2009 XTERRA Midwest Cup Press Guide
Transcription
2009 XTERRA Midwest Cup Press Guide
The World’s Greatest Off-Road Triathlon E SS Since 1996 2 9 0 0 E R P G D UI 2009 XTERRA MIDWEST CUP SPONSORS The 2009 XTERRA Midwest Cup is presented by Paul Mitchell and XTERRA.TV. National sponsors include GU, XTERRAGear.com, Rodale, Zorrel, Gatorade, Choice Hotels, and the Utah Sports Commission; and local sponsors are Battle Creek Visitors Bureau, Team Active, Southwest Michigan Eye Center, BiCi Bistro, Arcadia Ales, Trikats.org, and In The Zone. XTERRA Discount Code 00224890 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. For as different as they are, neither could resist the challenges and thrills this new multisport offered. Since that day XTERRA has grown into the world’s leading off-road triathlon with more than 100 races in 13 countries this year, including 60 in the XTERRA America Tour alone. The 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 ON THE COVER: 2008 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champions Melanie McQuaid and Conrad Stoltz on top, and XTERRA Amateur National Champions Joshua Olmstead and Erin Kummer on bottom. ABOVE: Shonny Vanlandingham at Southeast Cup in Pelham, AL. TABLE OF CONTENTS 2009 marks the 13th consecutive year of expansion for XTERRA with races in 32 states, and welcomes a new eight-stop nationwide Cup Series racing format. Each of XTERRA’s eight regions in the U.S. will host an XTERRA Cup championship race with $10,000 in prize money for pros and 41 qualifying spots into the XTERRA World Championship for amateurs. Age group competitors will also earn points at the Cup Series races in pursuit of winning their region and qualifying for the invite-only XTERRA USA Championship held in Utah on Sept. 26. XTERRA America Tour Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Loews XTERRA West Cup Preview/Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5 Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon and XTERRA University . . . . . . . . . .6 Loews XTERRA West Cup Course Map/Directions . . . . . . . . .7 Kahuna’s Korner and Pro Start List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9 2009 XTERRA Cup Series for Pros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 XTERRA Pro Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-25 2009 XTERRA America Tour Prize Money Breakdown . . . . . .26 Past XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-28 How the XTERRA America Tour Works (for amateurs) . . .29-31 2009 XTERRA America Tour Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 2008 XTERRA USA Amateur Champions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 2008 XTERRA Age Group Regional Champions . . . . . . . .34-35 2008 XTERRA World Tour Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 2009 XTERRA World Tour Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 2009 XTERRA USA Championship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 2009 XTERRA World Championship race preview . . . . . . . . .39 XTERRA Trail Running Series Overview and Schedule . .40-41 How XTERRA started & the world of XTERRA overview . .42-43 XTERRAGear.Com News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 About TEAM Unlimited and XTERRA.TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45-46 This guide will breakdown the who, what, when, where and why of the XTERRA Midwest Cup race - and introduce you to some of the professional athletes that will race in the world’s premier off-road triathlon at Fort Custer State Park on May 17. ced du Pro 3 by XTERRA MIDWEST CUP PREVIEW The XTERRA Midwest Cup at Fort Custer State Park just outside the “Cereal City” of Battle Creek, MI will be without a doubt the biggest off-road tri in the Heartland this year. For the last three years local organizers Jim and Joyce Donaldson of Elite Endeavors have hosted the XTERRA Last Stand point series race there, and thanks to their efforts and the Battle Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau, it has been turned into a major championship event. All the big names in XTERRA like Conrad Stoltz, Melanie McQuaid, Josiah Middaugh and Shonny Vanlandingham will be here battling for their share of the money and fame up for grabs in central Michigan’s great outdoors. The run is all about XTERRA too, heading straight from transition to the sandy beach along the lakeshore then in to some hilly dirt paths that’ll make your calves cry. Last year in mid-May it was 75-degrees and sunny on race day, but still a wetsuit race as the swim in beautiful Lake Eagle will have water temps in the mid-to-upper 60s. They’re also offering up a half-distance off-road tri, a duathlon, and relay team options, and the local bike shop “Team Active Cycling and Fitness” is taking care of all the athletes bike needs. Fort Custer State Park is easy to get to and “about an hour from anywhere”. This course, this community, and this race will not disappoint. So, calling all adventurous souls - get out and go off – live the healthy, active, outdoors lifestyle the XTERRA way. The course itself is killer as the bike trails at Fort Custer are “well-known, well-cared-for and well-loved by mountain bikers throughout the region,” according to long-time Michigan-based XTERRA stud Todd Scott. The place was formerly owned by the U.S. Army and used for combat training and the trail makes use of those remnants by dropping into and riding the walls of the dugout trenches. While most of the trail is open and flowing singletrack, it’s interspersed with challenging twisty and technical rocks & roots sections like “Granny's Garden” and the “Amusement Park”, and there’s even a section called “Demons Drop”. Just to make sure you know you’re at an XTERRA there’s a water crossing or two, steep climbs, big drops, and big logs (trees, ya know, to navigate around). 4 XTERRA MIDWEST CUP SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR CUSTER STATE PARK - AUGUSTA, MI SATURDAY, MAY 16 9am-3:00pm Preview and Practice Ride Course 4-7:00pm Packet Pickup, at Team Active* (22 W. Michigan Ave, Battle Creek) Free bike safety check and bike wash station, and product demos. 4:30/6:30/7:30pm Race Briefings 6:00pm XTERRA University, presented by Paul Mitchell Hosted by Josiah Middaugh and Shonny Vanlandingham, River Walk behind Team Active 5-8:00pm Pasta Dinner by Bici Bistro and “Battle of the Bands”, at Team Active. SUNDAY, MAY 17 8am XTERRA Midwest Cup Race Start (1K swim, 20 mi MTB, 6 mi trail run) 9:30am XTERRA Sport Start (500m swim, 10 mi MTB, 3 mi trail run) and Duathlon Race Start (2 mi trail run, 10mi MTB, 3 mi trail run) 9am-12pm Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon, a benefit for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (tentative) 10:15am Lunch by Arcadia Ales served at race site 12:30pm Awards Ceremony 2:00pm After Party – Arcadia Brewing Company (103 W. Michigan Ave, Battle Creek) Note: Park entry fee: $8 non-residents, $6 Michigan residents. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT ELITEENDEAVORS.COM OR XTERRAPLANET.COM 5 PAUL MITCHELL CUT-A-THON AND XTERRA UNIVERSITY Founded to help physically challenged athletes reach their athletic goals, the non-profit Challenged Athletes Foundation is the official charity of the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon at each Cup stop on the XTERRA America Tour. Stylists will cut hair from 9am-12pm on Sunday, May 17 at the finish line area of the XTERRA Midwest Cup and all proceeds will 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 - USA’s own Josiah Middaugh and Shonny Vanlandingham. XTERRA University is a must for firsttimers and anyone looking to sharpen their skills in swimming, mountain biking, trail running, and nutrition. Josiah and Shonny will even break down into Midwest Cup course specifics and answer any and all questions. Best part is, the clinic is FREE. Saturday Night, May 16, 6pm at the River Walk behind Team Active. 6 XTERRA MIDWEST CUP COURSE MAP 7 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES STANDINGS Defending XTERRA U.S. Pro Series and three-time World Champions Conrad Stoltz and Melanie McQuaid proved once again to be the best in the sport by surviving major challenges from a loaded pro field at the Loews XTERRA West Cup at Lake Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2. It marks the third straight year that Stoltz and McQuaid have won the West –the first regional championship of the season and the kick-off event for the new eight-stop, nationwide XTERRA Cup Series. The 2009 XTERRA Cup Series standings below reflect each pros finishing position at the 1st race of the year in Nevada. PRO MEN Pl Name 1 Conrad Stoltz 2 Josiah Middaugh 3 Dan Hugo 4 Mike Vine 5 Jasper Blake 6 Steve Larsen 7 Justin Thomas 8 Brian Smith 9 Craig Evans 10 Branden Rakita Age 35 30 23 35 35 39 34 33 31 28 Hometown Stellenbosch, South Africa Vail, Colorado Stellenbosch, South Africa Victoria, B.C., Canada Victoria, B.C., Canada Bend, Oregon Reno, Nevada Gunnison, Colorado Spring Hill, Tennessee Manitou Springs, Colorado Time 2:16:06 2:16:38 2:21:12 2:24:06 2:25:40 2:26:34 2:28:24 2:28:40 2:29:26 2:31:20 Pts 100 90 82 75 69 63 58 53 49 45 Purse $1,800 $1,250 $800 $500 $400 $300 $200 Also: Ryan Ignatz (41), Seth Wealing (37), Cody Waite (34), Will Kelsay (31), Jeff Smith (28), Damian Gonzalez, Kyle Hughes, Ryan DeCook. PRO WOMEN Pl Name 1 Melanie McQuaid 2 Shonny Vanlandingham 3 Lesley Paterson 4 Renata Bucher 5 Christine Jeffrey 6 Emma Garrard 7 Rebecca Dussault 8 Jenny Smith 9 Danelle Kabush 10 Jenny Tobin Age 35 39 28 31 36 27 28 36 34 39 Hometown Victoria, B.C., Canada Durango, Colorado Sterling, Scotland Lucerne, Switzerland Guelph, Ontario, Canada Truckee, California Crested Butte, Colorado Westport, New Zealand Canmore, Alberta, Canada Boise, Idaho Time 2:42:09 2:42:32 2:43:14 2:46:45 2:50:30 2:50:47 2:51:06 2:52:26 2:54:39 2:55:35 Pts 100 90 82 75 69 63 58 53 49 45 Purse $1,800 $1,250 $800 $500 $400 Also: Ingrid Rolles (41) Sari Anderson (37), Tracy Thelen (34), Alexandra Borrelly (31), Jari Kirkland (28), Jessi Stensland. 8 XTERRA MIDWEST CUP PRO START LIST The professionals competing in the Midwest Cup are among the best mountain bikers, triathletes, and adventure racers on the planet. ‘09 Rank = Current rank in 2009 XTERRA Cup Series for pros NR = Not ranked ‘09 Rank - Name - Age, Hometown 1 - Conrad Stoltz - 35, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2 - Josiah Middaugh - 30, Vail, Colorado 3 - Dan Hugo - 23, Stellenbosch, South Africa 4 - Mike Vine - 35, Victoria, B.C., Canada 8 - Brian Smith - 33, Gunnison, Colorado 9 - Craig Evans - 31, Spring Hill, Tennessee 10 - Branden Rakita - 28, Manitou Springs, Colorado 12 - Seth Wealing - 30, Boulder, Colorado 13 - Cody Waite - 30, Lakewood, Colorado 14 - Will Kelsay - 27, Boulder, Colorado NR - Damian Gonzalez - 32, Stockton, California NR - Ryan DeCook - 28, Rochester, Michigan NR - Matt Boobar - 36, Stratton Mountain, Vermont NR - Nicolas Lebrun -35, Digne, France NR - Jim McConnel - 36, Oxford, United Kingdom ‘09 Rank - Name - Age, Hometown 1 - Melanie McQuaid - 35, Victoria, B.C., Canada 2 - Shonny Vanlandingham - 39, Durango, Colorado 4 - Renata Bucher - 31, Lucerne, Switzerland 5 - Christine Jeffrey - 36, Guelph, Ontario, Canada 6 - Emma Garrard - 27, Truckee, California 8 - Jenny Smith - 36, Westport, New Zealand 14 - Alexandra Borrelly - 33, Digne, France NR - Erin Kummer - 24, Rochester Hills, Michigan NR - Kristy Lanier - 38, Marlinton, West Virginia START LIST BY COUNTRY/ALPHA Pro Men USA - Matt Boobar, Ryan DeCook, Craig Evans, Damian Gonzalez, Will Kelsay, Josiah Middaugh, Branden Rakita, Brian Smith, Cody Waite, Seth Wealing CANADA - Mike Vine FRANCE - Nico Lebrun SOUTH AFRICA - Conrad Stoltz, Dan Hugo UNITED KINGDOM - Jim McConnell ----------------------------------------------------------------Pro Women USA - Emma Garrard, Erin Kummer, Kristy Lanier, Shonny Vanlandingham CANADA - Christine Jeffrey, Melanie McQuaid FRANCE - Alexandra Borrelly NEW ZEALAND - Jenny Smith SWITZERLAND - Renata Bucher 9 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CONRAD “The Caveman” STOLTZ Stellenbosch, South Africa 2008 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champ 2001-02 & 2007 XTERRA World Champ Conrad 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 1 FINAL 2008 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 8 PERSONAL: Born October 23, 1973lives in Reno, Nevada during the racing season...