2 0 1 2 X T E R R A A S I A T O U R G U I D E

March 10

March 24

August 25

March 18

Introduction

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In 1996 mountain biking and triathlon met in a duel of thefittest on the island of Maui. The race consisted of an open-ocean swim, a mountain bike race, and a trail run. Itrepresented a bold new racing format that attractedoutdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, mountain bikersand triathletes. The mountain bikers brought their laid-backstyle and bold self-assurance. The triathletes brought theirhard-core training and avid dedication. They soondiscovered a common spirit and attitude that pulled themtogether. For as different as they were, neither could resistthe challenges and thrills this new multisport offered.

Since that day XTERRA has grown into the world’s leadingoff-road triathlon with more than 100 races in 15 countriesthis year, including four championship races in Asia.

The typical XTERRA is comprised of the following:1.5 kilometer (0.93-mile) swim in an ocean, lake, or river30 kilometer (18.6-mile) mountain bike on off-road trails10 kilometer (6.2-mile) trail run on a variety of surfaces

2012 marks the 17th consecutive year of XTERRA racing,and the 13th straight year for the sport in Asia. Japan wasamong the first international events when XTERRA went“global” in 2000 with races in Canada, England, andJapan.

XTERRA Hall-of-famer Michael Tobin from the U.S. andAustralian triathlon star Jody Mielke won that first race inAsia - the 2000 XTERRA Japan Championship inShiobara - and thousands of competitors have crossedfinish lines ever since.

This guide will breakdown the who, what, when, where andwhy of XTERRA in Asia - and introduce you to some of theprofessional athletes that will race in the world’s premieroff-road triathlon in Guam, the Philippines, and Saipan thisMarch.

Produced

by

Contact :Trey Garman808.216.8606 // trey@xterraplanet.com

XTERRA Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2The March of XTERRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Meet the Pros racing in Asia this March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Olivier Marceau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Branden Rakita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Ben Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Will Kelsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Graham Wadsworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Cedric Lassonde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Takahiro Ogasawara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Renata Bucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Carina Wasle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Mieko Carey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Jacqui Slack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Darelle Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162012 XTERRA World Tour Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17History of XTERRA in Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-19A Decade in Saipan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-212011 XTERRA Japan Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-232011 XTERRA Philippines Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Links for information, pictures, and results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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The March of XTERRA

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This March the XTERRA World Tour hosts three exoticchampionship races in Asia – Guam/Philippines/Saipan -that each offer $15,000 in prize money to professionals and46 qualifying spots into the XTERRA World Championshipfor amateurs.

The events have attracted top flight pros from around theworld including Olivier Marceau (SUI), Branden Rakita(USA), Ben Allen (AUS), Will Kelsay (USA), GrahamWadsworth (GBR), Cedric Lassonde (FRA), TakahiroOgasawara (JPN), Renata Bucher (SUI), Carina Wasle(AUT), Mieko Carey (JPN), Jacqui Slack (GBR), Daz Parker(GBR) and a cast of others.

The off-road triathlon adventures start in Guam on March10, with a 1.5-kilometer ocean swim, followed by a 31kmmountain bike and a memorable 8.2k trail run that hasathletes navigating through jungle rivers and down slipperywaterfalls. The Guam run has been described as a“signature test of courage” by Inside Triathlon and the racehas been dubbed one of the "Top 5 Off-Road Triathlons inthe World" by Triathlete Magazine.

Next up is the Philippines on March 18. Last year’sinaugural event had the largest spectator crowd in XTERRAhistory with thousands lining the bike and run courses, andhigh school cheerleaders in uniform waving the athletes on.

“You got so much energy fro m the cheering of thecommunity,” said women’s winner Shonny Vanlandingham,the 2010 XTERRA World Champ.

“The kids who watched the bike and run part of the racewere chanting and cheering. It’s great to come to a placelike the Philippines and feel the warm reception.”

New this year in Cebu is a half-distance XTERRA Lite raceand 5k, 10k, and 21k trail runs to go along with thechampionship.

“What a place, what a day, what a race. The province ofCebu put on one hell of a show,” said XTERRA managingdirector “Kahuna Dave” Nicholas said after last year’s race.

“Saturday night Cebu put on a State dinner for thecompetitors that was beyond spectacular. We were met byhundreds of local dancers in costumes representing theircities, music playing, fabulous colors in a festival for theeyes. At dinner, with gobs of local delicacies, each of thedance troupes performed skits about their cities. It wassimply fabulous.”

The third big race of the month is the XTERRA SaipanChampionship, aka the “Crown Jewel of XTERRA,” onMarch 24, and athletes who stick around can train and havefun with the visiting internationals and locals and race theTagaman road tri the following weekend on March 31.

The early race series provides a wonderful opportunity tokick off an athletes’ season in style with warm weather,warm people, and great races.

Meet the Pros

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Name - Age, Hometown

Olivier Marceau - 39, Cannes, FranceBranden Rakita - 30, Colorado Springs, Colorado Ben Allen – 27, North Wollongong, Australia Will Kelsay - 30, Boulder, ColoradoGraham Wadsworth – 29, Bristol, United KingdomCedric Lassonde - 35 , London, United KingdomTakahiro Ogasawara - 31, Tokyo, JapanRenata Bucher - 34, Lucerne, SwitzerlandCarina Wasle - 27, Kundl, AustriaMieko Carey - 33, Saipan, Northern MarianasJacqui Slack - 28, Stoke-on-Trent, United KingdomDarelle Parker - 43, Yorkshire, United Kingdom

The XTERRA Asia series of events provides a brilliant opportunity for professional and amateur competitors from aroundthe world with the opportunity to train and race in perfect conditions at exotic destinations where the ocean is clean andclear, the air is warm, the people are friendly, and the experience is authentic. Here are a few of the elite athletes, joiningadventurous age groupers like Mike Waring from Washington, Yasue Yoshimi from Japan, and Chuck Fortier from Canadaon the 2012 XTERRA Asia trail.

