2014 PRESS GUIDE

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I’m delighted to welcome athletes, officials and fans from around the world to the NSWSouth Coast for the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championships.

We are very pleased to be hosting some of the world’s best and toughest athletes overthe next two days.

The NSW Government is committed to supporting regional events through thedevelopment and promotion of the NSW Events Calendar.

Through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, theXTERRA Asia Pacific Championships will be held here in Jervis Bay for the next threeyears, 2014 – 2016. It will attract thousands of visitors and bring millions of dollars to thelocal area.

The beautiful Jervis Bay region is a playground for surfers, cyclists, runners, and nature lovers alike and therefore a fittinglocation to host this extreme triathlon event.

This weekend will offer something for everyone with a sprint distance off-road triathlon, trail runs, kids’ events, camps, clin-ics, and social gatherings.

I wish all competitors and their supporters all the best for the 2014 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championships and trust that vis-itors will enjoy all that this beautiful area of NSW has to offer.

Shelley HancockMember for South Coast

WELCOME TO THE NEW SOUTH WALES SOUTH COAST

The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and majorevents agency, Destination NSW. Presenting sponsors include John Paul Mitchell Systems, the world’s largest privatelyowned professional salon hair care company, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts - one of the largest and fastest growingprivately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions, Flight CentreActive Travel (the official Travel Partner) and XTERRA Wetsuits & Boards Australia - the official swim sponsor.

INTRODUCTION TO XTERRA

For further information contact Trey Garman at 0011-1-808-216-8606 (within Australia) or trey@xterraplanet.com

Media Information 4Schedule of Events 5About the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship 6-9Course Facts and Maps 10-11XTERRA APAC Pro Start Lists 12-13XTERRA APAC Pro Preview 14-15Men’s Elite Profiles 16-30Women’s Elite Profiles 31-452014 XTERRA World Tour Schedule 46XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour Race Reviews 47-53About TEAM Unlimited 54XTERRA TV and the XTERRA Shop 55-56The XTERRA Story 57-64

TABLE OF CONTENTS

In 1996 mountain biking and triathlon met in aduel of the fittest on the island of Maui. The raceconsisted of a rough water swim, a mountain bikerace, and a trail run. It represented a bold newracing format that attracted outdoor enthusiasts,adventure seekers, mountain bikers andtriathletes. The mountain bikers brought theirlaid-back style and bold self-assurance. Thetriathletes brought their hard-core training andavid dedication. They soon discovered a common“Live More” spirit that pulled them together. Therelationship flourished into an internationally-recognized brand called XTERRA, and todaythere are tens of thousands of athletes not onlytaking part in the races, but truly living thelifestyle.

A fitting representation of this “XTERRA Tribe” -several hundred athletes from 14 countries – willgather at Callala Beach on pristine Jervis Bay,New South Wales; and on Saturday, April 26 at11am, they’ll put their mental and physical tough-ness up against Mother Nature at the inauguralXTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship triathlon.

Two TV shows featuring the event will beproducced for international distribution.

XTERRA Asia-Pacific ChampionshipPro Purse ($50,000 AUD)

Rank Men Women

1st $10,000 $10,000

2nd $6,000 $6,000

3rd $3,500 $3,500

4th $2,000 $2,000

5th $1,250 $1,250

6th $750 $750

7th $550 $550

8th $400 $400

9th $300 $300

10th $250 $250

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MEDIA INFORMATIONThe XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship press guide was designed to provide the media with useful information about the2014 race, the pros competing in it, and XTERRA in general. Below are additional items of interest:

- For credentials contact Trey Garman at trey@xterraplanet.com or 0011-1-808-216-8606 (within Australia)

- TEAM Unlimited will record full race results and distribute after the event.

- During the championship race TEAM Unlimited will escort interested press members to key strategic locations throughout the course to track leaders and course happenings, and to get the best possible photos. You must reserve your seat in the press van in advance.

- A press pass is required on race day for admittance to finish area.

- Log on to XTERRAAsiaPacific.com for race information and race coverage.

- Follow it live on xterraasiapacifc.com, on twitter @xterraoffroad, hashtgag #xterraAPAC and onfacebook.com/xterraplanet starting at 11am in Sydney, Australia

- Professional, high-resolution images from the race will be available to the media after the race. Contact Trey Garman with photo requests.

How to Cover XTERRA: Please note that XTERRA is produced with the cooperation of private landowners andwe respect their privacy. The following outlines the access policy for this year’s race:

- Press may ride the bike course on their own bikes - Access to the bike course on race day is provided by chauffeured press van/SUV ONLY.- Space is limited so you must reserve your seat in advance.

DIRECT MEDIA INQUIRIES AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION TO:

Trey Garman, Vice President0011-1-808-216-8606 (cell) or trey@xterraplanet.com

Karla Bunney, Limelight Sports0424-252-776 or karla.bunney@limelightsports.com

TEAM Unlimited - 720 Iwilei Road, Suite 290, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

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2014 SCHEDULE OF EVENTSCallala Beach Community Centre – Corner of Quay Rd and Centre Street

Thursday, April 24All Day Bike course open for pre-ride

Friday, April 25 All Day Course open for pre-ride and pre-run3 – 7pm Husky-Myola Spit Boat Shuttle operating. Departs Huskisson ¼ to hour.2 – 5.30pm Packet pickup/Registration Open – all events 3pm XTERRA University Clinic, presented by Paul Mitchell, hosted by Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack4pm XTERRA Sunset Trail Run 10KM Start4:10pm XTERRA Sunset Trail Run 5KM Start5:30pm XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship Pre-Race Briefing and Introduction of Pro Athletes7:00pm Carbo Loading Pasta Night at Callala Bay Community Centre

42 Emmett St, Callala Bay

Saturday, April 26 - Start and T1 (also T2 for Sprint race) @ Callala Bay Community Centre Race Finish @ Callala RSL Country Club. Parking at RSL.

6:30 – 10am Run Gear Bags Accepted for Shuttle to T2 – XTERRA Championship race only6:30 – 4pm Husky-Myola Spit Boat Shuttle operating. Departs Huskisson ¼ to hour 6:30 – 10:30 Packet Pickup for Triathlon (no day of race registration)6 – 7:40am T1 Open for Setup/Body Marking – XTERRA Sprint race only7:45am Sprint Athlete Briefing at Transition Area8:00am XTERRA Sprint Start9:15am XTERRA Sprint champion expected @ RSL9:15 – 10:45 T1 Open for Setup/Body Marking – XTERRA Championship race10:45am Championship race briefing at transition area11:00am XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship Start12:30pm XTERRA Kids Fun Sprint @ RSL finish area1:15pm XTERRA Asia-Pacific male champion expected @ RSL3pm Cut off at T2 (you will not be allowed to start the run after this time)3pm XTERRA Awards Ceremonies4:30pm Race Course Closed 7:30 – 11pm After Party and Race Highlight Video, Callala RSL Country Club

Sunday, April 27 @ Callala Beach Community Centre7 – 11am Husky-Myola Spit Boat Shuttle operating. Departs Huskisson ¼ to hour 7am – 8.30 Packet Pickup and Registration Open8:45am Athlete Briefing on the beach9am XTERRA 1.5K Ocean Swim Start

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Last October in the week leading up to the XTERRA WorldChampionship TEAM Unlimited LLC, owners and producersof the XTERRA World Tour, announced it had reached athree-year strategic partnership agreement with DestinationNew South Wales to host the XTERRA Asia-PacificChampionship off-road triathlon and accompanying sportsfestival in the Jervis Bay area.

The inaugural event scheduled for April 25-27, 2014, willdouble as the XTERRA Australia Championship. Theweekend will also include a sprint distance off-road triathlon,trail runs, ocean swim, kids events, clinics and socialgatherings.

“For the next three years, the XTERRA Asia-Pacific andAustralian Championships, which have never been heldbefore in Australia, will be held exclusively in the NSWSouth Coast town of Jervis Bay,” said George Souris,Minister for Tourism and Major Events. “XTERRA isestimated to bring up to $5 million in the State of NSW overthe next three years with over 2,000 visitors to the localregion each year.”

As the most prestigious event in XTERRA’s Asia-Pacificseries that includes championship races in Australia, NewZealand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Guam, and theNorthern Marianas – the XTERRA Asia-PacificChampionship will offer $50,000 in prize money to thesport’s top professional athletes and two television showswill be produced for international distribution.

“We are absolutely delighted to partner with DestinationNew South Wales and bring one of the major pillar events inthe XTERRA World Tour to the New South Wales and JervisBay region,” said Tom Kiely, TEAM Unlimited CEO. “Ourathletes will be treated to a remarkable setting for a raceand perhaps more importantly, a truly amazing adventuredestination to explore and discover before and after the bigevent.”

The main event will combine a one-mile swim with roughly30-kilometers of mountain biking followed by 10km of trailrunning. The best athletes from across the region will beinvited to compete for the Asia-Pacific crown and localathletes will be welcome to join in the fun and embrace theXTERRA motto to “Live More.”

“The NSW Government through its tourism and majorevents agency, Destination NSW, works hard to securemajor events for regional NSW and XTERRA is a fantasticnew addition to the NSW Events calendar,” said Souris.“The spectacular coast line of the Jervis Bay area willprovide a fitting location to host this triathlon event.”

The Australian-based operating team of Limelight Sports –producers of the inaugural XTERRA Great Ocean Roadoff-road triathlon held in Anglesea, Victoria in March – willserve as the local liaison for the event.