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 and stoltzracing.com SPONSORS: Specialized, Balega, Avia, Suunto, GU, Stuffitts, Oakley, Acid Zapper XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A six-time XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champion (2001, ‘02, ‘03, ‘05 & ‘07, ‘08), and the only three-time men’s pro XTERRA World Champion. 2001: Burst onto the XTERRA scene and won the Pro Series and 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: 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 five 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 second 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. LAST YEAR: 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. THIS YEAR: Won XTERRA West Cup. 10 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS JOSIAH MIDDAUGH Vail, Colorado 2008 XTERRA East Champion 2004-05/07-08 XTERRA National Champ Josiah 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 2 PERSONAL: Born July 25, 1978from East Jordan, Michigan...earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health fitness from Central Michigan University where he ran cross country and track...works as an endurance coach and personal trainer. WEBSITE: josiahmiddaugh.com SPONSORS: TYR, Salomon, First Endurance XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has been the top American racer in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series four of the last five years. 3-time USSSA Snowshoe National Champion (2002, ‘03, ‘08), 5-time North American Snowshoe Champ, 2006 USAT Winter Triathlon National Champion, and 2005 USAT Long Course National Champion. Before turning pro he was the 2002 XTERRA Amateur USA and World Champion in the 20-24 division. 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, and 3rd in Keystone by six seconds. 9th in Tahoe and 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 XTERRA West Champs, 3rd in Alabama, 4th in Richmond, and 2nd at the Mountain Champs in Utah. Placed 4th at the XTERRA USA Championship and 3rd in the Pro Series (top American). Was 17th at Worlds due to mechanicals. LAST YEAR: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Winter Worlds in Utah (by one second). Placed 4th at West Champs, won the East Championship, was 5th at the Mountain Champs, and 3rd at XTERRA USA. Top American in the U.S. Pro Series for 4th time in 5 years. Placed 7th at XTERRA Worlds (top American for third time in his career). THIS YEAR: Placed 4th at the XTERRA Winter World Championship in Utah. Finished 2nd at XTERRA West Cup. 11 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS DAN HUGO Stellenbosch, South Africa 2008 XTERRA South Africa Champion Dan 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 3 FINAL 2008 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 18 2007 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 19 PERSONAL: Born July 1, 1985 in Worcester...moved to Stellenbosch, Conrad Stoltz’ hometown, when he was in the 10th grade. . WEBSITE: dghugo.com SPONSORS: Jeep Apparel, Puma, Tropitone, Specialized, Garmin, and EA Sports. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fourth year. Placed 4th at XTERRA Brazil in 2006 in first XTERRA. 2007: Finished 2nd at XTERRA South Africa and 6th at the XTERRA West Championship. Was in third place during the bike portion of the Southeast Champs in Alabama when he crashed and broke his hand. The injury kept him out for the rest of the season. LAST YEAR: Won the XTERRA South Africa Championship, was 2nd at XTERRA West Championship, 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. THIS YEAR: Placed 3rd at the XTERRA West Cup. 12 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS MIKE “The Vineman” VINE Victoria, B.C., Canada 2008 XTERRA USA Champion Mike 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born May 18, 1973...from Victoria but now living in Vancouver...part-time swim coach, system analyst consultant and auto mechanic...been riding a bike competitvely since age 13 WEBSITE: mikevine.athletesjournal.com SPONSORS: Cycles, Fox Racing Shox, Mizuno Footwear, Michelin Tires, Vega Nutrition, Blue Seventy Wetsuits, Maui Coupon Magazine. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Finished in the top three in 14 consecutive pro tour races encompassing the entire 2000 XTERRA America Tour and the first three races of the 2001 XTERRA USA Championship series. Won the 2000 XTERRA Canada Championship, the 2001 East and Central Championships, 2002 Saipan Crown, 2005 & ‘06 Mountain Championships, XTERRA Brazil in 2007, and XTERRA USA Championship in 2008. 2005: Placed 4th in Temecula, 8th in Richmond, 11th in Milwaukee, and won impressively in Keystone with a 4:32 margin of victory over Stoltz. Finished 3rd in Tahoe and second in the XTERRA Pro Series, and was 4th at Worlds. 2006: Placed 7th in Temecula, 14th in Alabama, and didn’t race in Richmond. Placed 2nd at the inaugural XTERRA Mexico Championship on June 24, DNF with mechanical in Milwaukee, then won the last regional of the year at the XTERRA Mountain Championship in Utah (second straight Mountain Championship). Was 14th at XTERRA UK and finished 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship where he posted fastest bike split. DNF at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: 2nd at Temecula while posting the fastest run of the day, 4th in Bama and 3rd at East Champs. DNF’d at Mountain Champs due to mechanicals. Finished 2nd at the USA Championship, 2nd in the Pro Series, & 8th in Maui. LAST YEAR: Finished 11th at XTERRA West Champs, 10th at Southeast Champs, and 13th at East Champs before nearly upsetting Stoltz at the Mountain Champs where he came in 2nd, just 14 seconds back. Won the XTERRA USA Championship, and placed 4th (top regular XTERRA Pro) at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Saipan Championship on April 18, and was 4th at the XTERRA West Cup. 13 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS BRIAN SMITH Gunnison, Colorado 2008-09 XTERRA Winter World Champ Brian 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 8 PERSONAL: Born November 15, 1975 in Glens Falls, NY...NORBA XC Pro since 2001...ran track and x-country at Western State College where he earned degree in clinical/counseling psychology...works as a community support specialist for developmentally disabled adults. WEBSITE: wheresbrianandjennysmith.blogspot.com SPONSORS: Trek, FOX, Shimano, Rudy Project, Salomon XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Seventh year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Two-time and current XTERRA Winter World Champion, Top American (3rd overall) at the 2007 XTERRA World Championship, won the 2006 XTERRA Midwest Championship and the overallGrand Traverse Backcountry Extreme Ski Race in 2006. 2006: Finished 10th at XTERRA West Champs while posting fastest bike split, 5th in Alabama, his best XTERRA finish ever at the time, 9th in Richmond, and won the Midwest Championship in Milwaukee (which was a duathlon format as swim was cancelled) on August 6. Placed 12th at the USA Championship and 17th at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: Finished 5th in Temecula, 7th in Bama, DNF in Richmond, was 3rd at Mountain Champs, 8th at XTERRA USA Champs and was 6th in the Pro Series. Finished 3rd overall and top American at the XTERRA World Champs. LAST YEAR: Won the inaugural XTERRA Winter World Championship (bike, snowshoe, run, randonee) at Snowbasin Resort in Utah and the Fire and Ice award for having the fastest combined times at the XTERRA World Championship and Winter Worlds. Placed 3rd (top American) at West Champs, sixth at Southeast Champs, third at XTERRA Brazil, and third at Mountain Champs. Placed 6th at XTERRA USA Championship, 4th in the Pro Series and 9th at XTERRA Worlds (2nd American behind Josiah Middaugh). THIS YEAR: Won the USAT Winter Triathlon National Championship in Bend, Oregon in January 11, represented the U.S. at ITU Winter Triathlon World Championships in Austria where he finished 12th (top American), and won the XTERRA Winter World Championship in March. Finished 8th at the XTERRA West Cup. 14 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CRAIG EVANS Spring Hill, TN Craig 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 9 PERSONAL: Born March 29, 1978...originally from Ocala, Florida...earned a degree in healthcare administration from Western Kentucky University where he was an All-American swimmer...works in medical device sales for Smith and Nephew Endoscopy, and is part owner of a new tri shop. WEBSITE: teamcraigevans.com SPONSORS: Endurance Sports and Rec, Infinite Nutrition, Biker’s choice, and SwiftWick Socks. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. Turned pro in 2006 after winning the amateur overall at the Southeast Championship in Alabama. Won every XTERRA Points Series race he entered 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. LAST YEAR: Finished 7th at XTERRA West Champs, 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 XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Finished 9th at XTERRA West Cup. Branden BRANDEN RAKITA Manitou Springs, Colorado 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 10 PERSONAL: Born March 25, 1981...from Durango, CO...earned degree in civil engineering at Colorado State University...sales associate/bike fitter at Pro Cycling when not racing. WEBSITE: brandenrakita.com SPONSORS: Riptide Multisport, Rocket Science Sports, Specialized, Optic Nerve, Mix1, Enervit, Sable Water Optics, CycleOps, ProCycling, Colorado Running Company, CorePower Yoga. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second year . LAST YEAR: 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. THIS YEAR: Finished 10th at XTERRA West Cup. 15 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS SETH WEALING Boulder, Colorado 2006 XTERRA USA/Pro Series Champ Seth 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 11 PERSONAL: Born November 21, 1978 in Remington, Indiana...earned bachelor degrees in architecture and environmental design from Ball State University...is a practicing architect with a 40+ hour a week job. WEBSITE: sethwealingusa.com SPONSORS: Blue Competition Cycles, SRAM, Aquaman Wetsuits, Point 6 Socks, Stan’s No-Tubes Wheels, TYR, MAXXIS, First Endurance, Fizik, Mafia Racing. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year. Raced in selected XTERRA’s in 2000 thru 2002 before concentrating on World Cup & Olympic racing. Returned to XTERRA in 2005. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2006 XTERRA USA Champ, 2002 USA Elite Triathlon National Championship, member of the 2003 national select team, placed third at ITU World Cup race in Tongyeong, South Korea. 2005: Placed 4th at Richmond, DNF’d in Keystone, and was the top American at the XTERRA USA Championship in Nevada where he finished fourth. 2006: Finished 2nd at the first two races of the year in California & Alabama, was 7th in Richmond, did not race in Milwaukee due to injury, was 2nd in Utah, won his first championship race - the XTERRA United Kingdom Championship on Sept. 2., then won the XTERRA USA Championship, becoming the first American to ever win the race and the first American since Michael Tobin in 2000 to win XTERRA U.S. Pro Points Series. Placed 3rd, top American, at XTERRA Worlds in his first-ever attempt. 2007: Finished 4th at the XTERRA New Zealand Championship (wrong turn on the bike course) and 12th at XTERRA West Championship. Placed 6th in Alabama, and moved up 4 places during the run in Richmond to finish 2nd. Won the XTERRA Mountain Championship in Utah to jump from 5th to 2nd in the Pro Series. Finished 7th at XTERRA United Kingdom race after a wrong-turn on the bike. Was 5th at the USA Championship, 4th in the Pro Series, and 177th in Maui after a series of mechanicals on the bike. LAST YEAR: Placed 5th at XTERRA West Champs, 20th at Southeast Champs, 12th at East Champs, 4th at Mountain Champs (less than a minute behind race winner Stoltz), 2nd at XTERRA USA Championship (top American) and 11th at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Placed 12th at XTERRA West Cup. 16 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CODY WAITE Lakewood, Colorado 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 13 PERSONAL: Born September 25, 1978...originally from Cave Creek, AZ...works as a triathlon coach with EPC Multisport. WEBSITE: epcmultisport.com, codywaite.blogspot.com SPONSORS: Endurance Performance Coaching, Wheat Ridge Cyclery, Yeti Cycles, Pearl Izumi, Rudy Project, Magura Syntace, Crank Brothers. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Third-year XTERRA Pro...won the 25-29 XTERRA National Championship in 2006. Best pro finish was 5th at XTERRA Mountain Champs in 2007. 2007: Finished 15th at the West Championship, 9th in Alabama, 12th in Richmond, and 5th in Utah. Was 15th at the USA Championship and finished 7th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. LAST YEAR: 12th in Temecula, 13th in ‘Bama, 17th in Richmond, 7th in Utah, 13th at XTERRA USA, and 34th pro at XTERRA Worlds in Maui. THIS YEAR: Placed 13th at XTERRA West Cup. Will Cody WILL KELSAY Boulder, Colorado 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 14 PERSONAL: Born August 5, 1981...attended the University of Colorado where he raced on the national championship triathlon team and earned a degree in mechanical engineering...coaches high school cross country and track. WEBSITE: willkelsay.com SPONSORS: Timex, Rudy Project, Colorado Multisport, Trek, Sugoi, Aqua Sphere, Bontrager, Powerbar, Nathan, ARX, Trigger Point, Gaiam, Nuun, Saris/Power Tap, Headsweats, Training Peaks. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. Has more than 25 top 10 XTERRA finishes. Best place was 8th at Mountain Champs in 2007. Has 15 XTERRA races on his schedule this season. In 2007 he was named Mr. XTERRA after going on a 12,630-mile, 12-week, 12-race, cross-thecountry road trip in a beat-up RV to share his love for XTERRA. Along the way he put on a dozen clinics, traveled through 31 states, won four races, finished in the top 10 at three others, rebuilt the RV, and ran out of money. The journey was dubbed “Will’s XTERRA Adventure” 2006: Finished 11th in California, 11th in Alabama, DNF in Richmond, was a career-best 9th in Milwaukee, 10th in Utah, 17th at USA Championship and 114th in Maui. 2007: Placed 14th at XTERRA West Champs, 10th in Alabama, and 14th in Richmond. Placed 8th at XTERRA Mountain Champs in Utah for his best career finish and was 13th at USA Championship. Was 64th in Maui. LAST YEAR: Finished 18th in Temecula, 19th in ‘Bama, 14th in Richmond, 12th in Utah, and 12th at the XTERRA USA Championship. Placed 16th overall in the Pro Series. THIS YEAR: Finished 14th at the XTERRA West Cup. 17 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS MATT BOOBAR Stratton Mountain, Vermont Matt 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: Not ranked PERSONAL: Born September 4, 1972...originally from Rockport, Maine...earned a degree in exercise science from Plymouth State University...works as a full-time nordic ski coach at Stratton Mountain School, where the girls nordic team won the national title in 2007 & 2008. SPONSORS: Trek, SRAM, Powerbar, Michelin, Stratton Mountain Resort, Bontrager. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year, first as a pro...XTERRA’s overall amateur national champion in 2006 and 2007. Has won four XTERRA National Titles in three divisions (35-39 in 2007; 30-34 in 2003 and 2006; and 2529 in 2001), and is a 6-time Northeast Region Champ. LAST YEAR: Finished 22nd overall (5th amateur) at USA Champs and was 66th overall (7th in 35-39) at Worlds. THIS YEAR: First race. RYAN DECOOK Rochester, Michigan Ryan 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: Not ranked PERSONAL: Born October 6, 1980...2003 and 2005 USA Triathlon All American...earned an accounting degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Oakland University...ran cross country at both schools. SPONSORS: Roy O'Brien Ford, Brooks shoes, Rooly sunglasses, First Endurance, Moosejaw. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fourth year as pro, won the 20-24 XTERRA National Championship in 2005. 2007: Placed 11th at the East Championship, 13th at the Mountain Champs in Utah, and 43rd at Worlds. LAST YEAR: Finished 15th at the West and Southeast Champs, 10th at East Champs, 30th at Mtn Champs, 20th at USA Champs, and 37th among pros in Maui. THIS YEAR: Finished17th at XTERRA West Cup. 18 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS DAMIAN GONZALEZ Stockton, California Damian 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: Not ranked PERSONAL: Born December 20, 1976...runs a graphic, video and web services company. WEBSITE: xpmultimedia.com SPONSORS: Orbea, Crank Brothers, Ritchey, Accelerade, Go Pro, Rudy Project, ZYM, Williams Cycling, Wenzel Coaching, Devinci’s Delicatessen, Righetti Enterprises, Birkenstock & More, Stockton Orthopedic, Alpine Orthopedic, Meyers Optical, Flashbacks Photography, XP Multimedia. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year, second as a pro. Won the 30-34 XTERRA National Chamionship in 2007. LAST YEAR: Placed 21st at the West and Southeast races, 18th at East Champs and Nationals, and was 32nd among men’s pros at XTERRA Worlds in Maui. THIS YEAR: Finished 16th at the West Cup. JIM McCONNEL Oxford, United Kingdom Jim PERSONAL: Studied human biology and sports science at Oxford Brookes University, researching lactate threshold measurement in cyclists and runners for his dissertation. WEBSITE: trijim.co.uk SPONSORS: Planet X bicycles, Brooks, Panasonic Toughbooks, MTB Works Physical Therapy, Energy Lab International, XTERRA Wetsuits, SunDog Eyewear, 2XU, DriventoTri.com coaching. LAST YEAR: Placed 12th at XTERRA UK, 18th at XTERRA Czech, 14th at XTERRA France, 20th at XTERRA Austria, 17th at XTERRA USA, and 21st at the XTERRA World Championship in Maui. THIS YEAR: Finished 5th at the Portabelo Triathlon in Panama, was second at XTERRA Guam, and 6th at XTERRA Saipan. 19 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS NICOLAS “Nico” LEBRUN Digne-les-Bains, France 2006-08 XTERRA European Tour Champ 2005 XTERRA World Champion 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: NR PERSONAL: Born September 4, 1973. WEBSITE: lebrunnico.free.fr XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Finished in the top four of the first four XTERRA U.S. Pro Series from 2001-2004. 10 times on the podium in world championships in three different sports - XTERRA, Duathlon, 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 off-road triathlete of the year at Competitor's Endurance Sports Awards. 2003: Third at Big Bear, won Richmond, won in 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 and 7th in Holland. Was second overall in the XTERRA European Tour standings 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 Czech, 3rd at Italy, won Austria, 3rd at Spain, and won Germany. 2nd in the XTERRA European Tour. Won the XTERRA World Championship more than three minutes ahead of Llanos. Had the fastest bike (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. LAST YEAR: Finished 2nd at XTERRA European Championship race in Italy, then won XTERRA UK, XTERRA Czech, XTERRA France-Auron and XTERRA FranceMondelieu. Won 3rd straight XTERRA European Tour Title. DNFd at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Winter Worlds, and Did Not Finish at XTERRA West Cup after bike mechanical. Nico 20 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS MELANIE McQUAID Victoria, B.C., Canada ‘08 XTERRA USA/U.S. Pro Series Champ 2003, ‘05 & ‘06 XTERRA World Champ 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 1 PERSONAL: Born May 17, 1973 in Victoria, BC, Canadahas a degree in biochemistryraced with Canada’s National Cycling team for six years...started up the MelRad racing team in 2009. WEBSITE: racergirl.com SPONSORS: Specialized, Avia, GU, Sundog Eyewear, Shimano, MAXXIS, Titec, Profile Design, Lazer Helmets, Pactimo, Saris, Genuine Innovations, Saltstick, Suunto. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 8th year. 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: Second at Big Bear and Richmond, won in Canada, and was 2nd in Tahoe. Finished 2nd in Pro Series. 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 her second XTERRA World Championship in Maui. 2006: Finished 2nd in in Temecula, won the inaugural XTERRA Southeast Championship in Alabama, was 2nd in Richmond and Milwaukee, and won the Mountain Championship in Utah 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 her second 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. LAST YEAR: Won the XTERRA West Champs for the second straight year, 8th at the Southeast Champs, won East Champs, the Mountain Championship in Utah, and the USA Champs in Nevada. DNF’d at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Won the XTERRA West Cup. 21 Melanie MEET THE PROFESSIONALS SHONNY VANLANDINGHAM Durango, Colorado 2008 XTERRA Southast Champion 2008 XTERRA National Champion Shonny 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 2 PERSONAL: Born May 29, 1969...earned her degree in nutrition and played NCAA I basketball at East Texas State Universityraces for the Luna Chix Pro MTB Teamroasts 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: lunabar.com and wahinefarms.com SPONSORS: Luna Women’s Pro Team, Kona Brewery, Orbea, Avia, HealthFX, Choice Hotels, Rudy Project, Wahine Farms XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fifth year, second full season. In her first-ever XTERRA at the World Championship in 2005 she posted the fastest mountain 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..3-time (2004-06) NORBA National Series XCountry 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. LAST YEAR: Did not race at West Champs, won the Southeast Champs (her first 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. THIS YEAR: Had the fastest bike split and placed 3rd at XTERRA Saipan behind Julie Dibens and Renata Bucher. Finished 2nd at XTERRA West Cup. 22 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS RENATA BUCHER Lucerne, Switzerland 5X XTERRA Saipan Champion (2005-09) 2008-09 Tagaman and PIC Double Champ 2005-06/08 XTERRA European Tour Champ Renata 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born May 39, 1977...attended the University of Zuerich. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has won 13 XTERRA Championship races in eight countries and three XTERRA European Tour titles. 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. LAST YEAR: 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 FranceMondelieu and her third straight Euro Tour title in the process. Also won XTERRA Japan, was second at the XTERRA USA Championship, and fourth at the XTERRA World Championship in Maui. THIS YEAR: Won the Portabelo Triathlon in Panama and the Superfrog Triathlon (half-iron distance), placed 2nd at XTERRA Guam, won the XTERRA Saipan Championship for 5th straight year, the Tagaman road triathlon 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 Cup. 23 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS CHRISTINE JEFFREY Guelph, Ontario, Canada Christine 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 5 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 when not racing...only started riding mountain bikes in fall of 2007. WEBSITE: christinejeffrey.com SPONSORS: Rudy Projectr, Pearl Izumi Footwear, Nineteen wetsuits, Skinfit, Coach Gareth Thomas, Infinit Nutrition. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Won the 2005 Ixtapa ITU Continental Cup, and the 2007 Villarrica ITU Continental Cup. Several top 20 ITU World Cup finishes. LAST YEAR: Finished 6th at XTERRA West Champs, 3rd at the Southeast Champs, 12th at the East Champs, 11th at the Mountain Champs, 11th at USA Champs and 5th at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Placed 5th at XTERRA West Cup. EMMA GARRARD Truckee, California 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 6 PERSONAL: Born June 11, 1981...hometown is Anchorage, Alaska...a writer/photographer now living in Truckee, California. WEBSITE: emmagarrard.com SPONSORS: USA Triathlon Trade Team, Blue Competition Cycles, Speedo, Zipp, Rudy Project, Inov8 trail shoes, skins, USA Triathlon wetsuits, Tahoeticker.com, Cyclepaths Truckee-Tahoe. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second year as a pro, 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. LAST YEAR: 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 THIS YEAR: Placed 6th at XTERRA West Cup. 24 Emma MEET THE PROFESSIONALS JENNIFER SMITH Westport, New Zealand Jenny 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 8 PERSONAL: Born March 9, 1973...married to XTERRA Pro Brian Smith...originally from Westport, New Zealand and now living in Gunnison, CO...works as a personal trainer and is the co-owner and coach of Snrgy Multisport LLC. WEBSITE: wheresbrianandjennysmith.blogspot.com SPONSORS: Trek racing co-op, Shimano, Fox, Bontrager, Salomon, Rudy Project, Snrgy Multisport. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Two-time Colorado State x-country mountain biking champ. New Zealand national team member at MTB world championships from 2001-07. 2006: 4th in California while posting the fastest bike split, 6th in Alabama, 5th in Milwaukee, 2nd at the USA Championship and 4th at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: 5th at West Champs, 4th in Alabama, 3rd in Richmond, won Crested Butte points series race, 3rd at Mountain Champs, 2nd at USA Championship for the 2nd year in a row and 3rd in the Pro Series. Placed 24th among female pros at XTERRA Worlds after mechanicals LAST YEAR: Placed 4th at Southeast Champs, 2nd at East Champs, 3rd at the Mountain Champs, 5th at XTERRA USA Champs, and 6th at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Placed 8th at XTERRA West Cup. KRISTY LANIER Marlinton, West Virginia 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: Not ranked PERSONAL: Born January 27, 1971...heart is in Hilo, Hawaii but owns and manages Dirtbean Ohana, a cafe and bike shop where she resides in Marlington, WV. WEBSITE: dirtbean.com SPONSORS: Dirtbean Ohana LLC, Pocahontas County XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. First race was Richmond in 2002, where she finished 12th. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Previous winner of the Dick Evans Road Race and Noc Knob mountain bike race. 2007: Placed 6th in Richmond and Utah and 8th in the U.S. Pro Series. Finished 14th in Maui. LAST YEAR: Finished 8th at XTERRA West Champs, 6th at the Southeast and East Champs, DNF in Utah, 17th at the XTERRA USA Championship, 11th at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: First race. 25 Kristy MEET THE PROFESSIONALS ERIN KUMMER Boulder, Colorado 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: Not ranked PERSONAL: Born August 22, 1984...from Rochester Hills, Michigan but grew up in Strasburg, France...earned accounting degree from University of Colorado-Boulder. WEBSITE: erinkummer.com SPONSORS: Team Timex XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second year, first as a pro. Was the top overall female amateur at the XTERRA Southeast, East, and USA Championship races and won the 20-24 XTERRA World Title (3rd amateur, 19th overall) THIS YEAR: First race. ALEXANDRA BORRELLY Digne, France 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 14 PERSONAL: 33-years-old...started triathlon in 1996...best result is 12th at French Long-distance championship...also podiumed at Winter Triathlon French Cup. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: First year THIS YEAR: Placed 6th at the XTERRA Winter World Championship, and 14th at the XTERRA West Cup. Erin Alex 26 ABOUT THE 2009 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES (CUP SERIES) The 2009 XTERRA Cup Series for pros consists of nine events - eight regional championships and Nationals. May 2 May 17 May 23 June 6 June 14 June 20 July 12 July 18 Sept. 26 Loews XTERRA West Cup XTERRA Midwest Cup XTERRA Southeast Cup XTERRA Northwest Cup XTERRA Atlantic Cup XTERRA Southcentral Cup XTERRA Northeast Cup XTERRA Mountain Cup XTERRA USA Championship Lake Las Vegas (Henderson, NV) Fort Custer State Park (Battle Creek, MI) Oak Mountain State Park (Pelham, AL) Farragut State Park (Athol, ID) Richmond, VA Heart of Arkansas (North Little Rock, AR) Sugarbush Resort (Warren, VT) 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 five-of-eight 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 five scores in the first eight Cup 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 $160,000 in prize money: $10,000 at each Cup race, $20,000 at the USA Championship, and $60,000 to the top overall points scorers in the Series. Note: The XTERRA World Championship Oct. 25 in Makena, Maui is a stand-alone event worth $100,000. 2009 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 http://usatriathlon.org/content/index/670. Questions should be directed to Katie Baker, USA coordinator at [email protected]. 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 [email protected] and presenting their qualifications. 2008 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES CHAMPS Conrad Stoltz Melanie McQuaid Stellenbosch, South Africa Victoria, B.C., Canada The “Caveman” is a 6-time XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champion, having won the title in his rookie season of 2001, and also in 2002, ‘03, ‘05, and ‘07. McQuaid also won the Pro Series in 2006, and was the runner-up in 2002-05, and again in ‘07 (all of those crowns were won by Jamie Whitmore). 27 2009 XTERRA AMERICA TOUR PRIZE MONEY BREAKDOWN 8 XTERRA Cup Races Pro Purse ($10,000) Rank Men Women 1st $1,800 $1,800 2nd $1,250 $1,250 3rd $800 $800 4th $500 $500 5th $400 $400 6th $300 7th $200 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 4th $4,000 $4,000 5th $2,500 $2,500 th 6 $1,500 $1,500 7th $1,000 $1,000 8th $800 $800 9th $600 $600 th 10 $500 $400 11th 12th $300 *Double $2,500 $2,500 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 th 6 $700 $700 7th $500 $500 8th $350 $350 9th $250 10th $200 $150 11th $100 12th XTERRA Cup Series Overall Pro Purse ($60,000) awarded in Utah Rank Men Women st 1 $10,000 $10,000 2nd $6,000 $6,000 3rd $3,500 $3,500 4th $2,500 $2,500 th 5 $2,000 $2,000 6th $1,500 $1,500 7th $1,200 $1,200 8th $1,000 $1,000 9th $800 $800 10th $600 $600 $400 $400 11th $300 $300 12th th $200 13 14th $100 $100 15th *The Hawaiian Airlines “Double” Purse is awarded to the pro man and woman with the fastest combined 2009 XTERRA World Championship and Ironman Hawaii Championship time, a feat reserved for the world’s leading endurance athletes as the two races are held just two weeks apart. Last year Eneko Llanos from Spain won the award for the third straight year while Sibylle Matter from Switzerland took the honors for the second time in three years. 28 2008 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES FINAL STANDINGS Pl 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MEN Name Conrad Stoltz, RSA Dan Hugo, RSA Josiah Middaugh, USA Brian Smith, USA Mike Vine, CAN Seth Wealing, USA Craig Evans, USA Rom Akerson, CRC Ryan Ignatz, USA Branden Rakita, USA West 100 90 75 82 41 69 58 63 DNF 31 SE 100 90 DNS 63 45 DNP 82 58 53 37 East DNF 90 100 DNS 34 37 69 58 63 DNP MTN 100 DNS 69 82 90 75 49 45 53 63 USA 53 75 82 63 100 90 31 45 49 69 Total 353 345 326 290 276 271 240 224 218 200 Also: Kelly Guest (175), Cody Waite (163), Andrew Noble (144), Tyler Johnson (131), Dominic Gillen (124), Will Kelsay (105), Ryan DeCook (101), Mark Leishman (82), Jordan Jones (65), Chris Legh (58), Jimmy Archer (49), Jim Vance (45), Sam Gardner (41), Spenser Powlison (34), Mike Champigny (31), Brandon Jessop (28), Trevor Glavin (28). Pl 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 WOMEN Name Melanie McQuaid, CAN Shonny Vanlandingham, USA Jenny Smith, NZL Danelle Kabush, CAN Lesley Paterson, GBR Jenny Tobin, USA Christine Jeffrey, CAN Marion Summerer, GER Amber Monforte, USA Kristy Lanier, USA West 100 DNS DNS 75 49 82 63 90 69 53 SE 53 100 75 58 90 49 82 DNS 69 63 East 100 82 90 69 58 45 37 53 41 63 MTN 100 90 82 75 58 69 41 63 49 DNF USA 100 58 69 63 75 53 41 DNP DNP DNP Total 400 330 316 282 281 253 227 206 187 179 Also: Emma Garrard (166), Sara Tarkington (121), Candy Angle (116), Nic Leary (94), Renata Bucher (90), Sari Anderson (83), Carina Wasle (82), Linda Gallo (69), Lisa Isom (65), Britta Martin (53), Michellie Jones (45), Susan Williams (34), Fabiola Corona (31), Kate Chapman (31), Alisha Lion (28). 2008 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES NATIONAL CHAMPS Shonny Vanlandingham Josiah Middaugh Durango, Colorado Vail, Colorado Shonny V turned her attention from mountain bike racing to XTERRA last year and was the top American female in the sport her first year out. Middaugh has been the top American in the Pro Series in 4 of the last 5 years. The only year he wasn’t his season was cut short due to injury. 