Marceau

Bucher

Rakita

Olivier Marceau

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OLIVIER MARCEAUCannes, France

2011 XTERRA European Tour Champion2004-05 XTERRA European Tour Champ

FINAL 2011 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 1PERSONAL: Born January 30, 1973. Lives in France butraces for Switzerland.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 11th year, in first-ever race hewon XTERRA Czech in 2002.WEBSITE: oliviermarceau.comRACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Three-time Olympictriathlete - finishing 7th in Sydney (racing for France), then8th in Athens, and 19th in Beijing racing for Switzerland;2000 ITU Long Distance World Champion.2004: Won in Saipan, Austria, and Germany, was 7th atXTERRA Czech, and third at XTERRA Italy. Put togetherthe best three races in Europe to claim the XTERRAEuropean Tour Championship. Placed 2nd at XTERRAWorld Championship.2005: Won XTERRA Saipan for third straight year, finishedthird in Temecula, won XTERRA Czech and XTERRA Italy,placed 3rd in Richmond, then won XTERRA Spain whichearned him his second straight XTERRA European Tourtitle. Did not race in Keystone. Placed 6th in Tahoe andfinished third in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Points Series. Was7th in Maui.2006: Won XTERRA Saipan for fourth straight time andwas third at XTERRA France, which he helped organize.Placed 2nd in Maui.2007: Won XTERRA Saipan for the 5th time, the XTERRAEuropean Championship race in Italy, and was 2nd in Maui.2008: Won XTERRA European Championship race in Italyfor second straight season, finished 9th at XTERRA Czech,19th at the Olympic triathlon in Beijing, and third atXTERRA France-Mondelieu in Sept. Was 5th in Maui.2009: Placed third at XTERRA Italy, fourth at XTERRAEuropean Championship, and fourth at XTERRA Worlds.2010: Placed second at the XTERRA EuropeanChampionship in Italy, was third at XTERRA France, andwon the inaugural XTERRA Switzerland Championship.Placed 4th at XTERRA Worlds.2011: Won XTERRA Italy, the XTERRA EuropeanChampionship in Germany, and XTERRA Switzerland.Was 3rd at XTERRA France and 8th at XTERRA Czech.Won XTERRA European Tour for third time, and placedsixth at the XTERRA World Championship.XTERRA WORLDS HISTORY: Six top 5 finishes includingthree runner-ups in nine attempts. Placed 6th last year, 4th2009 and 2011, and 5th in ‘08. In 2007 he headed out onto

Olivier

the run stride for stride with Stoltz until the first big climbwhen the Caveman pulled away, but he held on for 2nd. In2006 he was winning the race until the last mile of the runwhen Hamish Carter passed him, and he held on for sec-ond just 19 seconds behind Carter - the closest runner-upfinish in race history. In 2005 he had the 4th best swim timeand 8th best bike split to finish 7th overall. Was the runner-up in 2004 when he was the race leader until a mile out ofrun transition, didn’t race in 2003, and placed 5th in 2002.

"An unforgettable voyage. A mythical race youwill never forget. Surely one of the mostbeautiful I have done in 20 years of triathlonthroughout the world ... XTERRA Saipan,"

- Olivier Marceau

Branden Rakita

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BRANDEN RAKITAColorado Springs, Colorado

2011 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 4PERSONAL: Born March 25, 1981...from Durango,CO...earned degree in civil engineering at Colorado StateUniversity...works as a sales associate/bike fitter at ProCycling when he’s not racing.HEIGHT: 6-1WEBSITE: brandenrakita.comTWITTER: @btrakitaSPONSORS: 2XU, Pro Cycling, First Endurance, Sidi,SRM, Rudy Project, Ergon, Rotor USA, The ColoradoRunning Company, and Effetto Mariposa/Caffelatex.SHOE: Inov-8XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fifth year.OTHER SPORTS PLAYED: Grew up playing soccer, alsoran cross country and track and nordic skiingINTERESTS OUTSIDE OF ATHLETICS: Love samplinggood beer from different micro brews. Part of the reason Ilove tri is the travel. It is great to get out and see so much ofthe world and meet so many new people. I love productdevelopment, I am very in tune with the products I use andit is a dream that some day after my pro career to work inthe cycling industry developing and testing new products.BEST XTERRA FINISH: 3rd at XTERRA West Champs2011, and 5th at XTERRA USA Champs 2008FAVORITE XTERRA: XTERRA USA in Lake Tahoe andXTERRA Mountain Champs in Keystone.2008: Finished 14th at the XTERRA West Champs, 12th atthe Southeast Champs, 16th at the East Champs, 6th atMountain Champs, a career-best 5th at the XTERRA USAChampionship and 18th at XTERRA Worlds.2009: Finished 10th at West Cup, 8th at Midwest Cup, 8that Southeast Cup, 4th at Northwest Cup, 7th at NortheastCup, 5th at Mountain Cup, 6th at USA Championship, and20th at XTERRA Worlds.2010: Placed 10th at XTERRA West Champs, 7th at SouthCentral Champs, 5th at XTERRA Amazon (Brazil), 6th atEast Champs, 4th at Mountain Champs, 3rd at XTERRACanada, 7th at USA Champs, and 15th at XTERRA Worlds.2011: Placed 3rd at the XTERRA West Champs, 5th at theXTERRA South Central and Pacific Champs, 7th at theSoutheast Champs, 4th at the East Championship, 5th atthe Mountain Championship, 2nd at XTERRA Mexico and4th at XTERRA Canada, 6th at XTERRA USA Champs, and20th at the XTERRA World Championship.2012 XTERA Races: Guam, Philippines, Saipan, WestChamps, Southeast/ITU Worlds, East and MountainChamps, Mexico, Canada, USA and Worlds.

Branden

“Since I started racing XTERRA again in 2008everyone that has gone to the Western Pacificand raced Saipan has always said great thingsabout how beautiful it is and how great thesupport from the community was. Now withthe addition of the Guam and Philippinesraces in the last few years you can really makeit a good training trip that will last a few weeksin warm weather. The races also help get thejitters out of that first race of the year andallow you to get the body moving before themeat of the season starts. Being able totravel to such unique locations as well andexperience the lifestyle and culture there willbe amazing.” - Branden Rakita

Ben Allen

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BEN ALLENNorth Wollongong, Australia

2011 XTERRA Brazil Champion

FINAL 2011 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 6PERSONAL: Born January 19, 1985...has raced and wonmany ocean swim’s, surf events, and adventure races.WEBSITE: benallentriathlete.comTWITTER: Ben_AllenSPONSORS: Giant, RecoverWorks, Inov8, PowerBar,ConnectSports, Rocket Science Sports, Compressport,Craft, and Mum & Dad.BIKE/SHOE: Giant 29’er / Inov-8 TalonsXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second year.2011: Placed 4th at XTERRA New Zealand, was 3rd atXTERRA Italy, won XTERRA Brazil, placed 13th atXTERRA France, 12th at XTERRA Czech, 7th at XTERRAGermany, 4th at XTERRA Switzerland, 6th at XTERRACanada, 7th at the XTERRA USA Championship, and 36that XTERRA Worlds.2012 XTERRA RACES: Guam, Philippines, Saipan, NewZealand, Italy, France, Brazil, Czech, Germany, Canada,Switzerland, USA Champs, and World Champs.

Ben

“I believe I have found the sport in which Ilove and enjoy. I am very passionate aboutXTERRA and grateful for every opportunity.”