“We are very excited to partner with TEAM Unlimited andDestination NSW to further develop XTERRA in our region,”said Andrew O’Loughlin, the managing director of LimelightSports. “This wonderful location will inspire participationfrom Australian and international athletes alike as the off-road triathlon and trail running formats continue to growglobally.”

INTRODUCING THE XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP

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CALLALA ON PRISTINE JERVIS BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Toma Iakopo Photo

Callala is renowned for its mountain biking, white sandbeaches and clear turquoise water. The area boastsseveral national parks and is teeming with native wildlife aswell as whales, dolphins and an amazing array of ocean life.

“Sitting at the northern end of Jervis Bay in New SouthWales, only a couple of hours south of Sydney, best knownfor its stunning beaches, swimming and dolphin parades,the town offers plenty of holiday cottage accommodationand a delightful Aussie beach culture atmosphere,”explained XTERRA Pro Ben Allen from Australia. “There isexcellent sailing from Callala Bay and a regional boat rampand jetty provide easy access to the water. Myola is a niceand quiet, one-street village just south of Callala Bay on thebeautiful Jervis Bay. Here is where the roads end and theCurrambene Creek flows into the Jervis Bay. The place issurrounded by beautiful bush. The bay and the creek arefantastic places for all sorts of water sport activities. You canswim, fish, sail or surf as much as you like. And the bay issafe for children.”

“Australian culture is founded on stories of battlers,bushrangers, sporting hero’s and brave soldiers. It’s allabout a fair go, the great outdoors and a healthy helping ofirony.

Come see some of our unique animals, one of the manyreasons people visit our country. Australia has more than378 mammal species, 828 bird species, 4000 fish species,300 species of lizards, 140 snake species, two crocodilespecies and around 50 types of marine mammal. Morethan 80% of our plants, mammals, reptiles and frogs areunique to Australia and are found no-where else. Some ofour best-known animals are the kangaroo, koala, echidna,dingo, platypus, wallaby and wombat. Be careful youmight just fall into our laid back. “She’ll be right” Aussielifestyle!”

- Ben Allen, XTERRA Pro from North Wollongong7x XTERRA World Tour Race Winner in 2013

QUICK FACTS ON THE XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPWHAT IS XTERRA: The world’s premier off-road triathlon, combining a 1.5-kilometer (1-mile) swim at Callala Beach �a 30-kilometer (18.6-miles) mountain bike that traverses Australia’s famous native “bush” in the Nowra State Forest, anda 10.5-kilometer (6.5-miles) run through unyielding terrain. Top pros finish in roughly two-and-a-half hours.

WHO RACES: More than 300 racers including 30 of the sports’ top professionals representing 14 countries, ages 15(Max Stapley) to 72 (Marcus Vowels).

WHEN: The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship starts at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26.

WHERE: Callala Beach Community Centre – Corner of Quay Rd and Centre Street, on Jervis Bay, New South Wales

WHY: The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship is the marquee event on XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour that includes racesin New Zealand, Philippines, Australia, Saipan, Guam, and Malaysia. The concept is to provide a bona-fide Asia-PacificChampionship title for amateur and pro off-road triathletes. The inaugural event will double as the XTERRA AustraliaChampionship. For pros there is $50,000 in prize money at stake. The weekend will also include a sprint distance off-road triathlon, trail runs, kids events, clinics, and social gatherings.

XTERRA BACKGROUND: This is year 19 for the sport of XTERRA. The first XTERRA race was held on November 3,1996 on the Hawaiian Island of Maui with just 123 participants and was televised on Fox Sports Net. The demand forthe sport of XTERRA exploded thereafter and there are now more than 30,000 competitors from more than 40 countriesworldwide.

1996: American Jimmy Riccitello and Australian Michellie Jones win inaugural event in Wailea, Maui. 1999: 11 races across the United States, 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 XTERRA in Australia - Jody Mielke and Paul Amey win the XTERRA Australia Championship2011: The first year of the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour with races in the Philippines, Saipan, Guam, and Japan2014: Now more than 200 events in 26 countries worldwide, including expanded Asia-Pacific Tour with races in New

Zealand, Philippines, Australia, Saipan, Guam, and Malaysia, and the first-ever Asia-Pacific Championship.

TELEVISION: The inaugural XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship race will be filmed and edited into two half-hourshows for international distribution. The 2014-15 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship shows will be broadcast on ESPNInternational stations in Australia and other countries, as well as throughout the U.S. via national syndication includingFox Sports Network.

Online Resources: www.facebook.com/XTERRAplanet ... Videos: www.xterra.tv ... Event: www.xterraasiapacific.com

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XTERRA APAC WEEKEND EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILYBeyond just the main event, the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship weekendwill feature fun for the whole family. New South Wales’ Jervis Bay is theultimate destination to relax, unwind and recharge your batteries. Thismajestic stretch of coastline offers spectacular scenery and plenty ofadventure. The Race Village set right on the beach is great place to hang outand watch the start of the race, swim and transitions. Then we’ll move to theCallala RSL for the finish and more festivities. In between all of the race action,there will be music, commentary, a BBQ, exhibition tents including XTERRAWetsuits, and a fun run for little kids that is sure to entertain. Here’s a look atthe events on tap...

XTERRA UNIVERSITY: Get to know the Pros and what the Pros know atXTERRA University. Learn the XTERRA disciplines of swimming, mountainbiking, and trail running, sharpen your skills with instruction on nutrition, CallalaBeach course specifics, racing tips, winning strategies, and get the insidescoop on the Asia-Pacific Championship race straight from Ben Allen andJacqui Slack, who actually helped design this course.

XTERRA SUNSET 5K/10K TRAIL RUNS: Runners of all ages and abilitiescan join in the fun and discover nature’s paradise in New South Wales, and getto see what Saturday’s triathlon participants will be up against! XTERRA willgive out awards to the top three in each division, and first-place finishers ineach division of the 10K race win free entry to the 2014 XTERRA Trail RunWorld Championship (21K) to be held December 7, 2014 in Hawaii.

XTERRA SPRINT RACE: The XTERRA Sprint race is a great way for new-comers to ease their way into the sport. It combines a 750m ocean swim, witha 14.4K mountain bike and 6K trail run.

XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP: The championship combines a1.5K ocean swim, 29K mountain bike and 10.5K trail run. Racers competeagainst other athletes in their same division, including Pro/elite, Age Groupmen and women – 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+(W), 65-69(M), 70-74(M), 75+(M), challenged and relay teams.

Top 3 in each age group division earn awards, plus random prize drawing for2 full XTERRA Wetsuits. Australian residents racing in the championship eventare eligible for the XTERRA Australia Championship title – pro and all agegroup divisions. It’s an official 2014 XTERRA World Championship Qualifierwith 41 total slots to the top finishers in each division.

XTERRA KIDS SPRINT: Free running race for the youngsters to experiencethe joy of the healthy, active, outdoors lifesytle. Everyone wins!

XTERRA 1.5K OCEAN SWIM: This swim will be an XTERRA-Style event –two laps of a 750-meter course with a short beach run in between to keep youon your toes and let your friends and family cheer like crazy.

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THE 2014 COURSE AT CALLALA XTERRA managing director “Kahuna Dave” Nicholas hashigh praise for the venue set to host XTERRA’s inauguralAsia-Pacific Championship race.

“The area is gorgeous, and we’ll be racing and ridingthrough the Nowra State Forest,” explained Nicholas. “All inall it will be a total Australian experience. They call it bush –and it is. Not a lot of total elevation change, but some steep,short stuff and it’s quite sandy in places that will requiresome tough pedaling.”

The bike and run trails are native bush, undulating and fast.There are some sandy trails, even miles from the coast, andit’s also rooty in spots. The trails get narrow, winding thrutrees.

“The run course is going to have nearly a mile ofsand/beach running and it will be tough,” said Nicholas.

Even locals marvel at the soft, white sand that stretches formiles. “Better than Kailua Beach sand,” exclaimed XTERRAPresident Janet Clark, a Canberra-native who lives near thefamous Kailua Beach in Hawaii.

Of note, the ocean temperatures measured at 20 degreeson their visit, which would make it a wetsuit-legal race.

“It’s also worth noting the ocean was flat as a tack, and wewere told there would be no surf to speak of during therace,” said Nicholas.

No surf, but plenty of wildlife.

“Birds squawking and yodeling everywhere – sulfur crestedcockatoos, parrots, kookaburras, it is a cacophony of a rack-et. We named one of the run trails “Squawking bird” as aresult,” said Nicholas. “The range of colors and sounds isunbelievable, and the huge white gum trees (currently inflower) are spectacular.”

Of course there is no doubt visitors will be eager to experi-ence the Kangaroo culture.

“The Kangaroos are the same color as the tree trunks andit’s hard to see them until they move,” said Nicholas. “On thegolf course you can see a dozen at a time and walk right upto them.

CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE QUICK FACTS

SWIM DISTANCE: 1.5-kilometers (0.93 miles). Location: Callala Beach, a long, white sand beach facingthe mouth of Jervis Bay. The Bay is renowned for its whitesand beaches and clear turquoise water. Jervis Bay issheltered from most open ocean swells. Full course athleteswill swim two laps of a 750 meter triangular course with ashort beach sprint between laps. Sprint racers swim one lap.Water temperatures are typically 20 degrees Celsius, it willmost likely be a wetsuit legal race.