29 TOP 5 IN XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES SINCE 1999 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 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 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 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 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 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 480 459 403 354 320 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 290 265 234 222 214 390 380 302 282 271 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 469 375 343 326 309 300 280 239 209 208 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 890 810 688 635 524 300 270 232 202 200 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 Jamie Whitmore (pictured above) is the winningest XTERRA athlete of all-time with 36 career wins including five U.S. Pro Series Crowns. She’s currently battling cancer, and you can help and learn more about her at jamiewhitmore.com. Bold denotes top American (National Champ) in Pro Series 30 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 26. This year there are 60 races in 32 states across the country, as well as the U.S. Territory of Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan). It marks the 13th 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. ATLANTIC (AT) - 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, 2009. 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+ (w), 60-64 (m), 65-69 (m), 70+ (m), and we also have Collegiate and Physically Challenged Divisions. Collegiate Division: To qualify as a collegiate athlete, a current student ID must be presented at registration. When there are at least three athletes from two or more schools, a team award will also be presented. Athletes in the collegiate division get collegiate points (not age group points). 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 60 events - including XTERRA Points Series (XPS) races & XTERRA Cup Series (XCS) races. Competitors can enter as many events as they'd like and their best four finishes count towards their total points score. New for ‘09, competitors are required to race and count points in at least two events in their region. Note: Athletes do not have to qualify to race in the XTERRA Cup Series events. 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 Cup Series races because, generally, participation is higher and the courses are tougher. If an athlete races at more than one XTERRA Cup Series event, only the best finish counts at full points. Any other finishes earn points at the same rate as the XTERRA Points Series races. There are two points systems: XTERRA Cup 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 31 HOW THE XTERRA AMERICA TOUR WORKS CONTINUED... 5) BECOMING A REGIONAL CHAMP: At the end of the regular season in early September, the athlete with the most points - by gender, by division, by region - earns the title of XTERRA Regional Champion, and wins a custom racing jersey. 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 2 7 9 9 10 2 4 10 9 8 40-44 10 6 45-49 6 4 50-54 5 4 55-59 4 2 60+ 2 60-64 3 65-69 70+ PC 2 2 2per cat 2per cat And then comes the showdown! The highest point scorers in each region are invited to compete against each other in the XTERRA USA Championship race. 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 Cup Series events are bigger races with pro purses on full-length courses operated by local promoters with support from the TEAM Unlimited / XTERRA staff. See how amateurs qualify for the XTERRA World Championship on page 39. 32 In 2009 and beyond, the XTERRA Eco Team will continue to make a difference ecologically by offering a few hours of time to local environmental initiatives near our race courses. This could be anything from trail maintenance to park clean-up, ecological restoration, or tree planting work parties. The XTERRA Eco Team is a core component of XTERRA, and a terrific sustainability program perpetuated by GU. Beyond organized volunteer work parties, XTERRA athletes are encouraged to sign the “pledge board” confirming their intent to keep the trails clean and not only deposit their rubbish in designated drop zones during the race but to be conscientious wherever they roam. XTERRA’S COLLEGIATE DIVISION OVERVIEW HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Any collegian with a current photo ID can race for their school as an individual. Athletes do not need to be a member of a school club or team. There are no age groups in the collegiate division, just male and female categories. Collegiate racers collect points in the XTERRA America Tour Series but are not eligible for age group awards - they only race against other collegiate entries. Whenever there are three athletes from two or more schools entered in the same race they’ll go against each other for school pride in the college team division. There must be at least two schools with teams for a team award to be presented. A “team” must consist of at least 3 male or female members. There are no mixed teams. A team can have more entrants, but less than three will not constitute a team. Points for team awards (male and female) will count the finishing positions of the smallest number entered by a qualifying team. Example: College A has 5 men; College B has 7 men; College C has 9 men. Only the fastest 5 finishers will count towards the team awards. Points for team awards will be calculated based on the finishing positions of the team members. The lowest total is the winner. Example: Each team counts 3 athletes. Team A finishes 1, 8 and 15 overall for a total number 24. Team B finishes 5, 6 and 10 for a total number 21. Team C finishes 2, 9 and 20 for a total number of 31. Team B wins. In no case will more than 7 athletes count towards the team awards regardless of the total number of entries by any one team. Should a club enter more than 7 men or women, the coach must nominate the 7 individuals he wants scored for team awards. Other members are still eligible for individual awards, but their finishing position will not be counted towards the team totals. Positions counted are overall positions in gender, not just collegiate entrants. This would include professional entries. Collegiate Cup: A Collegiate Cup award will be given when two or more schools have at least 3 men and 3 women per school represented. Example: College A has 5 men, 2 women; College B has 7 men, 3 women. There can be no Collegiate Cup award as there are not 2 teams that meet the overall requirements. Should two or more schools have the necessary entries, scoring will be similar to the team scoring method with all finishing positions of qualified team members added. Also: Collegiate entrants race for separate awards. Awards will be presented to the top three male and female individual collegiate division finishers, the winning men’s and women’s teams, and the winner of the Collegiate Cup competition (if applicable). Pre-Registration is required for the XTERRA Collegiate Cup to be presented. Athletes competing in the Collegiate Division do not prevent XTERRA Age Group athletes from receiving XTERRA America Tour points. At the XTERRA Regional Champ races, collegians can enter the Sport distance but as an age group athlete. There is no college division in the half-distance XTERRA Sport race. Sept. 26 - XTERRA Collegiate Nationals - All college students are welcome to race for the XTERRA Collegiate National Championship on the same course, on the same day, and at the same time as the invite-only XTERRA USA Championship on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, Utah. 33 2009 SCHEDULE DATE 3/29 3/29 4/4 4/18 4/18 4/25 4/25 5/2 5/2 5/3 5/10 5/17 5/17 5/23 5/31 5/31 5/31 6/6 6/6 6/13 6/14 6/20 6/20 6/20 6/21 6/21 6/27 6/28 6/28 7/12 7/12 7/12 7/12 7/18 7/18 7/19 7/19 7/25 7/26 7/26 8/1 8/2 8/2 8/2 8/9 8/9 8/9 8/15 8/15 8/15 8/16 8/16 8/23 8/23 8/23 8/23 8/23 8/29 8/30 9/6 9/26 9/26 10/25 Race XTERRA Miami XTERRA REAL XTERRA Guam XTERRA Saipan XTERRA Memphis XTERRA Ft. Yargo XTERRA Red River XTERRA Gator Terra XTERRA West Cup - Lake Las Vegas XTERRA Uwharrie XTERRA Del Valle XTERRA Midwest Cup - Fort Custer Park XTERRA Dirty XTERRA Southeast Cup - Pelham XTERRA ACE Big Canyon XTERRA Smith Lake XTERRA Deuces Wild XTERRA Northwest Cup - Farragut State Park XTERRA Four Corners XTERRA Eureka Springs XTERRA Atlantic Cup - Richmond XTERRA Southcentral Cup - Heart of Arkansas XTERRA Buffalo Creek XTERRA Solstice XTERRA Caloosahatchee XTERRA Torn Shirt XTERRA Tahoe City XTERRA Trimax XTERRA Race at the Rez XTERRA Northeast Cup - Sugarbush Resort XTERRA EX2 XTERRA Lock 4 Blast XTERRA Vashon Island XTERRA Mountain Cup - Beaver Creek XTERRA Hammerman XTERRA Sky High XTERRA O.N.E. XTERRA DINO Versailles XTERRA First Coast XTERRA Wild Horse Creek XTERRA Indian Peaks XTERRA Appalachia XTERRA Panther Creek XTERRA Black Diamond XTERRA STOAKED XTERRA Iron Will XTERRA Mountainman XTERRA DINO Logansport XTERRA B.O.L.T. XTERRA Portland XTERRA M2Xtreme XTERRA Camp Eagle XTERRA Lake Placid XTERRA Charlottesville XTERRA Blackhawk XTERRA Austin XTERRA Wild Ride XTERRA Lake Tahoe XTERRA Schiff Scout XTERRA Onteora XTERRA Utah XTERRA USA Championship XTERRA World Championship Location North Miami, FL Granite Bay, CA Piti, Guam Saipan, Northern Marianas Memphis, TN Winder, GA Ardmore, OK Ruston, LA Henderson, NV Uwharrie, NC Livermore, CA Augusta, MI Canyon Lakes, TX Pelham, AL Oak Hill, WV Fort Bragg, NC Show Low, AZ Coeur d’Alene, ID Farmington, NM Eureka Springs, AR Richmond, VA North Little Rock, AR Buffalo Creek, CO La Grande, OR Ft Myers, FL Brighton, MI Tahoe City, CA Mifflinburg, PA Essex, VT Warren, VT Flintstone, MD Gallatin, TN Vashon Island, WA Avon, CO Anchorage, AK Grafton, NY Ravenna, OH Versailles, IN Jacksonville, FL Bozeman, MT Nederland, CO Indiana, PA Morristown, TN Black Diamond, WA Hanover, NH Jonesboro, AR Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, HI Logansport, IN Raymond, NE Forest Grove, OR Ellicottville, NY Rock Springs, TX Lake Placid, NY Charlottesville, VA Muskegon, MI Austin, TX McCall, ID Incline Village, NV Wading River, NY Livingston Manor, NY Ogden/Snowbasin, UT Ogden/Snowbasin, UT Makena, Maui, HI Schedule subject to change. As of 4/21/09 // Info: www.xterraplanet.com or call toll-free to 877-751-8880 Region SE W W W SE SE SC SC W SE W MW SC SE AT SE W NW SC SC AT SC MT NW SE MW W AT NE NE AT SE NW MT NW NE MW MW SE MT MT AT SE NW NE SC W MW MT NW NE SC NE AT MW SC NW W NE NE 2008 XTERRA USA AMATEUR CHAMPIONS Some 300 qualified athletes representing 43 states raced for their shot at the national championship of off-road triathlon last October in Nevada.. The race consisted of a 1-mile swim in Lake Tahoe (58-degrees), a 21.7 mile mountain bike that traversed the Flume and Tahoe Rim Trails, and a 6.1 mile forest trail run. The weather on raceday turned out to be amazing, with sunny, clear and crisp conditions in the 60’s. Erin Kummer from Boulder, CO won her third XTERRA Championship race of the season – and biggest of her career – placing 17th overall and more than eight minutes ahead of runner-up Keri Grosse to win the overall amateur national title. On the men’s side the very young and very fast Joshua Olmstead from Sacramento edged Tim Menoher by 30-seconds to win the amateur crown. Reno native Tom Lyons won his unprecedented 7th straight XTERRA USA Championship, Cindi Toepel – who was named “Mrs. XTERRA” along with her husband Circ at the Night of Champions dinner – earned her fourth title, as did Suzie Snyder. Kathy Frank and Beverly Enslow each captured their third national championship, and Kathy Eckert, Olmstead, and