- Ben Allen

Will Kelsay

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WILL KELSAYBoulder, Colorado

FINAL 2011 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 20FINAL 2011 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 18PERSONAL: Born August 5, 1981...attended the Universityof Colorado where he raced on the national championshiptri team and earned a degree in mechanical engineering.WEBSITE: willkelsay.comTWITTER: @WillKelsayHEIGHT: 6-3SPONSORS: Timex, Quintana Roo/Litespeed, PowerBar,Rudy Project, Holy Crap, Challenge Tires, mix1, ChampionSystem, Shimano, LifeSport ChiropracticBIKE/SHOE: Litespeed Cohutta 29er/New Balance MT110XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year. Named Mr. XTERRAafter going on a 12,630-mile, 12-week, 12-race, x-countryroad trip in a beat-up RV to share his love for XTERRA. In2011 he went on a six-week, six-country XTERRA road trip.BEST XTERRA FINISH: 2nd XTERRA Japan 2011, 3rdXTERRA Mexico 2011, 9th XTERRA USA Champs 2010FAVORITE XTERRA? Japan. Hands down! Supertechnical. A real adventure and the true definition ofXTERRA's motto - Live More!2006: Finished 11th in California, 11th in Alabama, DNF inRichmond, was a career-best 9th in Milwaukee, 10th inUtah, 17th at USA Championship and 114th in Maui.2007: 14th at XTERRA West Champs, 10th in Alabama,14th in Richmond, 8th at Mountain Champs in Utah, his bestcareer finish. Was 13th at USA Champs & 64th in Maui.2008: Finished 18th in Temecula, 19th in ‘Bama, 14th inRichmond, 12th in Utah, and 12th at the XTERRA USAChampionship. Placed 16th overall in the Pro Series.2009: Finished 14th at XTERRA West and Midwest, 9th atSoutheast, 11th at Northwest Cup, 9th at Atlantic and SouthCentral, 8th at Northeast Cup, 10th at Mountain Cup, 10that USA Championship, and 25th at XTERRA Worlds.2010: Placed 17th at the XTERRA West Champs, 8th atSouth Central, 6th at Southeast Champs, 7th at the Eastand Mountain Champs, 9th at the USA Champs, and DNFat XTERRA Worlds.2011: Finished 19th at XTERRA West Champs, 14th at theSouth Central Championship, DNF at East Champs, wonthe XTERRA Forest Drive point series race, was 3rd atXTERRA Mexico, 15th at XTERRA Czech, 10th at theXTERRA European Championship/XTERRA Germany, 2ndat XTERRA Japan, and 11th at the USA Championship.2012 XTERRA RACES: Guam, Philippines, Saipan,Southeast Championship, East Championship, 4 Corners,Mexico, Japan, Canada, USA Champs, and World Champs.

Will

“If there is an adventure to be had, a story tobe made, or just plane silliness to be laughedat, I'm there. I love my life and I want to helpothers love theirs as much as I do mine. Life isall about choices. The situations good or badthat we find ourselves in are all a product ofour choices. I live my life by this philosophyand it has worked pretty well so far! On a sidenote - even if I stopped racing today, I wouldstill shave my legs. I just like the way it looks,”

- Will Kelsay

Graham Wadsworth

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GRAHAM WADSWORTHBristol, United Kingdom

FINAL 2011 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 10PERSONAL: Born August 31, 1982...attended theUniversity of Nottingham in the UK and Valencia, Spain aswell, earning a degree in mangement with Spanish...worksas a personal trainer and coach at My Life PT.WEBSITE: mylifept.comTWITTER: @grahamwadsHEIGHT: 6-0SPONSORS: Specialized, Sugoi, USN/ Zero G, Sigvaris,MylifePTBIKE: Specialized Stumpjumper HT 29erSHOE: Inov-8 X-TalonXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year, first race was in 2002.Won the Hawaiian Airlines Double award in 2007 when heposted the fastest combined amateur time in the Ironmanand XTERRA World Championship races.BEST XTERRA FINISH: 9th at XTERRA SwitzerlandFAVORITE XTERRA? France2010: Finished 12th at XTERRA Portugal, 11th at XTERRAItaly, 14th at XTERRA France, 15th at XTERRA Czech, anda career-best 9th at XTERRA Switzerland. Finished 10th inthe XTERRA European Tour.2011: Finished 13th at XTERRA Italy, 15th at XTERRAFrance and XTERRA Czech, was 10th at XTERRASwitzerland, and 24th at XTERRA Worlds.2012 XTERRA RACES: Guam, Philippines, Saipan,France, Germany, and Switzerland.

“XTERRA is an incredibly exciting andchallenging sport which I really enjoy and thetough courses play to my strengths as anathlete. I've gotten to know a great group oftop class athletes during the past two years ofXTERRA's and it's always fun to catch up withthem all in different places around the world.The addition of Guam as a Championshiprace, alongside Philippines and Saipan makesfor a perfect racing package and has clearlygenerated interest due to the stacked field!Having such tough XTERRA races at thebeginning of my season has been the perfectmotivator to get me out training during the UKwinter! I've heard some fantastic things aboutthe courses and the pictures suggest the timespent at the XTERRA Asia Tour races will beboth great racing and an unforgettabletravelling experience.” - Graham Wadsworth

Graham

Cedric Lassonde

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CEDRIC LASSONDELondon, United Kingdom

FINAL 2011 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 14PERSONAL: Born October 29, 1976...earned universitydegrees in sports science and English literature...works asa DJ and promoter when not racing, says he is a “a vinyladdict” with his interests outside of sports focusing onmusic, cinema, and culture.TWITTER: @saywoolSPONSORS: Whyte, TriUKBIKE: Cannondale 29erSHOE: AsicsXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fourth yearBEST XTERRA FINISH: 9th at XTERRA SwitzerlandFAVORITE XTERRA? France2010: Finished 12th at XTERRA Portugal, 11th at XTERRAItaly, 14th at XTERRA France, 15th at XTERRA Czech, anda career-best 9th at XTERRA Switzerland. Finished 10th inthe XTERRA European Tour.2011: Finished 9th at XTERRA France and XTERRASwitzerland, DNF at XTERRA Worlds.2012 XTERRA RACES: Guam, Philippines, Saipan, Italy,France, and Maui for XTERRA Worlds.

Cedric

“Once you've done a couple of XTERRA racesyou are pretty much instantly part of thefamily and you feel drawn to support races inall corners of the globe as you know you'llalways get top quality courses andorganisations. Professional XTERRA racing isa way of life that can't be beaten! The fact thatGuam is now a championship qualifier will nodoubt attract a seious field out there, both inthe pro and age group categories. ”

- Cedric Lassonde

Takahiro Ogasawara

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Takahiro

TAKAHIRO OGASAWARATokyo, Japan

XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. Placed 2nd at the2007, and 2008 XTERRA Japan Championships. 2009: Finished 5th at XTERRA Saipan, 2nd at XTERRAJapan, 4th at XTERRA Malaysia, and 40th among malepros at XTERRA Worlds.2010: Placed fourth at XTERRA Saipan, and was third atXTERRA Japan.2011: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Saipan, and finished third atXTERRA Japan (was the top Japanese finisher at both).2012 XTERRA RACES: Guam, Philippines, Saipan, andJapan.