Swim Prime: As the official swim sponsor XTERRAWetsuits Australia will award AUD $300 to the pro male andfemale athlete with the fastest swim as well as two randomdrawings for a full XTERRA wetsuit.

Swim to Bike (T1)Location: Located at Callala Bay Community Hall

MOUNTAIN BIKE DISTANCE: 29 Kilometers (18 miles)Location:Nowra State Forest, Private Land. From T1, bikerswill head north on fire trails for 6km. A 2km section of singletrack through eucalyptus forests follows. At the 8km mark,the course splits, with Sprint athletes returning on fire trail toT2 at Callala Beach. Full course athletes continue on firetrail and single track towards the top section of the coursein the Nowra State Forest, known as the Coondoo Trails.Here riders take on a 6km single track loop and then finishwith a mix of single track and fire trail. Right before T2 you’llhave to climb 100m of “Ben and Jacqui’s Revenge” whereunclipping may be a necessity.

Bike to Run (T2) TransitionLocation: At secret forest location, spectators not allowed.

TRAIL RUN DISTANCE: 10.5 Kilometers (6.5 miles)Location: Runners in the full course make their way back tothe finish at the Callala Beach RSL Club on a mix of singletrack with heavy growth under feet and undulating fireroads. The sprint course run is an out and back along thebeach and trails.

NOTE: The Championship race is a point-to-point racecourse with two transitions. T1 (swim/bike) is at CallalaBeach, and T2 (bike/run) is in the Nowra State Forest. Wedo not encourage the public to attend this area on race dayas there is minimal parking and access.

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MEN’S PRO START LIST

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BY COUNTRY (Alphabetical)AUSTRALIA: Ben Allen, Mitchell Anderson,Courtney Atkinson, Todd Israel, Alex Reithmeier,Noah WrightFRANCE: Brice DaubordNEW ZEALAND: Braden Currie, Joshua Kenyon,Olly ShawPHILIPPINES: Joseph MillerSOUTH AFRICA: Dan Hugo, Conrad Stoltz, BradWeissSPAIN: Roger SerranoUSA: Craig Evans

Name (Alphabetical) - Age, Hometown

Ben Allen – 29, North Wollongong, NSW, Australia

Mitchell Anderson - 38, North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Courtney Atkinson - 34, Mermaid Waters, Queensland, Australia

Braden Currie – 27, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand

Brice Daubord – 28, Orleans, Loiret, France

Craig Evans - 36, Hendersonville, Tennessee, USA

Dan Hugo – 28, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Todd Israel - 38, Woolloomooloo, NSW, Australia

Joshua Kenyon - 20, Taupo, New Zealand

Joseph Miller - 34, Baranggay Pajac, Lapu Lapu, Philippines

Alex Reithmeier - 31, Loftus, NSW, Australia

Roger Serrano - 23, Barcelona, Spain

Olly Shaw - 22, Rotorua, New Zealand

Conrad Stoltz – 40, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Bradley Weiss - 25, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa

Noah Wright - 39, Tasmania, Australia

Allen

Stoltz

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WOMEN’S PRO START LIST

Duffy

BY COUNTRY (Alphabetical)AUSTRALIA: Dimity-Lee Duke, Rebecca Hoschke,Penny Hosken, Jody MielkeAUSTRIA: Carina WasleBERMUDA: Flora DuffyGREAT BRITAIN: Jacqui SlackJAPAN: Mieko CareyNEW ZEALAND: Elizabeth Orchard, NickySamuelsSWITZERLAND: Renata Bucher

Name (Alphabetical) - Age, Hometown

Renata Bucher – 36, Lucerne, Switzerland

Mieko Carey - 35, Tokyo, Japan

Flora Duffy – 26, Hamilton, Bermuda

Dimity-Lee Duke - 30, Roelands, WA, Australia

Rebecca Hoschke - 37, Narrabeen, NSW, Australia

Penny Hosken - 26, Ringwood North, Victoria, Australia

Jody Mielke - 42, Engadine, NSW, Australia

Elizabeth Orchard – 28, Auckland, New Zealand

Nicky Samuels – 31, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand

Jacqui Slack – 30, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Carina Wasle – 29, Kundl, Austria

Samuels

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Olympians Nicky Samuels of New Zealand and Flora Duffyof Bermuda were the last two elites to confirm their intent tocompete at the inaugural XTERRA Asia-PacificChampionship race at Callala Beach in Jervis Bay, NewSouth Wales, Australia on Saturday, April 26.

“It’s official, I just entered the 2014 XTERRA Asia PacificChamps,” said Samuels, the reigning XTERRA WorldChampion who is a perfect 3-for-3 in her XTERRA career.She won XTERRA Motatapu in March for the second time,and is coming off a strong performance at the ITU WTSopener in Auckland on April 6 where she led off the bike.

Duffy, who was third at XTERRA Worlds last year, won theXTERRA South Africa Championship in February and dom-inated the competition at the XTERRA West Championshipat Lake Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday.

“I was keen to race Australia before this race (XTERRAWest) but after today’s performance and how I felt, I think Ihad to book my flight and go to Australia,” said Duffy afterSunday’s race where she posted the fastest swim, bike, andrun splits.

The pair join an already stellar cast that include this year’sXTERRA Philippines and Guam Champion Renata Bucherof Switzerland, the XTERRA Great Ocean Road ChampJacqui Slack of Great Britain, and the XTERRA SaipanChampion Carina Wasle of Austria. Combined, those fivehave won seven of the nine XTERRA World TourChampionship races this season.

“A lot of the XTERRA pros are doing several races on theAsia-Pacific Tour so having a big finale race in Australiamakes the Tour more attractive and interesting,” saidBucher, winner of 33 XTERRA Championship events in 14countries including Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia,Saipan, Guam, and the Philippines.“For sure, it is hard work. At the end it is not all about whois the most super fit athlete, it is a lot about how to managethe travel, to recover quickly, and to get through these crazyraces injury free and happy.”

Others of note include Lizzie Orchard from New Zealand,who won the 25-29 division XTERRA World Title in 2011,and four-time XTERRA Japan Champion Mieko Carey.

Adding to the intrigue are several high-profile local racersincluding defending IM Australia Champion RebeccaHoschke, ITU standout Penny Hosken, and rookie eliteDimity-Lee Duke. Showing them the way will be Aussie leg-end Jody Mielke, who won the first-ever XTERRAChampionship race in Asia at the 2000 JapanChampionship.

The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship is the marqueeevent on XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour that includes races inNew Zealand, Philippines, Australia, Saipan, Guam, andMalaysia.

XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC PROFESSIONAL RACE PREVIEW

Slack

Bucher

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OLYMPIANS, WORLD CHAMPS HIGHLIGHT ELITE FIELD

The Aussies will be in full force as well with NorthWollongong’s own Ben Allen, who won an unprecedentedseven XTERRA World Tour races last year and this yearwon the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-road tri inAnglesea and the XTERRA Saipan Championship in theNorthern Marianas on back-to-back weekends before fin-ishing second to Stoltz at XTERRA New Zealand onSaturday.

“It’s so exciting to be involved in a thrilling, adrenalin pump-ing & action packed sport such as XTERRA,” said Allen.“I’m “stoked” as we say in Australia, to showcase my back-yard and share the natural beauty of our culture, landscape,and laid back lifestyle to a big, diverse field of internationaltriathletes.”

Other high-profile Australian racers include two-timeOlympian Courtney Atkinson, who won XTERRA GreatOcean Road last year, Dr. Mitch Anderson - a formerIronman Champion, Alex Reithmeier who just finished thirdat the Australian Cross Tri Championships, and Todd Israel.

Also of note, Craig Evans from the U.S., a 12-year veteranof the sport who was 2nd at ITU Cross Tri Worlds in ’02,Kiwi Braden Currie – the two-time winner of XTERRAMotatapu who finished 5th at XTERRA Worlds last year,Olly Shaw – the 20-24 XTERRA World Champ in 2012before turning pro, Brice Daubord from France, who fin-ished in the top 10 at XTERRA Worlds last year, RogerSerrano from Spain who was recently the runner-up atXTERRA Great Ocean Road in Australia, and XTERRAPhilippines two-time national champ Joe Miller.

Headlining the men’s race is Conrad “the Caveman” Stoltz– a 7x World Champion who has won an unprecedentedfour XTERRA World Championship titles and three straightITU Cross Tri World titles, and just won the XTERRA NewZealand Championship race in Rotorua on April 12.

“My last triathlon in Australia was the Sydney Olympics so itwill be interesting to see how the hotbed of triathlonembraces XTERRA now,” said Stoltz, a two-time Olympianfrom Stellenbosch, South Africa. “I love the sport, amextremely passionate about it and doing my best to help itadvance globally.”

Stoltz’ home country will be well represented as fellowSouth African star Dan Hugo and young-gun Bradley Weissare on the start list as well.

“It seems a powerful step forward for XTERRA, especially ina nation that celebrates triathlon as much as Australiadoes,” said Hugo, winner of XTERRA World Tour races inSouth Africa, the Philippines, and Guam this season andwas having a brilliant day at the West Championship onSunday before double-flatting. “I look forward to beingthere, supporting an event that wants to raise the bar. I’vebeen to Australia twice to visit mates, but never raced on thecontinent. I’ll also stay in Sydney for a few days, for whichI’m just as excited.”

Weiss is also hot, fresh-off a career-best runner-upperformance at the XTERRA West Championship where hefinished runner-up to American star Josiah Middaugh.