Menoher notched their second each. Pictured: Tom Lyons / Cindi Toepel 2008 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Women Division 15 - 19 20 - 24 25 30 35 40 45 - 29 34 39 44 49 Name Katherine Pollard Erin Kummer 4 Suzie Snyder Hometown Roseville, CA Boulder, CO Time 4:28:11 3:18:09 Wallingford, CT Durango, CO Incline Village, NV Leavenworth, WA Denver, CO 3:27:07 3:43:59 3:32:21 3:26:10 3:40:53 50 - 54 Ashlie Angel Sarah McMahan Keri Grosse 2 Kathy Eckert 3 Beverly Enslow Metamora, IL 3:39:02 55 - 59 4 Cindi Toepel Littleton, CO 3:55:04 60+ Challenged 3 Katherine Frank Megan Fisher Bend, OR Missoula, MT 5:09:38 4:58:22 2008 XTERRA National Champions – Amateur Men Division 15 20 25 30 - 19 24 29 34 35 - 39 40 - 44 45 - 49 50 - 54 55 - 59 60 - 64 65 - 69 70+ Challenged Name 2 Joshua Olmstead John Donovan Luke Jay Grant Folske 2 Tim Menoher Stephen White 7 Tom Lyons Wayne Avery Randy Beckner Bruce Wacker Peter Lilley Nathaniel Grew Craig Vogtsberger # denotes national championships won 35 Hometown Time Sacramento, CA Incline Village, NV Littleton, CO Beaverton, OR 2:51:32 3:06:06 2:53:13 2:56:23 Erlanger, KY Vail, CO 2:52:03 2:55:56 Reno, NV Reno, NV Helena, MT Colorado Springs, CO Charlotte, NC Boston, MA Kalamazoo, MI 2:58:30 3:08:29 3:13:33 3:43:55 4:37:46 5:42:46 3:59:19 - - - - - - - - - - - 2008 XTERRA WOMEN’S REGIONAL CHAMPIONS - - - - - - - - - - Region NE 15-19 Sarah Carter Mattituck, NY MA SE NC NW SW 25-29 5 Suzanne Snyder 30-34 5 Andrea McGuire 35-39 2 Kelly Ault Burlington, VT 3* Sara Hanson Wallingford, CT Alicia Markey Troy, NY 3 Denelle Grant Morrisville, VT 2 Kathleen Coutinho McLean, VA Newark, DE Charlottesville, VA Fairfax Station, VA Kelsey Armstrong Alexandria Lechner Emily Chaney Julia Radmann Cynthia Fowler Talbott, TN Clearwater, FL Smyrna, GA Roxane Kruse Landrum, SC 2 Amy Worthing Grand Rapids, MI Laingsburg, MI Kim Waechter Nadya Glushko Maryville, TN 3 Marne Smiley Noblesville, IN Lima, OH Ann Arbor, MI SC MT 20-24 2 Emily Gassman Cindy Abbott Kim Jennings Jocelyn Wood Maria Hernandez Cedar Park, TX Broken Arrow, OK Reklaw, TX Andrea Wilds Erin Kummer Waco, TX 3 Erin Collins Julie Bruckman Cary Kinross-Wright Lakewood, CO Provo, UT 5 Brandyn Roark Gray Littleton, CO Tekla Seavey Boulder, CO 2 Lorraine Bourget Mary Fordham Golden, CO 3 Korrie Dubray Moose Pass, AK Coeur D'lene, ID Sand Point, ID Seattle, WA LaGrande, WA Katherine Pollard Amy Fogerson Liz Carrington Elaine Seasly La Kelly Roseville, CA Morgan Hill, CA Flagstaff, AZ Tucson, AZ Sedona, AZ - - - - - - - - - - - 2008 XTERRA MEN’S REGIONAL CHAMPIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - Region 15-19 Fred Carter 20-24 5 Ian Sullivan Bryan Diggle 30-34 3 Anthony Snoble 35-39 6* Matt Boobar 40-44 NE Mattituck, NY Jericho, VT Newport. RI Islip, NY Plymouth, NH Warrensburg, NY Carson Hogge Chris Sams Thomas Ayd Frank Febbraro Joe Pawlish Claude LaBerge Asbury Park, NJ 2 Kevin Grogan Morristown, NJ MA 25-29 Tad Norton Richmond, VA Baltimore, MD Matus Kriska Tomek Barc Salisbury. MD 2 Omar Fraser Falls Church, VA SE Mt Airy, NC 2 Alex Libin Irmo, SC Birmingham, AL Parker Lennon Tim Yuska Orange Park, FL 5 Teodoro Ramos Clermont, FL NC Chris Scott Birmingham, AL 3 Peter Hanson Chicago, IL 6 Kyle Grieser Berwyn, IL 4 Diego Leskovar Morrison, IL Minneapolis, MN Matthew Christiansen Chuck Olinger Justin Hoblet John Close Clive, IA Muncie, IN SC Travis Decker Matt Kahle Siloam Springs, AR 2 Christopher Holt Chesterfield, MO Erik Kruse Austin, TX 4 Edward Oliver Frisco, TX Blake Voges Marble Falls, TX 2 Luke Jay Austin, TX MT Stephen White Centennial, CO Durango, CO Littleton, CO Boulder, CO Littleton, CO NW Will Ross Tim Holland Brandon Marshall Adam Wirth Brody Anderson Vail, CO 2 Andrew Duenow Anchorage, AK 2*Joshua Olmstead Tumwater, WA Eugene, OR Boise, ID SW John Donovan Brian Barrett James Walsh Tualatin, OR 4 Ross McMahan Anchorage, AK 4* Scott Zavack Elk Grove, CA Incline Village, NV Mesa, AZ Carlsbad, CA Incline Village, NV Los Gatos, CA - - - - - - - - - - - PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED REGIONAL CHAMPIONS - - - - - - - - 15-39 SW Severe Leg Impairment 15-39 SW Impaires/Les Autres Jonathan Bik Andrew May 40+ SW Arm Impairment 3* Willie Stewart Sacramento, CA Dublin, CA Redlands, CA 40+ SW Moderate Leg Impairment 2 Mike Hicks 15-39 SE Arm Impairme 2 Richard Ingram Fountain Hills, AZ Dawsonville, GA - - - - - - - - - - - 2008 XTERRA WOMEN’S REGIONAL CHAMPIONS - - - - - - - - - - 40-44 Mary Racevicius 45-49 2 Dorothy Hamburg 50-54 5 Annette MacNiven 55-59 4 Linda Usher Watertown, CT Red Hook, NY Wainscott, NY 4 Julia Peck Upton, MA Kate Lucas Valerie Hardin Richmond, VA Doylestown, PA May-li Cuypers Racheal Wood Belleair Bluffs, FL 2 Cheryl Stine Deerfield, FL Bloomington, IN Culpeper, VA 2 Lucia Colbert 60+ 2 Vicky Carter 3 Charlotte Mahan Satellite Beach, FL Lenoir City, TN Shirlee Finch Cordova, TN 7*$ Beverly Enslow Metamora, IL 3 Teresa White Westpoint, IN Linda Cole Alma, MI 5 Karen Robertson Olive Branch, MS Grapevine, TX Bossier City, LA Sheryl Krohne # denotes number of regional championships * denotes reigning XTERRA USA Champion $ denotes reigning XTERRA World Champion Christina Hansen Susan Petronio Susan Griffin-Kakliki 6*$ Cindi Toepel El Jebel, CO 2 Keri Grosse Crested Butte, CO Castle Rock, CO Lisa Brummond Joanne Schmitz Littleton, CO 3 MaryEllen LaBerge 6* Katherine Frank Leavenworth, WA Walla Walla, WA 7 Barbara Peterson LaGrande, OR Bend, OR Linda Lindsay Canby, OR 2$ Meiling Yee Petaluma, CA Sunnyvale, CA Berkeley, CA - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2008 XTERRA MEN’S REGIONAL CHAMPIONS - - - - - - - - - - 45-49 5 Ken Robins 50-54 55-59 5 Russell Clark 60-64 5 Daniel Rose 65-69 2 Allan Clark 70+ Cutchogue, NY 4 Roger Masse Mt Sinai, NY Scotia, NY 3* Don Morrison Fairfield, CT 2 Tom Doyle Sloatsburg, NY 7 Joe Amato Brookline, MA Rob McCoy Bethesda, MD 7 Casey Fannin Fairmont, WV 3 Scott Ewing West Brandywine, PA 2 Audie Smith Midlothian, VA 2 James Rawie Ellicott City, MD 2 Peter Lilley Birmingham, AL 6 Jim James Destin, FL Knoxville, TN 5 Marc Hawley San Juan, PR Charlotte, NC 4 GL Brown Ann Arbor, MI 6 Mike Carter Byron Center, MI 8 Steve Cole Mt. Vernon, IN Kalamazoo, MI 4 Richard Suggs Ada, MI James Dewlen Austin, TX 3 Kevin Shelden Olive Branch, MS Stillwater, OK Nacogdoches,TX Tijeras, NM Harry Johnson Randy Beckner Bruce Wacker Breckenridge, CO Bozeman, MT 2 Dan Degolier Helena, MT Scott Grosse Tjaling Ypma Colorado Springs, CO 2 Orie Orien Leavenworth, WA 8*$ Tom Lyons Bellingham, WA 4*$ Tom Monica Bellingham, WA Anchorage, AK John Royson Justin Costa 6* Hans Dieben Reno, NV Walnut Creek, CA Albany, CA Maui, HI Chula Vista, CA John Lindros Kevin Hyde Terry Hutchins Nathaniel Grew 5 Errol Lassiter Woodstock, GA Ronald Scranton - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED REGIONAL CHAMPIONS - - - - nt 15-39 NW Moderate Leg Impairment 15-39 NC Visual Impairment 15-39 SE Les Autres 40+ SE Les Autres 15-39 MT Moderate Leg Impairment Micah Marshall Craig Vogtsberger David Kyle Todd Atkins Megan Fisher Meridian, ID Kalamazoo, MI Athens, AL Fayetteville, GA Missoula, MT 2008 XTERRA WORLD TOUR - CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS An athletes’ journey to Maui is forged in dirt and determination. Their rite of passage calls for swimming, mountain biking, and trail running in mystic environments from the picturesque Blue Lake in Rotorua to the Mediterranean waters and silver sand beaches of Italy, straight up the Wasatch Mountains of Utah and into the jungles of Saipan. Discovering new places, experiencing unknown cultures and gathering with kindred spirits across the GlobeIT’S THE XTERRA WAY. Here are the championship races from around the world in 2008 and the pro and amateur winners of each... Date March 8 Race (Pro and Amateur Race Winners) XTERRA Saipan Championship Location Saipan, CNMI Andrew Noble/Renata Bucher ... Eli Torgeson/Mieko Carey April 5 XTERRA Australia Championship Daylesford, Victoria Chris Legh/Susie Wood ... Andrew Steel/Nicola Leary April 12 XTERRA New Zealand Championship Rotorua Terenzo Bozzone/Sonia Foote ... Patrick Harvey/Monique Avery April 19 XTERRA South Africa Championship Grabouw, W. Cape Dan Hugo/Eszter Erdelyi ... Marc Price/Alexia Loizou May 17-18 XTERRA West Championship* Temecula, CA Conrad Stoltz/Melanie McQuaid ... Trevor Glavin/Julie Bruckman June 1 XTERRA Italy Championship+ Cala Ginepro, Sardinia Olivier Marceau/Sibylle Matter ... Tomas Matera/Kaja Polivkova June 7-8 XTERRA Southeast Championship* Pelham, AL Conrad Stoltz/Shonny Vanlandingham ... James Walsh/Erin Kummer June 14-15 XTERRA East Championship* Richmond, VA Josiah Middaugh/Melanie McQuaid ... James Walsh/Erin Kummer June 14 XTERRA Brazil Championship Angra dos Reis Alexandre Manzan/Carla Prada ... Joao Carlos de Almeida/Carolina de Souza June 21 XTERRA United Kingdom Championship+ Neath Valley Nicolas Lebrun/Julie Dibens ... Llewellyn Holmes/Emma Smith June 28 XTERRA Czech Championship+ Hluboka nad Vltavou Nicolas Lebrun/Carina Wasle ... Martin Koukal/Eva Stroblova July 6 XTERRA France Championship+ Auron Nicolas Lebrun/Renata Bucher ... Yohan Roman/Sophia Giovane August 15-16 XTERRA Mountain Championship* Snowbasin/Ogden, UT Conrad Stoltz/Melanie McQuaid... Luke Jay/Cary Kinross-Wright August 23 XTERRA Austria Championship+ Klopeinersee, Carinthia Michael Weiss/Julie Dibens ... Martin Jiskra/Monica Gabbanelli August 30 XTERRA Japan Championship Marunuma Sam Gardner/Renata Bucher ... Mitsuro Ohara/Akiro Sato September 27 XTERRA France 2**+ Mandelieu Nicolas Lebrun/Renata Bucher ... Francois Carloni/Anais Marguerite October 4-5 XTERRA USA Championship* Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, NV Mike Vine/Melanie McQuaid ... Joshua Olmstead/Erin Kummer October 26 XTERRA World Championship Maui, Hawaii Ruben Ruzsafa/Julie Dibens ... Francois Carloni/Keri Grosse * XTERRA America Tour events /// + XTERRA European Tour events (xterraeurope.com) ** Awards Pro Prize purse but did not have slots to XTERRA World Championship Note: Does not include in-country series such as the XTERRA America Tour, XTERRA South Africa Series, Czech Tour, German Tour, Japan Tour, Brazil Tour, and French Tour. 38 2009 XTERRA WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP RACES Date Race, Location April 18 XTERRA South Africa Championship, Grabouw, Western Cape April 18 XTERRA Saipan Championship, CNMI April 18 XTERRA New Zealand Championship, Rotorua May 31 XTERRA Italy Championship*, Orosei, Sardinia June 7 XTERRA Malaysia Championship, Kuantan June 27 XTERRA Czech Championship*, Hluboka Nad Vltavou August 1-2 XTERRA Mexico Championship, Valle de Bravo August 9 XTERRA France Championship*, Auron August 15 XTERRA Germany Championship*, Zittau August 22 XTERRA European Championship XTERRA Austria Championship*, Klopeinersee August 29 XTERRA Japan Championship, Marunuma August 29 XTERRA Brazil Championship, Angra dos Reis Sept. 20 XTERRA France 2**, Mandelieu France Sept. 26 XTERRA USA Championship, Ogden/Snowbasin, UT October 25 XTERRA World Championship, Maui * XTERRA European Tour ** XTERRA European Tour event with full prize money and points. Not a National Championship. Japan Czech 39 2009 XTERRA USA CHAMPIONSHIP MOVES TO UTAH TEAM Unlimited, owners and producers of the XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon Series, and the Utah Sports Commission, the catalyst in unifying Utah’s sports community and strengthening