“I love the spirit of adventure, the challenge,and the athletes from around the world I havemet at XTERRA.”

- Takahiro Ogasawara

Renata Bucher

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RENATA BUCHERLucerne, Switzerland

4-time XTERRA European Tour Champ6-time XTERRA Saipan Champion

FINAL 2011 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 11FINAL 2011 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 2PERSONAL: Born May 30, 1977...attended the Universityof Zuerich.WEBSITE: renata-bucher.onlinetri.comBIKE/SHOE: Cannondale Flash 29er/Asics Fuji RacerXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year.RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has won 21 XTERRAChampionship races in 11 countries.FAVORITE XTERRA: Saipan2004: 9th at XTERRA Germany in first-ever XTERRA.2005: Won XTERRA Saipan, and was second at Tagamanto win the PIC Double with a combined time of 6:14:11.Was 3rd at Temecula, won XTERRA Czech (beating threeWorld Champs in Angle, McQuaid, and Whitmore in theprocess), 3rd at XTERRA Italy, 5th in Richmond, wonXTERRA Austria, second at XTERRA Spain, and third atXTERRA Germany. Won the XTERRA European Tour andwas 9th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Placed 4th atWorld Champs in Maui.2006: Won everything she entered starting with XTERRASaipan, then a clean sweep in Europe with victories atFrance, Italy, Czech, Spain, and UK. Won second straightXTERRA European Title. Placed 5th at World Champs.Placed 4th at Tagaman and was 2nd in the PIC Doublestandings behind Whitmore.2007: Won XTERRA Saipan Championship then injurieskept her sidelined for the rest of the season.2008: Won XTERRA Saipan for the fourth straight year,plus the Tagaman Triathlon and Pacific Islands Club Doubleaward, placed 2nd at XTERRA European Championship inItaly, won XTERRA France-Auron, was second at XTERRAAustria, won XTERRA France-Mondelieu and her thirdstraight Euro Tour title. Also won XTERRA Japan, was 2ndat XTERRA USA, and 4th at XTERRA Worlds.2009: Won XTERRA Saipan for 5th straight year, theTagaman road tri on Saipan a week later and the PacificIslands Club Resort Double award for having the fastestcombined time in the 2 races. Finished 4th at XTERRAWest, 2nd at Midwest, 3rd at Southeast Cup, won XTERRAMalaysia, won XTERRA Italy, was 2nd at XTERRA Czech,won XTERRA Northeast Cup (her first win in the U.S.), wonXTERRA European Championship in Austria and the EuroTour for the fourth time, was 8th at XTERRA USA Champs,and 14th at XTERRA Worlds.

Renata

2010: Won five races, starting with XTERRA Saipan for the6th straight year, and the Pacific Islands Club ResortDouble award. Won XTERRA Guam, won inaugural XTER-RA Portugal Championship, won XTERRA South CentralChampionship, placed 2nd at XTERRA EuropeanChampionship in Italy, placed 4th at the Southeast Champs,won the East Champs, was 2nd at XTERRA France, wonXTERRA Czech, and was 2nd at XTERRA Switzerland.Finished in a points tie for first with Marion Lorblanchet forthe Euro Tour title, but lost tie-breaker (position at last race).DNF at XTERRA Worlds.2011: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Philippines, 3rd at XTER-RA Saipan, 2nd at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA France,was third at XTERRA Czech and Germany, and 5th atXTERRA Switzerland. Placed 2nd at the XTERRA PacificChampionship, third at the Southeast Championship, andfourth at XTERRA World Championship.2012 XTERRA RACES: Guam, Philippines, Saipan,European Series, ITU Cross Worlds, and XTERRA Worlds.

“I love Saipan. I always have such a good time,not just the race but everyday with the sun andthe fun, and the people. It’s like my secondhome.”

- Renata Bucher

Carina Wasle

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CARINA WASLEKundl, Austria

2011 XTERRA South Africa Champion2011 XTERRA Brazil Champion

FINAL 2011 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 3FINAL 2011 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 19PERSONAL: Born October 20, 1984.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fifth year.2005: Finished 3rd at XTERRA Austria in first-everXTERRA then won XTERRA Germany. Placed 7th inXTERRA European Tour.2006: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Czech and XTERRA Spain,was 3rd at Denmark and won XTERRA Germany.2007: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Italy, 4th at XTERRADenmark, 3rd at XTERRA Austria, and won XTERRAGermany for 3rd straight year. Was 10th at World Champs.2008: Placed 3rd at European Championship in Italy, wonXTERRA Czech, was third at XTERRA France-Auron, andsecond at XTERRA France-Mondelieu. Finished 2nd inXTERRA European Tour standings. Placed third at XTER-RA USA Championship, and 8th at XTERRA Worlds.2009: Placed 6th at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA Czech,was 7th at XTERRA Germany, 2nd at XTERRA Austria, and4th at XTERRA USA Champs.2010: Placed 4th at XTERRA Portugal and the EuropeanChampionship in Italy, was third at XTERRA France, 5th atCzech, 10th at the USA Championship, and 6th at XTERRAWorlds.2011: Won the XTERRA South Africa Championship, was3rd at XTERRA Philippines, 2nd at XTERRA Saipan, 5th atXTERRA Italy, won XTERRA Brazil, 2nd at XTERRAFrance, 4th at XTERRA Czech, 6th at XTERRA Germany,4th at XTERRA Switzerland, and 11th at USA Champs.2012: Placed 2nd at XTERRA South Africa Championshipon February 26.

Carina

I like to travel and race all over the world. WithXTERRA I always get to know a lot of nicepeople. So, I just say ... LIVE MORE!

- Carina Wasle

Mieko Carey

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MIEKO CAREYSaipan, Northern Marianas

2009-11 XTERRA Japan Champion

PERSONAL: Born April 27, 1978.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year, third as a pro. Miekohas been racing XTERRA since 2006 when her last namewas Motoyoshi and she won the 25-29 division at XTERRASaipan. Carey also won the 25-29 title in Saipan in 2007. 2008: Placed second at XTERRA Saipan, and third in thehighly competitive 30-34 division at the XTERRA WorldChampionship in Maui in October.2009: Placed 4th at XTERRA Saipan, won XTERRA Japan,was 2nd at XTERRA Malaysia, and 18th at XTERRAWorlds. 2010: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Saipan and won theXTERRA Japan Championship for the second straight year,was 13th at XTERRA Worlds.2011: Placed 5th at the XTERRA Saipan Championship,won the XTERRA Japan Championship, and was 16th atXTERRA Worlds.