Atkinson

Hugo

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BenBEN ALLEN

North Wollongong, Australia2012-13 XTERRA Triple Crown Champ

2014 XTERRA Saipan Champion2014 Great Ocean Road Champ

FINAL 2013 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 4PERSONAL: Born January 19, 1985...has raced and wonmany ocean swim’s, surf events, and adventure races...wasnamed the 2012 XTERRA Warrior Award winner along withhis girlfriend Jacqui Slack for perpetuating the “Live More”spirit of XTERRA.WEBSITE: benallentriathlete.comTWITTER: @Benny_AllenSPONSORS: Giant Bikes Australia, On Running, FlightCentre Active Travel, Ryder Eyewear, Dextro Energy,Alaska, Champion Systems, Connect Sport, Greepers,Lurbel. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fourth year.2011: Placed 4th at XTERRA New Zealand, was 3rd atXTERRA Italy, won XTERRA Brazil, placed 13th at XTERRAFrance, 12th at XTERRA Czech, 7th at XTERRA Germany,4th at XTERRA Switzerland, 6th at XTERRA Canada, 7th atthe XTERRA USA Championship, and 36th at XTERRAWorlds.2012: Won the XTERRA Guam, Philippines, Saipan, andNew Zealand Championship races to start the season, was2nd at XTERRA Italy, 9th at XTERRA France, 5th atXTERRA Czech, 11th at XTERRA Germany, 3rd at XTERRASwitzerland, 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship, and35th (after a series of mechanicals on the bike) at XTERRAWorlds. Finished 3rd in the XTERRA European Tour.2013: Won four of five XTERRA World Tour Championshipraces to start the year. Won the XTERRA Philippines,Saipan, and Guam Championships in March, finished 2nd toOlympian Courtney Atkinson at XTERRA Great Ocean Roadin Australia, then won the XTERRA New ZealandChampionship for the second straight year. On the XTERRAEuropean Tour he placed 2nd at XTERRA Spain, wonXTERRA Greece, was 5th at XTERRA Germany, wonXTERRA England, was 6th at the USA Championship, andthird (top Australian male ever) at the XTERRA WorldChampionship. He had the most XTERRA World Tour winsof anyone with seven.2014: Finished fourth after double-flatting at the XTERRAPhilippines Championship to start the season, was 2nd atXTERRA Guam, won the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-

MEET THE PROS

road tri in Anglesea and the XTERRA Saipan Championshipon back-to-back weekends, then placed 2nd at theXTERRA New Zealand Championship in Rotorua. Won theAustralian Cross-Triathlon Championship.QUOTE: The sport of XTERRA has provided me with lifechanging opportunities at every race I attend. The amazingpeople I have met, the beautiful locations and theunexpected hurdles I encounter along my journey are whatmake it so special to me. I love the laid back, easy going &friendly nature of everyone being able to enjoying the out-doors and exploring as one big happy family adventure.

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MEET THE PROS

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MEET THE PROS

MITCHELL ANDERSONNorth Melbourne, Australia

WEBSITE: mitchellanderson.comXTERRA EXPERIENCE: First year, second race. Placed4th at XTERRA Great Ocean Road in first race.PERSONAL: Born June 28, 1975 ... (info from his website,last updated in 2009) ... Earned degrees MBBS 2006,B.Physio Hons 1997, B.Sci (Hons) 1998 ... nicknamed TheMajor, The Kaiser, The Flying Doctor (!), or just Mitch ...Grew up in Geelong and was an average all-rounder atschool on and off the track. He moved to Melbourne aftercompleting his formative years at Geelong College in1993.Mitch is now a professional triathlete and over-qualified to be a full-time athlete from an academicperspective! He began as a physio, smattered someexercise physiology into the mix before finishing as amedical doctor in 2006! He started racing as a full timeprofessional in 2008.Mitch has been an Ironman triathletesince 2000 and completed 24 Ironman triathlons, almost allunder the magical 9 hour barrier. His fastest Ironman is 8h12m and fastest bike split is 4h 18m (almost 42km/h!!). Hehas 5 Ironman Hawaii finishes to go with 6 IronmanAustralia triathlon palmares. He excels on the bike,regularly riding race records and bike primes, with anability to get off and run under 3 hours for the marathon.Mitch’s best results include an 11th overall at IronmanHawaii and 1st at Ironman WA 2005. He owns the bikecourse records at IM Australia, IM Western Australia, IMJapan and Geelong 70.3.

COURTNEY ATKINSONQueensland, Australia

WEBSITE: courtneyatkinson.com.au XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second year.TWITTER: @courtney_akcoSPONSORS: Redbull, Qantas Airways, Subaru, Orca, OrbeaBicyles, Oakley2013: Won the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-road tri inAnglesea in first-ever XTERRA, won the Koh Samui LongCourse Tri, IM 70.3 Carins and IM 70.3 Philippines, andplaced 17th elite at the XTERRA World Championship.2014: First XTERRA.PERSONAL: Born August 15, 1979, Courtney startedtriathlon in the first years of high school around age 14 whileattending The Southport School on the Gold Coast, Australia... Over his career Courtney has won and placed at some ofthe largest triathlon’s on the globe winning the world’s largesttriathlon “The London Triathlon” in 2010, Australia’s largesttriathlon “The Noosa Triathlon” a record equalling 3 consec-utive years in a row (2008-10) and in 2012 finished a closesecond at the The Escape from Alcatraz triathlon beforemaking his way to Europe to prepare for the 2012 LondonOlympic games. Joining the Australian Institute of Sporttriathlon program in 2005, Courtney went on to become thenumber one Australian male at both the Beijing (2008) andLondon (2012) Olympic Games. While also accumulating 7ITU World Cup win and 15 ITU podiums in his time racing inthe Olympic version of the sport ... Courtney was married towife Kinga in 2004 and states without doubt his biggestcareer accomplishments are his two children daughterChloee and son Leo who both were born in 2006 and 2012. ON WHY HE LIKES XTERRA: Put simply – because it’sdifferent, it’s enjoyable, and it puts me that little bit onedge�which of course means adrenaline. I still try to win, butit really doesn’t matter�it’s my hobby. All I want to do is ridemy MTB and run trail. There’s just something about being outin nature, in the forest�its real adventure ... After the 2012Olympics, I was dismissive of off-road as I didn’t ride theMTB variant of a bike. But then I hopped one for an adven-ture ride and my passion for new challenges took over. I can’tsay I was anything flash! Actually I was probably at the otherend of the scale, I was pretty average. But, this began mypassion and drive to improve. It was like I started triathlon allover again training for an XTERRA. I had all the fitness need-ed in spades but new skills to learn, I was hooked ...

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MEET THE PROS

The biggest question I now get asked is ‘how skilled do youneed to be on the MTB to race XTERRA?’ Here’s mygolden rule, you can get off the bike and walk over anyterrain you are not comfortable with. I had to do this to startand in my local forest still do. I would also suggest that it isbest to get out on an MTB in a trail area before a race to getsome confidence at least a few times. You’re not going to bestarting at the UCI Downhill World Champs anytime soon,but if you’re like most triathletes the need to improve andget quicker will have you wanting more in no time ... It’sgreat to have skills, but in XTERRA there is still plenty ofplaces that you need to simply ride your bike fast and strongover the non-technical fire trials. It even outs, and remem-ber most of the racers coming from a MTB background willbe weaker in the swim/run areas. The race is still a triathlonand it’s all about putting the best combination swim, MTB,run together to the finish. That aspect doesn’t change ... Ilove to run�.but I love to run trail more. If your normaltriathlon training routine has you in the city most of the time,I suggest getting out on a weekend to where the mountaintrails start. Not only is it great for training, and the softer sur-faces good for the legs, the real beauty is being away fromthe cars, concrete and buildings. It’s a sensory overload,running at your limit while being able to negotiate differingsurfaces, terrain and I bet just a few unusual obstaclesthrown in for good measure ... Let’s break it down one moretime. XTERRA is TRIATHLON but it’s different. It’schallenging but with that comes self-reward and a wholeheap of good times. More than anything if you have been atthe same triathlon caper for years now I dare you to just letgo, let it hang out just a little and try off-road racing. Youwon’t be disappointed ... I look forward to seeing you at thestart line of the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championships inJervis Bay in April without a disc wheel but with big discbrakes instead!

Courtney

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BRADEN CURRIEWanaka, New Zealand

2012-14 XTERRA Motatapu Champion

PERSONAL: Born May 30, 1986XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second yearABOUT: Father of two, accomplished adventure racer,winner of the Coast-to-Coast multisport race.2012: Won the XTERRA Motatapu off-road tri on the SouthIsland of New Zealand in March, was 17th at Worlds.2013: Won the XTERRA Motatapu off-road tri on the SouthIsland of New Zealand in March, then placed 5th at theXTERRA World Championship in Maui, the best finish by aKiwi since Hamish Carter won it all in 2006.2014: Won the XTERRA Motatapu off-road tri on the SouthIsland of New Zealand for the third straight year.

MEET THE PROS

BRICE DAUBORDOrleans, France

PERSONAL: Born July 25, 1985TWITTER: @bricedaubord2012: Placed 19th at XTERRA Worlds2013: Placed 7th at XTERRA Spain, was 3rd at the ITUCross Tri World Championships behind Conrad Stoltz andRuben Ruzafa in Holland, placed 10th at XTERRA Worlds.2014: First race.