its presence in the global sports marketplace, entered into an agreement to host the prestigious XTERRA USA Championship event in 2009. The race will be held at Snowbasin Resort, a world-class ski and recreation destination and venue of the 2002 Olympic men’s and women’s downhill, super G and combined races, and will include festivities in Ogden where the annual Mountain to Metro Games unfold each September. “Team Unlimited’s choice to host its USA National Championship race in Utah is great news! We’re excited to have yet another major sporting event come to our state, providing a world-class sporting event for sporting enthusiasts and an economic boost to our state,” said Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman. For the past three years Utah has hosted the XTERRA Mountain Championship, one of the key regional U.S. events in the XTERRA America Tour, and also played host to the XTERRA Winter World Championships in 2008 & ‘09. “Expanding our partnership with TEAM Unlimited, from hosting our first XTERRA trail series event to a regional championship, and now to a national championship, continues to position Utah as a leader in Adventure/Action sports. This event continues to highlight that sports are a key driver of economic impact and image building for the State of Utah”, said Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. The XTERRA USA Championship race, which had been held in Incline Village, Nevada for the past eight seasons, annually attracts amateur and professional athletes from nearly every State in the Union and a dozen countries. As the grand finale and last race in the XTERRA America Tour and with $80,000 in prize money for professionals, Utah can expect a significant increase in media exposure and economic impact by hosting the national championship. Utah’s spectacular natural environment and the majestic Wasatch mountain range provides an epic setting and challenge for the biggest race of the season. The event combines a 1-mile swim (Pineview Reservoir) with a 20-mile mountain bike ride that climbs more than 3,000 feet up to Snowbasin Resort and a 6-mile trail run. “We could not be more excited to have the XTERRA National Championship moving to Ogden and being held at a world-class resort like Snowbasin. Our community has embraced it fully because it showcases Ogden’s strengths as the capital for high adventure recreation so well. We intend to show the best off-road triathletes in the country an incredible course, along with a great time,” said Ogden Mayor, Matthew Godfrey. In addition to the championship race, which is for qualified athletes only, XTERRA will also host an open XTERRA competition that individuals and teams can enter without qualifying, the XTERRA Collegiate Nationals race, halfmarathon “Xduro” trail run, kids races, Paul Mitchell XTERRA K9 Challenge competition, free clinics taught by pro athletes, awards dinners, concerts, food festival, and more. The XTERRA USA Championship race will be filmed and edited into a one-hour special that will be seen across the country via national syndication starting in November of 2009. In addition, Utah’s myriad outdoor recreational pursuits will be featured exclusively in two half-hour XTERRA Adventure shows airing in syndication May through October of each year. Combined, this three show television package will be seen by more than six million viewers nationwide. 40 2009 XTERRA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Ruben Ruzafa Julie Dibens Following an action-packed racing season that will span 15 countries with more than 100 events, XTERRA will host its 14th XTERRA World Championship in Maui on October 25th. A season-ending blow-out like no other, the World Championship is the culmination of a worldwide series of races held in Saipan, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Austria, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Malaysia, the Czech Republic and the U.S. The race course, considered one of XTERRA's toughest and most grueling, will consist of a 1.5-kilometer roughwater swim at Makena Beach, a grueling 30- kilometer mountain bike on the slopes of Haleakala, & an 11-kilometer trail run. Access to this legendary course is permitted once a year - on race day. Conditions change radically from year to year, diminishing the advantage to repeat competitors, and perpetuating the course's stature as among the most intimidating in the series. The maxed-out field is limited to 600 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. Last year Ruben Ruzafa from Spain captured the men’s championship and Julie Dibens from the UK won the women’s crown for the second year in a row. A special prime, the Hawaiian Airlines Double, will pay $2,500 to the man and woman with the fastest combined Hawaii Ironman and XTERRA World Championship time. Only two weeks and a narrow channel of ocean separate the two events, which each year attract a growing number of endurance athletes. In 2008, Spain’s Eneko Llanos won the men’s double and Swiss’ Sibylle Matter won the women’s double. 41 QUALIFYING FOR MAUI Amateur athletes can qualify for the XTERRA World Championship by finishing in one of the 34 qualifying spots available at each World Tour Championship event or one of the 41 qualifying spots (see below) at any of the eight XTERRA Cup Series races. There are also a limited number of at-large slots available early in the year and a special Hawaii qualifier at the Mountainman on Oahu Aug. 9. DIVISION 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60+ 60-64 65-69 70+ PC Total Men 1 1 2 3 3 3 2 1 1 NA 1 1 1 3 23 Women 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 NA NA NA 3 18 Total 2 2 4 5 5 5 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 6 41 XTERRA TRAIL RUNNING OVERVIEW At the heart of XTERRA is the fundamental idea of putting on great races in epic places with friendly faces. Pretty simple, really, but it’s a formula that has proven successful over the years and that same philosophy is being used to grow the XTERRA Trail Run Series. Now in its fifth year as a stand-alone set of races outside of the off-road triathlon circuit, the XTERRA Trail Run Series boasts 50 runs in 16 states and several countries, giving runners the opportunity to race their way around the worldliterally. XTERRA’s main focus is on the off-road half-marathon distance trail run, what XTERRA calls an “Xduro”. When asked about the paradigm shift (XTERRA Trail Runs used to be mostly 5km and 10km runs) Tom Kiely, CEO of XTERRA, explained that “after a decade of producing trail runs alongside our XTERRA off-road triathlons we learned that our audience wanted a bigger challenge than a 10k. What the market told us was to create a series of half-marathons that have a physical challenge parallel to that of a road marathon, but with Mother Nature along for the ride.” Two big-time races, in truly stunning adventure destinations, were added to the 2008 line up and are back in ‘09. The XTERRA Trail Running National Championship returns to Bend, Oregon on September 13 and the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship is back at Kualoa Ranch on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu on December 6. Not long ago Bend was named “America’s Best Trail Running Town” by Outside Magazine, and with its wide variety of terrain, mild fall climate, endless miles of pristine trails and a local community full of enthusiasm and support for the race, runners can expect a one-of-a-kind experience at Nationals. “The U.S. Trail Run Series is the fastest-growing segment of XTERRA and the National Championship race is turning into a really big deal,” said Kiely. “We think Bend is an amazing place to visit and explore, and an ideal venue for the last race in the series.” There are several regional series in the U.S. - SoCal, NorCal, Georgia, Virginia, Philly, South Carolina, New England, and Tennessee – and each hosts between 3 and 9 races through the course of the year. The winner of each age group in each series earns free entry into the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship race. In Bend the championship event is an Xduro (21km/13.1 mile), but the day-long running celebration will also feature races of 10km and 5km distances, a festival/expo center for participants and spectators, K9 Challenge, and Paul XTERRA Trail Running National Champion Max King in Bend, OR Mitchell cut-a-thon. While the race field will include competitors who have raced in other XTERRA events, participation is open to the general public. Following Nationals, runners can say Aloha! Held the weekend prior to the Honolulu Marathon, the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship will kick off the “greatest week of running on Earth” for athletes from around the globe. For competitive runners, $10,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top male and female finishers and racers from Xduro events in South Africa, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Japan are expected to come join in the adventure. The site at Kualoa Ranch on the northeastern side of Oahu is nothing short of magical. Arguably the most stunning landscape in Hawaii, the 4,000 acre working cattle ranch has been the setting for major motion productions such as Jurassic Park, Godzilla and LOST. From the steep mountain cliffs to the sparkling sea, the terrain varies from dense rainforest to broad open valleys and from beautiful white sand beaches to awesome verdant cliff faces. This gathering of international trail runners is highlighted by the 21km Xduro but is accompanied by numerous events ranging from shorter distance trail runs and kids’ races to an adventure walk for charity and family entertainment. “XTERRA is thrilled with the growth of its Trail Running Series” said Janet Clark, President of TEAM Unlimited/XTERRA. “XTERRA Trail Runs give runners an opportunity to explore some wildly natural environments and challenge Mother Nature’s diverse and unique offerings from roots to rocks, to stream crossings and unexpected scenic vistas.” For more details visit www.xterratrailrun.com. 42 2009 XTERRA TRAIL RUN SERIES SCHEDULE Date 1/10/09 2/1/09 2/28/09 2/28/09 3/7/09 3/14/09 3/22/09 3/28/09 3/29/09 4/11/09 4/18/09 4/19/09 4/19/09 4/25/09 4/26/09 5/6/09 5/9/09 5/9/09 5/20/09 5/24/09 5/30/09 5/30/09 6/3/09 6/7/09 6/13/09 6/13/09 6/17/09 6/26/09 6/28/09 7/11/09 7/19/09 7/26/09 8/1/09 8/8/09 8/8/09 8/22/09 8/22/09 8/22/09 8/23/09 9/1/09 9/5/09 9/13/09 9/13/09 9/26/09 9/27/09 9/27/09 10/3/09 10/3/09 10/11/09 10/24/09 11/8/09 11/14/09 11/26/09 11/29/09 12/6/09 12/13/09 Race XTERRA Boney Mountain Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Mission Gorge Trail Run XTERRA Thrill in the Hills Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Seven Islands Trail Run XTERRA Runnin’ the Rocks Trail Run XTERRA Forks of the River Trail Run XTERRA Black Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Chanoko Xduro Trail Run XTERRA South Africa Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Doug Harris Trail Run XTERRA South Africa Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Redwood Peak Trail Run XTERRA Trail Tromp Trail Race XTERRA Chicopee Woods Trail Run XTERRA Muddy Moose Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Warwick Park Revenge Trail Run XTERRA Malibu Creek Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Cinco in Mayo Trail Race XTERRA Hibernia Park Blast Trail Run XTERRA Oak