Mieko

“XTERRA is like family,”- Mieko Carey

Jacqui Slack

15

JACQUI SLACKStoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

PERSONAL: Born June 17, 1983...works as a fire fighterwhen not racing...likes to surf, travelXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Third year. Is the top rankedBritish cross triathlete. BEST XTERRA FINISH: 4th at 2011 XTERRA ItalyFAVORITE XTERRA: ItalyWEBSITE:jacquislack.co.ukTWITTER: @jacquislackSPONSORS: Internet Central, Royles, 2XU, Trek,Schwallbe, Champion SystemsBIKE: 26 duel suspension Trek 9.9 provided by Royles/TrekSHOE: Salamon Trial Cross2011: Placed 4th at XTERRA Italy and 9th at XTERRACzech.2012 XTERRA RACES: Guam, Philippians, Saipan, NewZealand, Italy, France, Germany, Czech, Swiss, Canada,Maui and maybe Brazil.

“I love life, love traveling with Ben, love totrain and love to race triathlon. So excited tobe racing XTERRA and looking forward to theyear ahead.”

- Jacqui Slack

Jacqui

TRIMAXHEBDO.COM

Darelle Parker

16

DARELLE PARKERLondon, United Kingdom

PERSONAL: Born June 24, 1968...is a professional stuntwoman when not racing...earned a degree in Theatre fromthe Dartington College of Arts in the UK...also a spin andswim coach.WEBSITE: dazparker.co.ukTWITTER: @dazzystuntsSPONSORS: Cannondale, Craft, Suunto, Bikeboxalan,Blueseventy, Clifbar, Shock absorber, bike and run,Chelmer cycles.BIKE/SHOE: Cannondale Scalpel 26”/AsicsXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fifth yearRACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Won the 2009 overallamateur XTERRA World Title, and the 2008 ITU Sprintamateur world title.2010: Placed 8th at XTERRA Portugal, 10th at the XTER-RA West Championship, 7th at XTERRA France, 5th atXTERRA Switzerland, and 15th at XTERRA Worlds.2011: Finished 4th at XTERRA Philippines, 6th at XTERRASaipan, and 2nd at XTERRA Guam while racing with afractured shoulder (from pre-riding the day before) thatultimately required surgery and kept her out of racing for theseason.2012: Philippines, Saipan, France, Alabama for ITU CrossTri Worlds, Switzerland, and XTERRA Worlds in Maui.

“Just back from the sizzling month in Asia.What a roller coaster of a ride, an adventurefrom beginning to end. It all started in thePhilippines and what a welcome it was! Wewere all treated like stars by the locals and theorganizers put up an amazing event. Thewhole village lined the streets to cheer us on.Then onto beautiful Saipan with its technicalcourse including a Tsunami swim in the mix.Guam was next and never lets me down withthe sense of adventure and pushing theboundaries on the run course, and the littlerain we got in the morning turned the dry landinto sticky red clay ... it was like riding onMars. I loved it.”

- Darelle Parker

Daz

XTERRA World Tour

1717

DATE Race Location

2/26 XTERRA South Africa Championship Grabouw

3/10 XTERRA Guam Championship Piti

3/18 XTERRA Philippines Championship Cebu

3/24 XTERRA Saipan Championship Northern Marianas

4/14 XTERRA New Zealand Championship Rotorua

5/27 XTERRA Italy Championship+ Orosei, Sardinia

7/8 XTERRA France Championship+ Xonrupt, Gerardmer

7/15 XTERRA Brazil Championship Manaus, Amazonia

8/4 XTERRA Czech Championship+ Prachatice, South Bohemia

8/4 XTERRA Mexico Championship Tapalpa, Jalisco

8/11 XTERRA Germany Championship+ Zittau

8/25 XTERRA Japan Championship Marunuma

9/2 XTERRA Canada Championship Whistler

9/8 XTERRA Switzerland Championship+ Prangins

9/16 XTERRA Venezuela Championship Villa Caribe

9/22 XTERRA USA Championship Ogden, Utah

10/28 XTERRA World Championship Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii

Red = XTERRA Asia Tour // + XTERRA European Tour //Tentative as of 2.15.12.

2012 XTERRA WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP RACE SCHEDULEThe sandy, muddy, bumpy, rocky, and rutted-out trails that lead to the XTERRA World Championship in Maui takecompetitors to some of the most exotic locales in the world, from France to the Philippines. In all, 15 countries will hostXTERRA championship events in 2012 that offer qualifying spots to the top amateur finishers (see breakdown below).

The XTERRA World Tour schedule also features “tours within tours”. In addition to the 70-race XTERRA America Tour andthe five-stop European Tour, there is also a series of races in the Czech Republic, South Africa, New Zealand, Brazil,Mexico, Germany, Canada, and the Philippines. This intricate series of races serves as a trail map to adventure,providing athletes from all over the world with a truly exhilarating way to explore new places. Here is a look at the 2012XTERRA World Tour Championship races.

Qualifying Spots at XTERRA Asia Events

Division Men Women Total

15-19 1 1 220-24 1 1 225-29 2 2 430-34 3 2 535-39 3 2 540-44 3 2 545-49 2 2 450-54 2 2 455-59 2 2 460-64 1 1 265-69/65+ 1 1 270+ 1 N/A 1Challenged 3 3 6Total 25 21 46

XTERRA Asia History

18

Asia has played a prominent role in the development of XTERRA as a truly internationalevent since 1998, when the first Asian competitor -Taro Shirato (who would later becomethe XTERRA Japan organizer) - came to Maui “to play in the dirt”.

1998: In the summer American friends of Japanese triathlon legend Taro Shirato showedhim a magazine article about XTERRA. “I had heard of the event but never seen suchexciting pictures with the beautiful ocean, red clay, clear blue sky. I was intrigued with thearticle and had to try it for myself. That year I became the first XTERRA challenger fromJapan, and I was deeply fascinated by the race, by ‘playing in nature.’ The adventuremade me feel great, and reminded me of my childhood when I first started riding my bikeand exploring the world. I wanted to introduce this feeling to our people.”

2000: The inaugural XTERRA Japan Championship is held in Shiobara and won byAmerican adventure racing legend and XTERRA Hall-of-Famer Michael Tobin, along withAustralian multisport sensation Jody Mieke. This created the path for Asian competitors toqualify to race at the XTERRA World Championship in Maui.

2001: XTERRA Japan returns to Shiobara, and another is added in Shinshiro. Yu Yumoto,a member of the Japan National Team for mountain biking, wins the first of several JapanXTERRA titles and serves as a friendly Asian ambassador for XTERRA as he travels tothe U.S. to compete in Pro Series.

2002: Another XTERRA is added in Japan at the Nippon Aerobics Center, and JapaneseOlympian Haruna Ouichi win’s the women’s title and the exposure she generates opensthe door for more Asian women to compete in XTERRA. Also in 2002 the first XTERRASaipan Championship is held in the Northern Mariana Islands. The event is instantlyembraced as “epic”, “exotic”, “tough”, and “fun”. Canadian Mike Vine wins the men’s raceand Jamie Whitmore wins the first of many XTERRA titles, including three more in Saipan.The race is televised by TEAM TV and edited for both Japanese and U.S. distribution,showcasing the beauty of the island to the world.