Braden

Braden

Brice

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MEET THE PROS

CRAIG EVANSHendersonville, Tennessee

FINAL 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 6PERSONAL: Born March 29, 1978...originally from Ocala,Florida...earned a degree in healthcare administration fromWestern Kentucky University.WEBSITE: teamcraigevans.comTWITTER: @teamcraigevansXTERRA EXPERIENCE: 13th year. Turned pro in 2006after winning the amateur overall at the SoutheastChampionship in Alabama. Won every XTERRA PointsSeries race he entered as an amateur in 2004 and 2005.2006: Finished 12th in Milwaukee, then injured.2007: Finished 16th at XTERRA West Champs, 5th inAlabama and 6th in Richmond. Had the fastest swim in both‘Bama and Richmond. Placed 10th at Mountain Champsdespite racing with a broken bone in his foot.2008: Finished 7th at XTERRA West Champs, a career-best 3rd in Alabama and 5th in Richmond. Led the ProSeries in points heading into Mountain Champs where heplaced 9th. Was 14th at USA Champs and 25th at Worlds.2009: Finished 9th at XTERRA West and Midwest Cups,6th at Southeast and Northwest Cup, 8th at Atlantic Cup,6th at South Central Cup, and 11th at USA Championship.2010: Placed 7th at XTERRA West Champs, 4th at theSouth Central Championship, third at the SoutheastChamps, 5th at the East Champs, 13th at the USAChampionship, and 22nd at the World Championship.2011: Placed 11th at the XTERRA West Championship, 6that the South Central Championship, 10th at ITU Cross TriWorlds, 8th at the Pacific Champs, 4th at the SoutheastChamps, 5th at the East Champs, and 16th at the USAChamps. Finished 8th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series.2012: Placed 7th at the XTERRA West Championship, anda career-best second at the ITU Cross Tri WorldChampionships/XTERRA Southeast Championship inShelby County, AL, was third at the XTERRA EastChampionship, 12th at the Mountain Championship, and13th at the USA Championship. Finished tied for 3rd in thePro Series. Was 34th among pros at XTERRA Worlds.2013: Placed 6th at the XTERRA West Championship, 3rdat the Southeast Champs, 7th at the East Champs, 15th atthe Mountain Champs, and 21st at USA Champs.2014: Placed 5th at XTERRA Costa Rica, and 5th at theXTERRA West Championship.

Craig

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THE EVOLUTION OF CRAIG EVANS

We love to celebrate the pursuit of excellence. It’s why somany of us tune-in to the Olympics, so we can bear witnessas athletes who have dedicated their entire lives to a goalgo out and fight for it.

The stories are even sweeter when we can relate to theathlete.Take Craig Evans for example, one of XTERRA’sultimate time management experts.

For the last decade Evans has balanced a high-profilecareer in the healthcare industry while raising a family andmixing it up with the best triathletes in the game. He’strained less than a lot of amateurs, and at the toughest ofhours. He dubbed it “ninja training” as he headed to thebasement after putting the kids to bed – a full days’ work inhis rear view but his passion for sport still ahead.

The unrelenting approach served him well over the years,culminating at the 2012 ITU Cross Triathlon WorldChampionships when he finished as the top American, and2nd overall behind only Conrad Stoltz. His celebrationcoming down the finish chute at Oak Mountain State Parkthat day is one of the greatest emotional displays inXTERRA history (watch til the end of this video).

The moment also surely propelled Evans into the situationhe found himself in last year, knowing he could be at the topof the game but at what cost? The non-stop schedule waswearing on him and his family. It was time to make a deci-sion � let it go or chase the dream.

“I had a tough decision to make,” said Evans. “I needed tocommit to one full-time profession. I was either going tomake triathlon my priority or retire from racing at an elitelevel. After roughly seven years racing as a pro, I could nolonger continue to do it all successfully. I was completelyburned out. My health, my relationships, my results, every-thing was suffering. Ultimately, with the support of my wifeHolly, I decided to follow my passion and see what was pos-sible if I committed to triathlon without distraction. So far it’schanged my life in many ways, some that I certainlycouldn’t anticipate. Not only am I getting stronger, faster,and anticipate a season that exceeds my racing goals, myrelationships have improved beyond what I could haveimagined.”

It’s awesome when we hear the decision is to chase thedream! And, as Evans explains, timing is an interestingthing�

“At the same time I was cutting back on the commitments Iwas making so I could focus on racing, Holly was taking onmore responsibility in her profession. I had to take a leadrole at home in caring for our two children. It was a bless-ing, after being gone for the majority of the week for so longI’ve really enjoyed being able to be so involved in their lives.If I was still trying to juggle what was on my plate in 2013, Iwould likely have hung up everything. Instead, as I lookforward to the 2014 season, I see great things ahead and Iam more connected with my kids (Haley, 9 and Tyler, 7) thanever. I can now dedicate more time to my family as theychase their own passions. It is awesome to watch the kidsat swim practice, in the gym at gymnastics, and on theirbikes every day. I’ve got pretty cool kids!”

Haley and Tyler have a pretty cool Dad too. It’ll be fun tosee what being a full-time pro will mean for Evans. His 2014schedule is ambitious, with XTERRA Costa Rica in March,XTERRA West Champs and the new XTERRA Asia-PacificChampionship race in Australia this April, his home-sweet-home race at the Southeast Championship in Alabama inMay, then the East Champs in Richmond this June.

“Based on my accomplishments and goals as the yearprogresses, I’ll solidify the second half of the year, but Ihope to attend ITU Cross World Champs/XTERRAGermany and the XTERRA National Championships inOgden. XTERRA racing is definitely my focus, but I maymix in a road triathlon (Olympic and 70.3 distance) or twoalong the way,” said Evans.

What has made Evans so endearing to the Tribe is that hewears his heart on his sleeve, never afraid of putting hisdreams out there for all to see.

“I set some really big goals this year. I want to finish on thepodium at a world event again. I always set goals to winand will continue to focus on that. I’m giving triathlon all Ihave, so we’ll see where it goes,” said Evans. “And, I’mgoing to continue to make amazing memories and friendsalong my journey. I look forward to lots of fun times ahead.Time will tell what is possible for me in 2014.”

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As we look forward to Evans exploits in the New Year let’slook back on how he got here�

It starts with an old story. Flashback to July 14, 2002.Somewhere along the shoreline of Old Hickory Lake inGallatin, Tennessee, amidst a flurry of super-fit, speedo-clad triathletes a 215-pound beast-of-a-man bounds out ofthe water having just completed the swim portion of his first-ever XTERRA.

“Who’s that fat guy coming out of the water,” questioned oneof the spectators.

“That’s my husband,” replied Holly Evans.

Of course, the “fat guy” was Craig Evans. He finished wellback that day at the XTERRA Lock 4 Challenge, but vowedto win it the following year. He did. And, he’s won it everyyear since.

The Evolution of Craig Evans:1978 – Born March 29, grew up in Ocala, Florida1990s – Earned degree in Healthcare Administration fromWestern Kentucky University where he was an all-starswimmer (missed Olympic trials by 2 tenths)2000s – Joins a masters swim program after college, startsmountain biking with a friend and realizes he loves it. Seesan ad for the Lock 4 triathlon and signs up2002 – First XTERRA2003 – First XTERRA win2004 – Wins every XTERRA Points Series race he enters.Regional Champ in 25-29 division2005 – Wins everything again, including the XTERRANational Title in 25-29 division2006 – Wins amateur title and finishes 9th overall at theXTERRA Southeast Championship, ahead of a bunch ofpros. Shortly after he gets his XTERRA Pro license, andtoes the start line with elites for the first time at the XTER-RA Midwest Championship in Milwaukee2007 – Dedicates the season to his Dad who was killed in amotorcycle accident. Finishes a career-best 5th at the SEChamps in Alabama2008 – Turned pro as a road triathlete. Earned No.1 rankingin the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series mid-season2010 – Finished top 5 in consecutive races in Waco,Alabama, and Richmond despite working 60 hours a weekand raising a young family2012 – Best year ever, highlighted by career-best 2nd placefinish at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships.Finishes season ranked No. 3 in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series2014 – First year as a “real” pro

Evans best advice for newcomers�When I started racing, I was as beginner as it comes. First,enjoy every minute. You will meet some of the best peopleon the planet in the XTERRA community who will becomefriends for life. I love this sport and cannot imagine how mylife would look without it. Second, get a coach. Coachesprovide perspective, direction, and accountability. They alsocan incorporate methods for balancing work, racing, family,and life into your plan. Coaches can truly make the differ-ence for an athlete not only in performance, but as the ath-lete approaches everyday life. Third, attend clinics. Usethem to gain other perspectives. Learn how to make yourracing day much smoother. The more prepared you areprior to the start of an XTERRA race, the more you canenjoy the ride!