Mountain Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Paris Mountain Trails 15km Trail Run XTERRA Italy Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Warwick Park Ruckus Trail Run XTERRA Deep South Trail Run XTERRA Marin Headlands Trail Run XTERRA Richmond Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Hibernia Park Challenge Trail Run XTERRA Czech Trail Run XTERRA Silver Comet Trail Run XTERRA Sugarbush Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Bear Creek Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Pig Trail Run XTERRA Panther Creek Trail Run XTERRA STOAKED Trail Run XTERRA Paris Mountain Trails 7km Trail Run XTERRA Dillon Lake Trail Race Pure Austin Fitness XTERRA Emma Xduro Scramble XTERRA Lake Placid Trail Run XTERRA Rock Hawk Trail Run XTERRA Japan Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Onteora Trail Run XTERRA Trail Run National Championship XTERRA Wildcat Gorge Trail Run XTERRA Wheeler Canyon Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Bull Mountain Trail Run XTERRA Point Mugu Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Marathon of Trail Races XTERRA Fall Fitness Trail Run XTERRA Haw Ridge Xduro Trail Run XTERRA Makena Beach Trail Run XTERRA Battle at Big Creek Trail Run XTERRA Paris Mountain Trails 11km Trail Run XTERRA Topanga Turkey Trot Trail Run XTERRA Victoria Bryant State Park Trail Run XTERRA Trail Run World Championship XTERRA Crystal Cove Trail Run Location Newbury Park, CA San Diego, CA Winder, GA Kodak, TN Conyers, GA Knoxville, TN San Diego, CA Granite Bay, CA Albert Falls Clemson, SC Grabouw Oakland, CA Ashland, VA Gainesville, GA Wolfeboro, NH Pottstown, PA Malibu, CA Oilville, VA Coatesville, PA Pelham, AL Greenville, SC Berchida, Sardinia Pottstown, PA Jackson, GA San Francisco, CA Richmond, VA Coatesville, PA Hluboké nad Vltavou Hiram, GA Sugarbush, VT Macungie, PA Macon, GA Morristown, TN Hanover, NH Greenville, SC Maidens, VA Austin, TX Lake Placid, NY Eatonton, GA Marunuma Livingston Manor, NY Bend, OR Berkeley, CA Ogden, UT Dahlonega, GA Oxnard, CA Colorado Springs, CO Buford, GA Oak Ridge TN Makena, Maui Roswell, GA Greenville SC Topanga, CA Royston, GA Oahu, HI Newport Coast, CA Distances – Series 6/21km – SoCal Series #4 5/15km – SoCal Series #5 21km – Georgia Series #3 10km – Tennessee Series #2 10km – Georgia Series #4 10km – Tennessee Series #3 5/15km – SoCal Series #6 21km – NorCal Series #1 21km – World Tour 10km – South Carolina #1 21km – World Tour 5/15km – NorCal Series #2 5/13km – Virginia Series #1 10km – Georgia Series #5 6/22km – New England #1 5km – Philly Series #1 6/22km – SoCal Series #7 8km – Virginia Series #2 5km – Philly Series #2 5/10/21km 15km – South Carolina #2 5/21km – World Tour 5km – Philly Series #3 15km – Georgia Series #6 6/21km – NorCal Series #3 10/21km – Virginia Series #3 8km – Philly Series #4 5/10km – World Tour 10km – Georgia Series #7 20km – New England Series #2 10/21km – Philly Series #5 10km – Georgia Series #8 10km – Tennessee Series #4 16km – New England Series #3 7km – South Carolina #3 15/30km – Virginia Series #4 5/18km 5/10km 5/21km – Georgia Series #9 27km – World Tour 10km 5/10/21km 5/15km – NorCal Series #1 2010 21km 21km – Georgia Series #1 2010 11/18km – SoCal Series #1 2010 5/21/42km – Colorado Series #1 5km – Georgia Series #2 2010 21km – Tennessee Series #1 2010 5/10km 7/15km – Georgia Series #3 2010 11km – SC Series #1 2010 5/10/15km – SoCal Series #2 2010 10km – Georgia Series #4 2010 5/10/21km 5/15km – SoCal Series #3 2010 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SIGN-UP FOR THE XTERRA TRAIL MIX NEWSLETTER VISIT XTERRATRAILRUN.COM 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." 44 THE XTERRA PLANET At the finish line of the very first XTERRA race in 1996 it was clear that XTERRA was going to be more than just a oneoff event. There was passion in the eyes of the competitors and an unwavering feeling that XTERRA was destined to become a lifestylea movement. And look at what XTERRA has become - From that one race in 1996 to 100+ in 13 countries in a 12-year span including a 60-stop America Tour for amateurs and a full-blown European Tour. XTERRA races can now be found on nearly every continent in the world. - XTERRA initiated a series of camps across the U.S. to help prepare athletes to race and get them started towards an active lifestyle. To that end, we offer up half-distance races for newcomers at our major events, plus the chance to race as part of a relay team. We also offer free XTERRA University clinics taught by our top pros. - We dish out more than a quarter-million dollars in prize money to attract some of the world's leading multisport athletes and garner the attention of national and international media. - We make champions. In the U.S. off-road triathlon series alone we recognize close to 200 amateur regional champions and 24 amateur national champions, plus relay team and collegiate national champs, XTERRA Trail Run Series, National and World Champs, and even XTERRA Winter World Champions. - We get kids involved with the XTERRA Kids Zone, a free schedule of events with running and bike races, obstacle courses, and other fun games. The notion is to get kids outdoors and active. - We put the lifestyle on display for millions to see with XTERRA TV and XTERRA.TV. Dozens of adventure themed shows reach into homes all over the world with inspiring images of fun activities in great places. Our very own 24/7 web TV network, www.xterra.tv, allows viewers to watch our shows on demand for free. - We became consumer friendly. First with XTERRA Gear - equipment designed for rugged competition. Then, with races in more than a dozen countries and nearly every state in the U.S., we knew traveling was part of the game so we selected Travelocity to power XTERRA Travel on our website. - With the XTERRA Foundation - we gave XTERRA heart. The XTERRA Foundation is a non-profit specifically designed to provide educational opportunities for at-risk kids. - We've opened the doors for runners with the XTERRA Trail Running Series. This year there are more than 50 5km, 10km, and 21km runs reaching into 15 U.S. States and several countries - providing more chances to participate in the healthy, active, outdoors lifestyle. Last year we hosted the inaugural XTERRA Trail Running World Championship - a 21km “Xduro”, which will return to the island of Oahu and Kualoa Ranch this year on December 6, 2009. - We launched the XTERRA Eco Team to protect and preserve the areas we race in, and give back to the communities that host us. - XTERRA brand licensees have introduced bicycling accessories and XTERRA exercise equipment, XTERRA footwear is widely available with revolutionary designed trail runners, and XTERRA Wetsuits continues to increase its market share of the wetsuit category. - And, XTERRA is just 13 years old... 45 XTERRAGEAR.COM NEWS Lightweight XTERRA Shoes Designed to Help Athletes Stalk Their On-Course Prey TJ Gray and Ashley Brown — designers of XTERRA’s new line of footwear and apparel — stood at the finish line of the XTERRA World Championship in Maui in October 2008. While many of the competitors lay in bed the night before counting sheep in anticipation of the race, that afternoon Gray and Brown were counting shoes. Road shoe, road shoe, road shoe. As athletes poured down from the lower slopes of Mount Haleakala from their nearly seven-mile trail run over roots, rocks and ravines, Gray and Brown couldn’t believe their eyes. “Maybe one in 100 was a trail runner,” said Brown, who along with partner Gray have also developed shoes for Nike, adidas and Salomon. “They were all sacrificing stability for less weight.” They returned to the drawing board, determined to make XTERRA the lightest — but still, most stable — trail running shoe on the market. With four months until the launch of the shoes at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, designs were tweaked, materials tested — including a unique combination of lighter blown rubber in the forefoot and a heavier high-abrasion carbon rubber in the heel. But their biggest scientific sport discovery was yet to come. After much trial and error in their New Hampshire lab, a molding model never before seen in the category was created. Gone was a traditional glued-together midsole, replaced by a dual-injected, dual-density EVA made of two layers — the top soft, the bottom harder — giving comfort and stability while taking away weight. The result: an eco-friendly design that’s one of the lightest trail runners ever, weighing in at less than 10.5 ounces for men, 9.5 for women. With the weight issue solved, multi-sport competitors Gray and Brown began to research every movement taken on a trail — the footplant and lateral pushoff around a 90-degree directional path change, the flexed-footed jump over water, the balanced gripped-toe run across a log. As they were going for a timed run in the woods near their studios — furiously passing each other, taking turns as the lead — the big-picture design inspiration for XTERRA’s new footwear line came: a big-cat predator’s paw. “Chasing its prey, a big cat grips into the earth — digging into loose gravel, dirt, gaining time and distance on every step, every leap,” said Gray, a former collegiate decathlete at Syracuse. “The outer part of their foot acts like a traction pad,” he continued. “It’s from there that we came up with XTERRA’s unique outsole lug concept.” The concept’s name: WILDTred. According to Gray and Brown, its carved claw-like perimeter lug design forms independent touch pads from forefoot to heel with deep flex zones for controlled, wrap-around grip. They also noted the lugs are higher than the shoe bottom’s concave center, helping it act as its front and rear suspension while creating a larger surface area. “With the cat’s paw, we liked the symbolism of man’s co-existence with all things found in the environment, said Brown. “We adapt to our surroundings, whether it be animal, plant or any of nature’s elements. Continued Brown: “The thought behind XTERRA’s new line is that the outdoors are no longer to be conquered; they’re to be connected with.” XTERRA’s footwear launch includes five styles: trail runner, trail trainer, ultra trainer, performance sandal, and performance slide. For more information on the product — or what retailers are carrying XTERRA — multisport athletes can go to www.xterrafootwear.com 46 TEAM UNLIMITED TEAM Unlimited is a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, founded in 1988. It owns and produces XTERRA, and in 2009 there will be more than 100 off-road triathlon events held in 13 countries. It all started with 123 competitors one afternoon in Maui, and has since evolved into the most prestigious off-road multisport race in the world. There are 30,000+ competitors, ages 13-71, from all 50 states and more than 40 countries competing in XTERRA events. TEAM Unlimited also produces a 50-race worldwide Trail Running Series with National and World Championship races, the XTERRA Winter World Championship, and more than a dozen TV shows each year are produced by TEAM TV. 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. 2009: More than 100 XTERRA off-road triathlon races and 50+ XTERRA Trail Runs TEAM TV Since 1990 TEAM TV has produced nearly 300 television shows resulting in three regional Emmy’s and 39 Telly Awards for production excellence. 47 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 World 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. 48