2003: The first XTERRA University training champ for beginners is held in Japan. TEAMUnlimited reaches an agreement with Sports-I TV, an ESPN affiliated company in Japan,to broadcast the XTERRA Planet series of adventure shows – exposing the “Live More”lifestyle to millions. In Saipan Australian Jason Chalker wins despite crashing on the bike,a theme that would repeat itself for years to come – making “chalks” a living-legend in theCNMI racing community.

2004: Taro Shirato organizes his first XTERRA Japan Championship race at Marunumain the Nikko National Forest. Japanese Olympian Hideo Fukui wins the men’s race andJamie Whitmore wins the first of four straight Japan titles for the women. Also in ‘04,Olympian and ITU World Champion Olivier Marceau makes his first trip to Saipan, andXTERRA is held the week prior to the Tagaman road triathlon which is the longest runningroad tri in the Western Pacific. Marceau stays on the island and wins both, and the wordspreads quickly about what a great place Saipan is to train and race early in the season.

2005: The “Swiss Miss” of XTERRA Renata Bucher wins the first of six SaipanChampionship titles, and also wins her first of many PIC (Pacific Islands Club) Doubleawards which are given annually to the man and woman with the fastest combined timein XTERRA and Tagaman. The prize is $500, seven nights at the magnificent PacificIslands Club resort, and all meals included. The title guaranteed top flight pros fromaround the world would continue to visit Saipan, and the exposure in magazines hasmade Saipan a famous destination race. It was most recently named one of the ‘World’sBest” in Triathlete Magazine’s March 2011 issue. Also in 2005 athletes in Guam banded

XTERRA Asia History

19

together to produce their own off-road tri, dubbed the “Xticer.” Guam triathlete ArtGuerrero won, and an adventurous Swiss triathlete Mario Deicher came in second.

2006: The Xticer race in Guam proved to entice the island to join the Tour, and the first-ever XTERRA Guam triathlon is produced. Although it did not provide qualifying spots tothe XTERRA World Championship or prize money for pros, it did create the opportunityfor visiting athletes to extend their stay in the Western Pacific to race in three events, allwhile training in perfect warm weather conditions. Of note, Jamie Whitmore won thewomen’s race, Courtney Cardenas (her husband) won the men’s race, and ClydeWhitmore (her Dad) finished dead last : ) Daniel Speight, an Australian age group athlete,had this to say about his experience in Asia, “The XTERRA Japan Championship high inthe ancient, fog-blanketed forests of Gunma Prefecture at 1400m altitude featured amuddy, highly technical course that truly personified the essence of getting down anddirty, XTERRA style! An international field lined up on the rocky shores of Lake Marunumafor the beating of the starter's taiko drum amidst a chorus of bamboo flutes. The boom ofthe drum was a nice cultural touch to raise the hairs on the back of your neck and remindyou that you were in real Samurai country, and about to battle it out with the savvy nativeson their home turf!”

2007: Olympian and three-time XTERRA World Champion Julie Dibens from the UKmakes her first trip to Saipan and brings a ton of exposure to XTERRA in Asia as one ofthe world’s premier road and off-road triathletes.

2008: Sam Gardner becomes the first British man to win an XTERRA championship eventat XTERRA Japan. Gardner would go on to make a name for himself in Asia by defend-ing his Japan title in ’09, winning three straight in Saipan from 2009-to-2011, and captur-ing the inaugural XTERRA Philippines Championships in 2011.

2009: Mieko Carey, a Japanese triathlete living in Saipan, did her first XTERRA in 2006and improved so dramatically that she would race as a professional in 2008, andultimately win the first of three straight XTERRA Japan championship races in 2009. Alsoin 2009 XTERRA hosted its first championship in Malaysia. The race was held in Kuantanand won by Canadian Mike Vine and Renata Bucher from Switzerland.

2010: The appeal of XTERRA in Asia also extends to trail running events, and theXTERRA Marunuma 30K trail run held the day after the triathlon is an incredibly scenicand challenging run.

2011: The inaugural XTERRA Philippines Championship is won by Sam Gardner andShonny Vanlandingham, and featured the biggest crowd support of any XTERRA ever asthe entire course was lined with citizens from Cebu. In Saipan, the race took place themorning after the devastating tsunami that hit Japan, and while the Marianas Trench is sodeep that the wave lost its power and Saipan was OK, the current in the water was unusu-al and kept shifting in and out. “As swimmers hit the outside buoy, the current changedto pushing in and everyone nearly stopped! Then the current sucked the water away fromthe beach and many were walking,” explained XTERRA managing director director DaveNicholas. In Japan, Conrad “the Caveman” Stoltz – XTERRA’s biggest star – raced for thefirst time to the delight of locals and visiting athletes alike. Stoltz’ gave clinics and sharedhis knowledge with all in attendance.

2012: In 2012 there are four races perfectly aligned for an athlete to train and race in Asiafor the entire month of March, and in August XTERRA Japan will be back in Marunumafor the ninth straight year.

A Decade in Saipan

20

Hard to imagine it’s been 10 years since XTERRA’s first trip

to Saipan in 2002. Must have been surreal to be Canadian

pro Mike Vine, the first racer to enter the notorious caves

where Japanese soldiers hid and fought from during the

Battle of Saipan in 1944.

Since the “Vineman” first stepped foot into that cold, dark,

cavernous tunnel in the side of the mountain, 1,000 more

have followed and come away with exhilirating tales of

adventure all their own.

Saipan is a special place and touches all who visit in an

almost spiritual way. It’s where Jamie Whitmore kick-start-

ed her career and won her first XTERRA (upsetting World

Champion Anke Erlank back in 2002), where a volcanic

explosion on a neighbor island once turned the skies black

like night in the middle of the day, where Aussie pro Jason

Chalker has left layers of skin from a variety of spectacular

crashes, and where Richard “Doc” Wall once saved

another man’s life in the middle of the race.

The Northern Marianas impact on athletes is undeniable.

“Best vacation of my life,” said Sue Anne Clark from

Pennsylvania. “I made life long friends in Saipan that I stay

in touch with to this day,” explained Whitmore. “The locals

are the most generous, fun, and welcoming bunch of

people you’ll ever meet,” added Brittish pro Sam Gardner.

New York Times bestselling author Marty Dugard wrote

about his adventures at XTERRA Saipan in his new book,

To Be A Runner, and some of the world’s best pros made

staying and racing in the warm, tropical climate during the

pre-season part of their annual routine with the likes of

three-time Olympian Olivier Marceau, XTERRA World

Champs Julie Dibens, Shonny Vanlandingham, and

Whitmore, and European Tour stars like Renata Bucher,

and Sibylle Matter all making regular stops on the island.