THE EVOLUTION OF CRAIG EVANS

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MEET THE PROS

DAN HUGOStellenbosch, South Africa

2014 XTERRA South Africa, Philippines,and Guam Champion

FINAL 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 2PERSONAL: Born July 1, 1985 in Worcester.WEBSITE/TWITTER: dghugo.com / @dghugoXTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year. Finished on thepodium at the 2004 XTERRA South Africa Championshipin his first-ever XTERRA.2006: Placed 4th at the XTERRA Brazil Championship2007: Finished 2nd at XTERRA South Africa and 6th at theXTERRA West Champs. Was in third during the bike at theSoutheast Champs when he crashed and broke his hand.2008: Won XTERRA South Africa Championship, was 2ndat XTERRA West Champs, Southeast Championship (byjust 16 seconds to Stoltz) and East Championship (by 24seconds to Middaugh). Placed 9th at XTERRA UK, DNFat XTERRA Czech, was 12th at XTERRA France-Auron,4th at USA Championship, missed winning the Pro Seriesby 8 points (to Stoltz) and placed 8th at XTERRA Worlds.2009: Placed 3rd at XTERRA West Cup, 4th at Midwestand Southeast Cups, won Northwest Cup, 5th at AtlanticCup, 3rd at South Central Cup, 5th at Northeast Cup.Finished 5th in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series.2010: Won XTERRA South Africa Championship, andXTERRA Estrade Real off-road tri in Brazil. Placed 2nd atXTERRA East Champs, 8th at Mountain Champs, wonXTERRA Brazil, was 2nd at XTERRA Mexico, 4th atXTERRA USA Champs, 9th in final U.S. Pro SeriesStandings, and 35th at Worlds after series of mechanicals.2011: Won the XTERRA South Africa Championship forthe third time in four years, and was 2nd behind his fellowcountryman Conrad Stoltz at the Pacific, Southeast, andEast Championship races. Led for most of the race at theXTERRA USA Championship before being passed byNico Lebrun at mile four, and ultimately finished 2nd.Placed 5th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Finished 2ndat the XTERRA World Championship by just 33 secondsdespite a crash on the bike that cost him some time.2012: Placed second at XTERRA Buffelspoort and third atXTERRA South Africa and the XTERRA WestChampionship prior to suffering a season-ending injury.2013: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Buffelspoort, South Africa,Philippines, Saipan, Guam, Malaysia, and Southeast

Champs before winning the XTERRA East Championship.Then placed 3rd at XTERRA Brazil, 7th at the MountainChamps, 2nd at Mexico, won XTERRA Japan, and was 5that the USA Champs. Finished 2nd in the Pro Series, and was14th at XTERRA Worlds.2014: Won the XTERRA Buffelsport off-road tri, the XTERRASouth Africa Championship, the XTERRA PhilippinesChampionship, and the XTERRA Guam Championship tostart the season, then placed 2nd at XTERRA Saipan and7th at the XTERRA West Championship after double-flattingon the bike.

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Dan Hugo was just a teenager when he did his firstXTERRA. It was 2004 at the inaugural XTERRA SouthAfrica Championship race where he finished on the podiumright alongside SA great Conrad Stoltz who was already atwo-time XTERRA World Champ and an Olympic veteran.

Fast forward 10 years and you’ll find XTERRA is bigger inSouth Africa than anywhere else in the world, Stoltz nowhas seven World Titles, and the “teenager” turned into oneof the most recognizable and beloved athletes on theXTERRA Planet.

Now 28-years-old, Hugo is a seasoned veteran and justcaptured the first three XTERRA World Tour majors he racein to start the year. In a sport dominated mostly by pros intheir mid-to-late 30’s, it’s fair to say Hugo has yet to reachhis full potential. Still, his results say he’s one of the best inthe game. He has 11 major championships under his beltand was seconds short of winning both the XTERRA USAand World Championships in 2011.

Last year Hugo raced at more than a dozen XTERRA’s innine countries and posted six straight runner-up finishes atXTERRA World Tour races –South Africa, Philippines,Saipan, Guam, Malaysia, and the Southeast Championshipin Alabama – before winning the East Championship inRichmond and XTERRA Japan, and was 2nd in the U.S.Pro Series behind only Josiah Middaugh.

We caught up with the star from Stellenbosch in February toget his thoughts on last year, plans for this year, the lure ofXTERRA’s exotic destinations, the new XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship race, and life after racing.

XTERRA: 2013 was a rowdy year, tons of travel, lots of fun.Looking back, would you have changed anything about it?Dan Hugo: Agreed, I had a more colourful year in 2013 thanany other. I was inspired to get travelling after missing8-months of racing in 2012. Highlights were XTERRAJapan, Mexico and Brazil. Change? Well perhaps the nig-gle side of things, and for that I should have managed myrecovery and alignment better. After XTERRA Richmond itbecame a push-n-pull scenario. So yeah, that is the planthis season. Stay healthy and manage the body better.

XT: What’s new for you as you enter 2014?

DH: On the racing side I am going to race in Australia for thefirst time, at the new XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship.Also plan to get up north to the XTERRA Nordic events ofDenmark, Sweden and Norway. That would be a real treat.

XT: You’re back to exotic locales, racing the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour again. Can I assume the experience last yearbrought you back?DH: You could. Brad Weiss and I had a raucous time there,met great people and enjoyed the change of racing scene.I would like to go back once more to try and win on some ofthe islands.

XT: The new XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship race putsa crown on the region races, has more money and TV.Does that make the XAP Tour more appealing?DH: Seems a powerful step forward for XTERRA, especial-ly in a nation that celebrates triathlon as much as Australiadoes. I look forward to being there, supporting an event thatwants to raise the bar.

XT: Have you been to Jervis Bay?DH: No, that is part of the appeal. I’ve been to Australiatwice to visit mates, but never raced on the continent. I’llstay in Sydney for a few days, for which I’m just as excited.

XT: Your blog is titled “Dare to Dream” – can you sharesome of your dreams for this year with us?DH: My year is shaped much like my 2013 season was. Ijust dream of executing it better this time around. I hope tobe an ambassador for the three Nordic events, and get themomentum started there for XTERRA. My old coachTorbjorn Sindballe is in Copenhagen, so too some photog-rapher buddies of mine. Through them it seems I’d enjoy theculture and lifestyle there. During 2014 I dream of basing inSpain for 6-months and racing the XTERRA Europe circuit.

XT: You’re a talented story teller, is there a literary future orambitions for you past your athletic career?DH: I doubt true writing, though I would very much like towork on a global level in the sports marketing space afterretiring from full time racing. I hope that through such anopportunity my appreciation for the power of words could beput to use. I doubt I’ll race much beyond the next three tofive years. There are multiple experiences I’d want to pur-sue through my thirties, including a work stint in NYC. Butthat might have to be as a barista and not a writer.

A CHAT WITH DAN HUGO

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MEET JOE MILLER

Newly minted XTERRA Pro Joe Miller from the Philippinescould be the most dedicated and grateful triathlete on theplanet.

He works full time at The Brick Bike Shop in Cebu from10am-to-9pm, 7-days a week, and when he’s not workinghe’s training and helping other Filipino athletes reach theirgoals.

His hard work paid off last weekend when he finished 3rdoverall and the top Filipino for the second straight year atthe XTERRA Philippines Championship.

“The guy is just amazing,” said XTERRA Pro Ben Allen, whohas been so impressed with Miller over the past two yearshe helping him with travel arrangements to Australia toexperience the culture and race in the XTERRA Asia-PacificChampionship event. “He’s easy going, compassionate,and always puts the needs of others first. He’s just a greatguy and he loves XTERRA.”

Miller says his work-ethic and zeal for life were born out ofexperience.

Growing up in a small village in the Lagundi KiambaSarangani Province, Miller’s father worked as a bikemechanic, which was the family business.

Working hard and taking care of family are time-honoredFilipino traditions and why when he was 14-years-old, JoeMiller skipped school one day to go fishing with his friendand his friends Dad in hopes of catching Tuna to support hisfamily’s needs.

After three days at Sea in Mindanao near the Malaysiaboundary the trio had reeled in nine big tuna and pleasedwith their catch, set sail for home in the dark of the night.

“On our way back we crashed into a big tree log and ourwooden boat began to sink,” said Miller, explaining how theynever saw the tree because they navigated by stars withoutthe aid of a compass, GPS, radio, or cellphone. “People inour community are poor fisherman who can't afford gadgetslike sonars and detection equipment.”

The captain calmly instructed the boys not to panic as theytied their equipment, bread, biscuits and water to the log

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and took off the tarp that was serving as the boats roof.There were no life jackets on board.

“The boat sank to the bottom on our first day stranded atsea, so we stayed beside the log our supplies were tied tobut couldn’t rest on it because it would sink,” said Miller. “Toavoid shark attacks we stayed in the middle of the tarp andwe tied ourselves to each other.”

All the while they prayed.

“On our first day our captain served us bread and water andI noticed that I’m hungry and our supply is easily consumed.We took care of each other and didn’t lose hope.At night all you could see is stars sparkling across the skyand reflections of it on the ocean. It’s a good thing theocean was calm, like oil. We heard unusual sounds, thoseof cats and cows and wales. There were curious sharkscruising around us in the day time, and we were lucky to beinside the tarp as they passed by.”

On the second day the three men ran out of bread and bis-cuits, but had water to drink. They used their fishing skills tocatch their ensuing meals.

“It was a good thing there were a lot of fish surrounding thelog, but a bad thing because the sharks ate those fishes, sowe were afraid. We had our fishing equipment with us andwe used the bread we saved for bait to catch small fish, andthe small fish to catch bigger fish. We were fighting for ourlives.”

Miller said that on the third night they started to say good-bye to each other.

“We noticed our skin is shrinking, our lips are cracking, ourbodies are numb and we felt so weak. We confessed toeach other if we die and one of us survived, please don’tleave our bodies here. As long as I remembered, this iswhat I prayed, "LORD, THIS IS THE LIFE YOU GAVE MEAND I LOVE THE LIFE THAT YOU SHARED WITH MEAND IF I DIE TODAY LET ME DIE IN YOUR HANDS,AMEN.”

