also of note, Ryan Ignatz – the overall amateur XTERRA National Champion last year – is back in the pro ranks where he belongs as proof of his sixth place finish. Brian Smith is back as well, and posted the fastest run to finish in seventh, with Branden Rakita (his dad David won the 60-64 division today) in eighth, newcomer Travis Macy in ninth, and Will Kelsay 10th.

DANELLE’S DAY

Since she started racing XTERRA in 2004 Danelle Kabush has won XTERRA’s in Canada, had two kids, finished 2nd at the XTERRA World Championships twice (top five four times) but until today had never made it to the top step of the podium at a major XTERRA in the U.S.

“It’s very satisfying,” said Kabush, who earned a doctorate degree in sports psychology.  “It’s always a tough course going uphill all day but it’s so scenic and beautiful I really enjoyed myself.  I had a really fun battle with Sara out there on the bike, congrats to her and everyone else who raced.  The volunteers were awesome, and so was the crowd with so many cheers all along the course.  It’s fun to be back here after three years away.”

The race started with Suzie Snyder out front, followed by Melanie McQuaid and Sara Tarkington. Kabush was fourth out of the water, got close to Tarkington early and played cat-and-mouse with her the rest of the day.

Up ahead McQuaid, who was second here last year, worked her way to the front and was riding strong until picking up what she thinks was a nail in her back tire on the first real downhill of the day.  It turned out to be a game changer, requiring several stops, two tube changes, and a ton of time.  McQuaid ended up riding into T2 on a flat and in fifth place, which was also where she finished.

Meanwhile, Kabush and Tarkington traded leads several times until the last descent where Kabush pulled away.

“Sara was really strong on the flats, and it wasn’t until the last descent I took the lead and got a bit of a gap.  I saw here coming in as I was headed out so probably had about 30 seconds at transition,” said Kabush, who took part in the Mountain Champs for the first time since she finished 2nd back in 2009.

Tarkington, who has finished second, third, and fourth at this race the last three years, was hoping to make it a straight.

“This climbing course really suits me and this time of year my fitness starts to show,” said Tarkington. “Today was fun because it was one of the first times I’ve had one of those real legit race feelings on the bike. We both pushed each other so hard, and if you’re coming off the bike with Danelle you know you’re in trouble, because she is fast.  I had her in my sights for a mile and then she was gone.”

Kabush is indeed noted for being a great trail runner, and today she had the fastest split more than two minutes and came across the line with a comfortable cushion.  Tarkington was second, Snyder third, and Renata Bucher – just a few days removed from a grueling XTERRA in France – worked her way into fourth.

The XTERRA pro women’s field right now is as diverse as it has ever been, with four different winners in each of the four regional championship races this year.

Of note today Tamara Donelson had her best race as a pro, placing sixth, with Heather Holmes, Kim Baugh, Caroline Colonna, and Jennifer Gersbach rounding out the top 10.

XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES UPDATE

Today’s race was the last of four regional championships in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Conrad Stoltz stayed perfect and has a commanding lead heading into the finale, “still, I’d like to be perfect,” he said.  If Stoltz can finish 4th or better at Nationals he’ll capture his 10th Pro Series crown. With his second-place finish Middaugh maintained a strong hold on the No. 2 spot, but to win the Series (in this hypothetical example) he’d have to win the USA Championship and Stoltz would have to place 5th or worse.  Craig Evans stayed in third, while David Henestrosa moved up a spot to four (moving Branden Rakita down to five), and with the absence of Chris Legh, Will Kelsay and Cody Waite also climbed a spot to 6th and 7th, respectively.

2012 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Standings (After 4 – 7.14.12)

Points total reflects top 3 scores (1 drop)

The women’s chase for the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series crown is absolutely up for grabs.  Lesley Paterson held on to the top spot despite not racing, while Renata Bucher made a crucial leap forward past Melanie McQuaid with today’s results.  As it stands both Lesley Paterson and Renata Bucher control their own destiny – meaning with a victory they’d capture the Series title.  For McQuaid, to capture her fifth pro series crown, she would have to win and have Paterson finish 3rd or lower (among literally hundreds of scenarios).

The 2012 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series consists of five events – four regional
championships and Nationals.

April 14 – XTERRA West Championship (Lake Las Vegas Resort – Henderson, NV)
May 19 – XTERRA  Southeast Championship / ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships (Pelham, AL)
June 10 – XTERRA East Championship (Richmond, VA)
July 14 – XTERRA  Mountain Championship (Beaver Creek Resort – Avon, CO)
Sept. 22 – XTERRA  USA Championship (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 $145,000 in prize money: $15,000 at the West, East and Mountain Championships, $20,000 at the Southeast and USA Championship races, and $60,000 to the top overall points scorers in the Series.

PETRY, IGNATZ WIN AGE GROUP RACES

Ryan Petry (pictured) and Maia Ignatz, both from Boulder, won the overall amateur crowns.  It’s the second straight top 10 overall for Petry, who was ninth and the fastest age grouper at the XTERRA West Champs.  Ignatz, who won the 30-34 XTERRA World Championship last year, just started racing in 2009. “It’s kind of hard to imagine, I don’t picture myself among these elite women.” For both, elite status seems to be calling.

Several hundred triathletes from more than a dozen states and six countries took part in today’s race. The event consisted of a one-mile swim in Nottingham Lake, a 16-mile mountain bike on Beaver Creek Mountain and a 6-mile trail run.

There was also an XTERRA Sprint race (half-distance), and relay team competitions.  XTERRA
Sprint Race Results

Here’s a look at all of age group champions from today’s XTERRA Mountain Championship:

Next up on the XTERRA America Tour:  XTERRA USA Championship – Sept. 22 @ Snowbasin Resort (Ogden, Utah)

A special thanks to Tim Baker, executive director at Beaver Creek Resort and the entire BCR staff, along with the volunteers, and our local partners at East-West Resorts and the Town of Avon.

The 2012 XTERRA Mountain Championship is presented by Paul Mitchell, AVIA, and Beaver Creek Resort. Sponsors include XTERRAShop.com, Gatorade, PowerBar, Rudy Project, Breakthrough Nutrition, Utah Sports Commission, Choice Hotels, XTERRA Wetsuits, XTERRA Footwear, XTERRA Fitness, East-West Resorts, the Town of Avon, and Zorrel.

TEAM Unlimited is a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, founded in 1988.  It owns and produces XTERRA and in 2011 produced more than 100 XTERRA off-road triathlon and trail running races in 15 countries worldwide.  In the U.S. alone nearly 200,000 participants took part in the XTERRA lifestyle last year while XTERRA’s TV, publicity, advertising, online, and grassroots marketing efforts generated more than 400 million impressions.  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.

"...if he thinks it will be easy pickin's, he is in for a surprise. Our guys will not go silently into the night.”

 When I increase the mileage I just increase the dose of XTERRA FLEX!  It tastes great and I take it in the morning before my long runs. 

Very comfortable fit with a very secure lacing system.  The two top eyeholes for the laces anchor securely.

" Some shoes may be adequate for dirt paths while they will underperform when taken to more technical heights. "

October 24, 2010 Presented by Paul Mitchell, Degree Men Adventure 
Hawaiian Airlines, Maui Visitors Bureau, and the Makena Beach & Golf Resort. 
Sponsored by the Utah Sports Commission, Hawaii Tourism Authority, GU Energy Gel, Gatorade, Kona Brewing Company
Zorrel, Hawaii Water, Choice Hotels, XTERRA.TV, and the XTERRA Alliance - Wetsuits, Gear, Cycling, Fitness, and Footwear