“One of the most incredible places I’ve ever been,” said

American pro Ryan DeCook. “I was really intrigued to see

the World War II relics and experience a place so rich in

U.S. history. I enjoyed hearing stories of locals that lived

through the war by hiding in caves deep in the jungle.

Swimming around the tanks stuck in the sandy shallow

waters was eerie and running through the caves sent a chill

down my spine as I thought about the incredible struggle

that defines the island.”

At XTERRA Saipan, the race starts on the same beach

where Marines launched their attack in ’44, then the bike

course traverses nearly every inch of the island where the

battles took place. At the American Memorial Park Museum,

many who visit watch a heart-wrenching video on how it all

went down, then walk somberly through the interactive

displays.

“The battle here was the game changer in World War II,”

said Whitmore. “And I can tell you, having bushwhacked

my way through the jungle, this race gave me a better

understanding of what our grandparents went through

during the war.”

There are a lot of reasons to love Saipan - the people,

history, and adventurous course are a few, however, the

most recurring comment you’ll hear when talking to alumni,

“It’s so much fun.”

Ahh, the incredibly serious Saipan Sportsfest. Every year

after XTERRA, the Tagaman road triathlon (the longest

running triathlon in the Western Pacific) is held the following

Saturday and in between the two races are training camps,

pro clinics, goKart races, a kids tri, hash runs, trail runs,

golfing, tank-to-tank swims, grotto diving, frisbee golf,

paintball wars, goofy scooter rides, and the Lazy River.

A Decade in Saipan

21

“Who cares who wins XTERRA, it’s about who owns the

fasted lap at the go-cart track,” said Vanlandingham. “But

my favorite is the Hash run. It’s more like a chase in the

dark, and people act very strange and there is a bonfire and

initiation at the finish. The rest is a secret.”

What’s no secret is how sweet the host hotel is. The Pacific

Islands Club treats everyone like rock stars. In addition to

the legendary spreads for the pre-and-post race dinners,

you are bound to see the most spectacular sunset of your

life at the PIC, all while sitting on a white sand beach with

an ice cold drink and a great local duo playing in the back-

ground. The PIC also has its own wave pool, lazy river, and

about 25 different sports you can play on property – which

crew and racers alike have used as the basis for the “PIC

Olympics”.

“My first year here in 2007, led mainly by Jamie and

Courtney, we had a Europe vs. U.S. island-wide

competition,” said Gardner. “We basically did anything and

everything you could do that had a winner. It was great to

get some warm weather training in during the morning then

beat Jamie and Courtney at something different each after-

noon.”

Well beyond just the visiting athletes, the entire island gets

involved in the fun.

“The camaraderie between the local and off-island athletes

is like nowhere else in the world,” said local organizer Wolf

Mojica, who is supported in his efforts by the Marianas

Visitors Authority.

“What I think is cool is we’ve seen a huge increase in the

number of local athletes, not only participating in this event,

but growing in other area’s such as mountain biking since

XTERRA arrived,” said local triathlete Russ Quinn. “Months

before the event, locals start organizing group swims, runs

and rides. The local triathlon club starts organizing smaller

races to generate excitement and get people ready. The

local kids see everyone riding and running and get inspirted

to try it themselves. I have participated in all of the XTERRA

races here and a few abroad, and the one thing I’ve realized

is that the XTERRA tribe is a brotherhood, no matter if you

are a pro or amateur.”

In Saipan, the night air is warm and is usually accompanied

by a lovely light breeze – with folks still in the pool at 10pm.

Some have said ‘it’s a wonderful holiday in which a triathlon

breaks out in the middle of it!’

Juergen Feherenback of Germany may have said it best,

‘You have not done an XTERRA until you have done thisone.”

It is after all, the Crown Jewel of XTERRA.

2011 Japan Review

22

August 27, 2011 (Kan Ko So Resort - Marunuma)

Four-time XTERRA World Champ Conrad Stoltz from SouthAfrica and Saipan multisport sensation Mieko Careycaptured the eighth annual XTERRA Japan Championshiptitles on a mystic afternoon in the Nikko National Forest inMarunuma, Japan.

While the XTERRA motto is “Mother Nature is yourtoughest competitor,” perhaps nowhere on the planet isearth and nature so much a part of the experience than inthe mountains of Marunuma.

The first rule in the official competitor handbook is to ‘Loveand care for nature’, and in his welcome to competitor’srace director Taro Shirato asked participants to “please feelthe nature of Marunuma and the smell of earth through yourentire body.”

American Will Kelsay, in the fifth week of a six-week, six-country around-the-world XTERRA adventure, took thisadvice to heart by literally hurling his body into the earth onnumerous occasions with three big crashes on the bike tohis credit.

The reckless abandon served him well and nearly earnedhim the upset of the decade against four-time XTERRAWorld Champion Conrad Stoltz.

“Will was chasing hard, and was close behind me and if hedidn’t crash so many times it would’ve been a lot closer,”said Stoltz, whose winning time was 2:18:25, a little morethan a minute ahead of Kelsay. “This is Will’s course forsure. He is a really skilled rider, completely fearless, and heraced really well. He was just 30 or 40-seconds behind meoff the bike and I thought he was going to catch me todaybecause this run course is like a jungle gym and we all knowWill is like a monkey.”

The high-praise coming from the sports’ biggest star wasspot on as it was exactly those monkey-like characteristicsthat had Kelsay so close to the champ in the final momentsof this epic adventure.

“I felt like a kid playing in the woods, jumping over stuff,ducking under logs, swinging over things, hoping off rocks.It was fantastic, I loved it,” said an exuberant Kelsay afterthe race, explaining how he could pick a line and use hishands to grab branches and rocks to navigate though sec-tions on the run.

“Everybody who races XTERRA has to come do this race. Itis absolutely amazing, like nothing I’ve ever done,” saidKelsay. “Seriously, it is so awesome. I was crashing all thetime and muddy. It was super challenging and hard, but funthe whole time. Even when I was climbing up the ropes onthe run it was painful, but still fun.”

Stoltz and the rest of the foreigners who made the tripagreed unanimously.

“I really enjoyed this race. It’s beautiful, technical, challeng-ing, scenic, the organization is exception, and the Japanesepeople are super polite and respectful. It was more than Iexpected,” said Stoltz. “It’s for sure the hardest race, evenharder than Whistler.

A lot of stuff I couldn’t ride, and the penalty for failure is pret-ty big, but we all made it through and everyone is all smilesand filled with accomplishment at the end of the day.”

Michael Hiscott from Great Britain, who finished in fourthbehind Japanese mountain bike sensation TakahiroOgasawara, said the race was “Superb.

A marvelous race, more an adventure race than a triathlonand isn’t that what XTERRA is all about.”