The next afternoon they were rescued by fellow Filipinofisherman.

“I remember thinking I survived the shipwreck, it’s not mytime yet,” said Miller. “I believed the power of prayer. Ilearned to appreciate life even if we are poor. I'm thankingGod, this thing made my will stronger, my mind stronger. Idon’t mind the traumas I've been through, all I know is to livethe life that God gave me, my second chance.”

Upon his return Miller dedicated himself to his family, and tosports.

“I thought God has a purpose and plan for me,” said Miller.

“I got into mountain biking, then duathlon, and nowtriathlons. I’ve been racing triathlon for four years now and Ilove off-road the most, ever since XTERRA came to Cebu.I pushed my luck at XTERRA, failed twice, but I'm enjoyingthe sport now. This is my fourth year racing XTERRA and Iwant this life, to LIVE MORE!”

2X XTERRA PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CHAMP

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CONRAD “The Caveman” STOLTZStellenbosch, South Africa

4-time XTERRA World Champion3x ITU Cross Tri World Champion

FINAL 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 11PERSONAL: Born October 23, 1973...a two-time Olympictriathlete, finished 20th in 2000 when he was the first off thebike, then dnf’d in Athens...started BMX racing at ageseven, running at nine, biathlon at 13, triathlon and cyclingat 14, and pro triathlon at 18...“It’s in my blood.” WEBSITE/TWITTER: conradstoltz.com / @ConradStoltzXTERRA EXPERIENCE: 13th year.RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Is XTERRA’s all-timechampionship race wins leader with 49 (he has 53 all-told),is the only pro to win four XTERRA World Titles, and hasan unprecedented 10 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series titles (2001-03, ‘05 & ‘07-’12). Also won the 2011, 2012, and 2013 ITUCross Triathlon World Championships.2001: Burst onto the XTERRA scene and won three races,including the Pro Series and the World title as a rookie.2002: Won in Keystone, California, Tahoe, and Maui.2003: Won first race at Big Bear, placed 2nd in Richmond,3rd in Keystone, won in Tahoe, and won Pro Points Series.2004: Won XTERRA South Africa, placed 2nd in Richmond,6th in Keystone, 2nd in Big Bear, and 5th in Tahoe. Finished3rd in the Pro Series, and dnf’d at XTERRA Worlds.2005: Won four straight before placing 2nd in Keystone.Won XTERRA South Africa, the West, East, and MidwestChamps in Milwaukee, was second in Keystone beforewinning the inaugural XTERRA Brazil. Placed 2nd in Tahoebut 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 timefor Alabama where he was fourth, and a week later he wonthe East Championship. Placed 8th in Milwaukee after aseries of crashes and injuries and then 4th at the MountainChampionships in Utah. A pre-ride crash at the XTERRAUSA 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 EastChamps on back-to-back weekends. DNF’d at Utahbecause of a mechanical. Won USA Championship, ProSeries title, then World Champs for third time. Named theOff-Road triathlete of the year at Endurance Sports Awards.2008: Placed 4th at XTERRA South Africa, won the West

Champs for 6th time in his career, won the Southeast title,DNF in Richmond, was 2nd at XTERRA UK, 6th atXTERRA Czech, and 2nd at XTERRA France. Won theXTERRA Mountain Championship in August, placed 8th atthe USA Championship but still edged countryman DanHugo to win XTERRA U.S. Pro Series title for the 6th time.Suffered a flat while leading at the XTERRA WorldChampionship in Maui and eventually finished 12th after aseries of mechanicals.2009: Won XTERRA West, Midwest, and Southeast CupRaces, was 5th at the Northwest Cup, won the Atlantic Cup,finished 3rd in a photo-finish at the Northeast Cup, was 2ndat the XTERRA USA Championship (and won the U.S. ProSeries for the 7th time). Placed 5th at XTERRA Worlds.2010: Won all four regionals he entered - the XTERRAWest, South Central, Southeast and East Champs. Placed6th at the XTERRA Canada Championships, won XTERRAUSA Championship (and the Pro Series for 8th time), andbecame the first pro to win four World Titles.2011: Won XTERRA Buffelspoort, was 2nd at XTERRAWest Champs, won his record-breaking 38th careerchampionship at South Central Champs in Waco, won ITUCross Tri World Title, won the Pacific and Southeast titleson back-to-back weekends in May, captured East title inRichmond in June, and the XTERRA Japan Championshipin August. Placed 5th at XTERRA USA Championship andwon the Pro Series crown for 9th time (fifth straight). Was inthird place coming off the bike at XTERRA Worlds, butpulled with worsening asthma-type conditions on the run.2012: Won the XTERRA South Africa Championship for thefifth time, won the XTERRA West Championship, ITU CrossTri World Champs/XTERRA Southeast Championship, Eastand Mountain Championships, was 4th at the USAChampionship, won the U.S. Pro Series for the 10th time,and was 3rd at XTERRA Worlds.2013: Won XTERRA Buffelspoort, crossed the finish line in2nd at the XTERRA South Africa Championship but waslater DQ’d for going off-course in last stages of the run.Placed 2nd at the XTERRA West Championship, had thelead on the run at Southeast Champs before having to pulldue to injury. Recovered in time to win XTERRA Brazil, thenhis third straight ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship,followed by a victory at XTERRA Italy. He placed fourth atthe XTERRA USA Championship and 11th in Pro Series.Finished 6th at XTERRA Worlds.2014: Placed 3rd at XTERRA South Africa and won theXTERRA New Zealand Championship.

MEET THE PROS

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Conrad

MEET THE PROS

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BRAD WEISSSomerset West, South Africa

FINAL 2013 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 5PERSONAL: Born March 21, 1989XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Third Year.2012: Placed 8th at XTERRA South Africa Championship,won the ITU U23 Cross Triathlon World Championship atPelham, Alabama, and was 7th at the XTERRA EastChampionship.2013: Placed 5th at XTERRA South Africa Championship,4th at the XTERRA Philippines Championship, 3rd at theXTERRA Saipan Championship, 3rd at the XTERRA GuamChampionship, 4th at the Southeast Champs, a U.S.-best3rd at the East Champs, 9th at the Mountain Champs, and7th at the USA Championship. FInished 5th in the ProSeries.2014: Placed 4th at the XTERRA South AfricaChampionship, was 2nd at XTERRA Philippines andXTERRA Guam, 3rd at XTERRA Saipan, and a U.S. ProSeries-best 2nd at the XTERRA West Championship.

MEET THE PROS

Brad

Olly

Also of Note...

Olly Shaw: The 22-year-old from Rotorua, New Zealandwon the XTERRA World Champiosnhip in the 20-24 divisionin 2012 before turning pro. He’s been racing XTERRA in hishometown since he was 15-years-old. This year he placed2nd at XTERRA Motatapu, 3rd at XTERRA Guam, 4th atXTERRA Saipan, and 3rd at XTERRA New Zealand.

Roger Serrano: The 23-year-old from Barcelona, Spain isin just his second-year racing XTERRA, but was theSpanish Cross-Triathlon Champion in 2012. Last season heplaced 6th at XTERRA Spain, and so far this season heplaced 2nd at the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-road tri inAnglesea and 5th at the XTERRA New ZealandChampionship.

Also of note 20-year-old Joshua Kenyon from Taupo, NewZealand is the youngest elite in the field. He recently placed9th at the XTERRA NZ Championship. Noah Wright, anAussie based in Austin, Texas, placed 10th at XTERRAGreat Ocean Road in Anglesea and 13th at the XTERRANew Zealand Championship.

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MEET THE WOMEN

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RENATA BUCHERLucerne, Switzerland

2014 XTERRA Philippines & Guam Champ4-time XTERRA European Tour Champ

FINAL 2013 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 3PERSONAL: Born May 30, 1977...attended the Universityof Zuerich.WEBSITE: renatabucher.chXTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year.RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has won 33 XTERRAChampionship races in 14 countries, the U.S. Territory ofGuam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.SPONSORS: Intercheese, CoeurSports, Magura, Storck,Swiss Triathlon 2004: 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.2010: Won five races, starting with XTERRA Saipan for the6th straight year, and the Pacific Islands Club ResortDouble award. Won XTERRA Guam, won inauguralXTERRA Portugal Championship, won XTERRA SouthCentral Championship, 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 atXTERRA Saipan, 2nd at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRAFrance, was 7th at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, was third atXTERRA Czech and Germany, and 5th at XTERRASwitzerland. Placed 2nd at the XTERRA PacificChampionship, third at the Southeast Championship, andfourth at XTERRA World Championship. Finished 2nd inthe XTERRA European Tour and 11th in the U.S. Pro Series2012: Won the XTERRA Guam, Philippines, and SaipanChampionship races on consecutive weekends - a cleansweep of the XTERRA Asia Pacific triple crown, then wonthe XTERRA West Championship. Placed 10th at the ITUCross Tri World Champs/XTERRA Southeast Champs, was6th at XTERRA Italy, 2nd at the East Champs, 2nd atXTERRA France, 4th at XTERRA Mountain Champs, wonXTERRA Mexico, was 3rd at XTERRA Canada, 5th atXTERRA USA Champs, and 7th at XTERRA Worlds.Finished tied for 2nd in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series.2013: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Philippines, Saipan, andGuam Championship races in March, then won four straightWorld Tour races at the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-road tri in Australia, XTERRA New Zealand, XTERRAMalaysia and XTERRA Spain. She was 4th at XTERRAGreece and XTERRA Switzerland, secon at XTERRA Italyand XTERRA Czech, and 5th at XTERRA Germany. Shefinished the season ranked 3rd in the XTERRA EuropeanTour. Placed 12th at the XTERRA USA Championship, andwas 15th at XTERRA Worlds.2014: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Motatapu, won XTERRAPhilippines and XTERRA Guam Championships, andplaced 2nd at XTERRA Saipan.