“Awesome race, best race there is,” said fellow Brit PaulDavies, who placed fifth among elites. “Technical, brilliantbike course, wet and slippery, and the atmosphere isremarkable.”

Amateur runner-up Fraser Morrison who traveled fromSingapore to take in the race, said it was “absolutelyfantastic, technical , interesting, and fun. You couldn’t get abetter environment than this. It’s exactly how you’d imagine

2011 Japan Review

23

Japan to be, exactly, the clouds and the trees, the friendlypeople and the fantastic food."

Beyond the race itself foreigners and locals alike weretreated to amazing hospitality, stunning scenery, andphenomenal meals.

“It’s exactly what I wanted to see - traditional Japan, thiswas it,” said Kelsay. “Eating whole fish head-to\-tail andeverything.

The resort is amazing, the culture is fascinating, and thepeople are friendly and inviting.”

The field was also stacked with the best Japanese amateursin the country, including former age-group XTERRA WorldChampions Kimiko Matsuda and Keiji Matsuba, formerXTERRA Warrior award winner Tae Yoong Kim, Saipan ProMieko Carey (pictured below) who won the women’s eliterace for the third straight year, and a host of others.

After the race participants were treated to a feast of noodlesand curry, succulent beef and pork, and specialties liketomato soup prepared by the property manager “Mr.Kawata-san.”

The nighttime awards ceremony was filled with joy and bigprizes , and the slideshow at the end featured some brilliantphotography showcasing the beauty of the hostenvironment.

A taiko-drum band and their dancers kept everyone’s heartrate beating high through the night and got the crowd swing-ing their arms and legs to the beat.

Tomorrow, Sunday, XTERRA Japan continues with a gruel-ing 30-kilometer and an adventurous 10K trail run, alongwith a kids’ triathlon.

Many traveled from far to experience this event, includingan American soldier who journeyed 25-hours from the northby bus and train, and one-and-all came away with rejuve-nated spirits and stories to tell for the rest of their lives.

Japan is thriving, resilient, and exceptional in so manyways. XTERRA Japan, led by a legend in Taro Shirato andsupported by an army of hard-working staff, volunteers, andsite managers, is a destination race that should mostcertainly make the bucket list of anyone looking toexperience a spiritual, magical forest and community in theold country of Japan.

Top 5 Men

Pos First Last Country Time

1 Conrad Stoltz RSA 2:18:252 Will Kelsay USA 2:19:413 Takahiro Ogasawara JPN 2:27:434 Michael Hiscott GBR 2:29:515 Paul Davies GBR 2:49:47

Pos First Last Country Time

1 Mieko Carey JPN 3:00:25

2011 Philippines Review

24

Welcome to the XTERRA TribeBy Guy Concepcion

When presented with a challenge, how do warriorsrespond? In the realm of XTERRA, warriors smile more,relishing each obstacle in front of their swim goggles,mountain bike, and running shoes.

Smiles couldn’t be more apparent than in the first-everXTERRA Philippines Championship held in Liloan, Cebulast March 6, 2011. Was it because Filipinos, many ofwhom on race day lined the race route, cheering, wavingflags, and at one point, even ran along side some racers,are generally considered one the happiest people on earth?Or did the over 100 XTERRA participants simply marvel atthe beauty of Cebu - the blue sea, the green landscape, themix of modern and historic, man-made and natural? Ormaybe it was the roast pig post-race lunch? Perhaps it wasall of the above, and more.

Defending XTERRA World Champion and women’s prowinner of this inaugural XTERRA Philippines triathlon,Shonny Vanlandingham, said she “got so much energy fromthe cheering of the community.” She added, “It’s great tocome to a place like the Philippines.”

Sam Gardner from the UK, was all praises too, andrecounted his run to an overall first-place finish. “Goodthing I was able to get that big lead [in the bike]. In the run Iwas able to focus on just enjoying the race. I just soaked itin. I was high-fiving the locals and basically just enjoyed itall.”

The age-groupers, both local and from overseas, plusspectators and visitors plastered Facebook pages withhundreds of photos and reports, calling the event “great”“huge freaking fun” and “one of my best experiences ever!”

The start/finish and transition area was at Amara, a high-end residential subdivision, with the 1.5km swim along itsshoreline. Then the two-loop 32km bike leg brought theriders out through the side streets, dirt roads, and singletrack parts of Liloan. Who would’ve thought that a smalltown known more for its century old lighthouse and a home-made baked delicacy called rosquillos is now associatedwith a technical mountain bike portion called “the grave-yard.” Then the 10km run was a race towards a fishinglagoon called Papa Kit’s where runners traversed bamboobridges and where ducks and turkeys were strewn about.The run turned out to be a unique highlight of the race.

Like Woodstock, audiences hardly get to see the behind-the-scenes struggles of putting up a major event. Likewisewith XTERRA, triathlon races don’t suddenly land viaHawaiian Airlines, nice and comfy in business class, readyto rock. Months of planning and preparation was detailed,and most important, the people were ready to roll.

XTERRA Philippines organizers, led by Sunrise Eventspresident, Fred Uytengsu, himself an XTERRA Warrior,wish to thank many unheralded persons who helped makethe first XTERRA Philippines Championship a success.First are the Liloan barangay captains of Calero, Catarman,Poblacion, and Tayud.

They rallied their residents to come out on a Sundaymorning to cheer every swimmer, biker, and runner on thecourse. Plus there is University of Cebu ChancellorCandice Gotianuy, whose green advocacy coincided nicelywith XTERRA’s eco-friendly ways, thus she asked hundredsof her students to do a course clean-up on two separateweekends prior to the start of the event.

Moreover, XTERRA wishes to thank the jolly giants of PapaKit’s, the Mendoza family, who unselfishly opened theirproperty for the run course. Finally, there’s Mr. EdmundPorter, himself now an XTERRA Warrior, for opening up hisfamily’s picture postcard marina for a portion of the bikeroute.

The smiles have not yet faded. In fact, they are becomingmore. The challenges that make XTERRA warriors smilewill be returning to the Philippines on March 18, and there’sno doubt the race will be even better. How do we know?Get the answer at www.xterraphil.com and just be there!

2012 Event Coverage

25

For complete results and links to pictures and videos from the 2012 XTERRA Asia Tour events please follow the linksbelow. Requests for images or more information can be sent to Trey Garman, trey@xterraplanet.com.

March 10 - XTERRA Guam - http://xterraguam.comMarch 18 - XTERRA Philippines - http://www.xterraphil.comMarch 24 - XTERRA Saipan - http://saipansports.comAug 25 - XTERRA Japan - http://xterrajapan.netYear-round - XTERRA Planet - http://www.xterraplanet.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/XTERRAplanethttps://www.facebook.com/pages/XTERRA-Guam/187664446600

Twitter:

@XTERRAoffroad@XTERRAGuam (Follow tweets on raceday)