MEET THE PROS

Renata Bucher, perhaps the most well-traveled XTERRAprofessional in the last decade, has been a regular atXTERRA’s Asia-Pacific races, and during last year’s tourplaced second at XTERRA Philippines, Saipan, and Guambefore winning three straight at the XTERRA Great OceanRoad off-road tri in Australia, XTERRA New Zealand, thenXTERRA Malaysia.

This is Bucher’s 10th year of XTERRA racing, and duringthat stretch the “Swiss Miss” has won 33 XTERRAChampionship races in 14 countries, the U.S. Territory ofGuam and Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

We caught up with Bucher to get her thoughts on racing inNew South Wales.

XTERRA: You trained during the off-season in Australia,and will again this year�why Down Under?Renata Bucher: Australia�what a huge country. Thepeople are open minded, and is one of the biggest triathlonnations. Every time I go to Australia I discover a lovely placeto train, to explore, and to enjoy. I’ve had great times inCaloundra, Noosa, Gold Coast, and then Torquay, which ismy training base this year again, and I totally love it there.The conditions for training are perfect – training outside,swimming in the ocean, every weekend a race if you wantto, there is lots of sunshine, markets on the weekends,BBQ’s, good wine, and an abundance of beautiful beaches.

XT: Why do you think XTERRA is a good fit for Australia?RB: Aussies are a bit crazy about endurance stuff :) And,they are very helpful and in general “good mates!”

XT: Are you excited about this new XTERRA Asia-PacificChampionship?RB: Yes! A lot of the XTERRA pros are doing a severalraces on the Asia-Pacific Tour so having a big finale race inAustralia makes the Tour more attractive and interesting.For sure, it is hard work. At the end it is not all about who isthe most super fit athlete, it is a lot about how to manage thetravel, to recover quickly, and to get through these crazyraces injury free and happy.

XT: What do you like about XTERRA?RB: Not sure what it is exactly, but I’m still totally passion-ate about it. I have already spent so many years doing it,and I just don’t ever want to miss-out on XTERRA in my life.

XT: You’ve traveled all over the world with XTERRA, is it afun way to adventure?RB: Oh yes, I have traveled a lot, and for sure it is a fun wayto adventure. It’s not always easy, but traveling andespecially traveling solo, you can learn some good lifelessons. It helps to prioritize what really matters, and I’velearned to have more patience. I know I can’t control every-thing, like delays, missing bags, extra bike charges, etc�And sometimes in a race you also can’t control everything(weather, mechanical�..).

XT: Why should others join you at Asia-Pacific Champs?RB: It is the chance to join a high-class XTERRA event in abeautiful area, not too far from a big city, Sydney, with toughcompetition, good timing before the XTERRA Euro Tour,plus I’ll be there : ) � there are thousands of reasons!

XT: Any other thoughts?RB: XTERRA is still the best choice I made in my life. Inever thought that I would do it for so long. XTERRAopened a door for me to see the world and meet someamazing people.

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RENATA

MEET THE “SWISS MISS”

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MIEKO CAREYTumon, Guam

Four-time XTERRA Japan Champion

PERSONAL: Born April 27, 1978...inspired by Jamie “J-Dawg” Whitmore, Mieko did her first triathlon in 2005 onTinian...attended Japan Sports Technical College...fromJapan, Mieko spent many years in Saipan and nowworks as personal trainer and pilates instructor in Guamwhen not racing. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. Mieko has beenracing XTERRA since 2006 when her last name wasMotoyoshi and she won the 25-29 division at XTERRASaipan. She 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.2012: 4th at XTERRA Guam and XTERRA Saipan, and 2ndat XTERRA Japan Championship.2013: Placed 4th at XTERRA Saipan Championship, 5th atXTERRA Guam, 2nd at XTERRA Malaysia, won XTERRAJapan for the fourth time, and placed 26th at XTERRAWorlds.2014: Placed 3rd at XTERRA Philippines, 2nd at XTERRAGuam, and 4th at XTERRA Saipan.

MEET THE PROS

QnA with fellow XTERRA Pro Charlie Epperson...

CE: Mieko, where are you originally from?MC: From Saitama, Japan (just 40 min from Tokyo stationby train)

CE: Before you got into competitive triathlons, did you playother sports, what is your athletic background?MC: I grew up swimming. I started swimming when I wasthree-years-old. I attended college at a sports instructionschool. After that, I worked at a popular gym teachingswimming, weights, aqua aerobics and cycling.

CE: What brought you to the CNMI originally and how doyou enjoy training on Guam since moving over?MC: Originally, I came to the CNMI to be a Clubmate atPacific Island’s Club in Saipan. My dream was to workoverseas. I really enjoy Guam because of all the greatathletes and competitions held here.

CE: You are one of the few professional athletes living andtraining on Guam, tell us a little about how you plan out aseason and decide your races?MC: I try to do all of the Asian races because most of mysponsors are from Japan. I really try to push to race all theSaipan and Guam races. I want to represent Guam well.

CE: You have a wide breadth of experience in racingswimming, road, and off-road triathlon- what is your favoritestyle of racing:MC: I enjoy off road triathlon. It is more challenging thanroad racing. You never know what is going to happen dur-ing the race. You really have to push yourself.

CE: What are your goals for 2014 and who are yoursponsors for this season?MC: I would like to finish in the top 3 in the XTERRA AsianChampionship in Australia. I compete for Team AlohaRacing and our primary sponsors, include; Storck bike,Coeur Sport, Catlike, and Salomon. I’m also lucky to besponsored by IT&E, Zoot, and Suunto.

CE: Can you offer some training advice for upcomingtriathletes that desire to get into the sport?MC: Pace yourself. Don’t push too hard at the beginning. Ittakes time to build up. Most important – Enjoy the moment!

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Mieko

GET TO KNOW MIEKO

CE: Do you have any nutritional secrets or staple items youuse every race?MC: I eat whatever I want because I burn so many calories!I enjoy having a beer after long training! I usually have apeanut butter and banana sandwich before training andrace mornings. Days before races I eat a lot of carbs andprotein and hydrate. No beer!

CE: Go back to when you first got into the sport, whatlessons or mistakes did you learn along that you want toshare to up-and-coming triathletes?MC: Overtraining can take you out for a long time. Yourbody needs to recover every three or four weeks. I didn’t lis-ten to my body and I thought I had to push hard every day.I could barely get out of bed for a month because of that. Ilost my motivation and was completely exhausted.

CE: One of the most legendary stories of XTERRA racing isof a bear attack during your pre-ride of the XTERRA Japancourse. Can you tell us a little about that event?MC: OMG Bear Attack� It was fist time I ever saw a bearin my life. I was lucky, I was riding behind my friend rightbefore he got attacked by the bear. When we were pre- rid-ing the course in Japan, we saw or maybe the bear saw usafter a sharp turn right. The bear started attacking my friendand I just stood there in shock. I didn’t know what to do, did-n’t have anything to fight the bear with to help my friend. Ijust kept screaming my friend’s name and saying “NO!!”Both of them went into the bush and I couldn’t see what wasgoing on there BUT I could hear my friend screaming, “Hurt,Hurt”. Suddenly a baby bear came from my left side andclimbed the tree very quick. I was really lucky the baby beardidn’t start attacking me. Finally my friend came from thebush and ran toward me while the bear ran the other way.We went back to the jeep road and checked his body- therewas much blood all over. Unfortunately, it was at the top ofa climb in the course and there were no houses and nobodyaround. He felt like he could ride down to the bottom wherethere are many houses. I went down ahead to find peopleto help and ask to call an ambulance. I rode very fast like itwas a race! Finally we found people and they called anambulance. It was the first time the town had ever heard ofa “bear attack”.

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FLORA DUFFYBoulder, Colorado via Bermuda

PERSONAL: Born September 30, 1987...earned a degreein sociology from the University of Colorado-Boulder...bornand raised in Bermuda and is hoping to make the 2016Olympic triathlon team.WEBSITE: floraduffytri.blogspot.comTWITTER: @floraduffyRACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has raced with the bestin ITU and represented Bermuda at the London Olympics,where she finished 45th.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Second year.2013: Placed 6th at the XTERRA Mountain Championshipin her first-ever XTERRA, and was 3rd at XTERRA Worlds.2014: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Buffelsport off-road tri in SA,then won the XTERRA South Africa Championship and theXTERRA West Championship in the U.S.

FLORA

THE RISE OF FLORA DUFFY

After her first-ever XTERRA race last year at the MountainChampionships in Colorado Flora Duffy wasn’t sure sheever wanted to do another one.

“I did really enjoy the vibe at the race and how friendlyeveryone was though, so that helped keep the door open,”said Duffy, who finished 6th that day. “And, since I qualifiedfor Maui, figured I had to give it a go.”

It’s a good thing she did. Duffy finished third overall at theXTERRA World Championship, just five seconds behindtwo-time World Champ Lesley Paterson.

“I loved racing in Maui. The course, the place, the people, itwas a great event. I think a combination of my performanceat Maui and training with Dan Hugo and Brad Weissinspired me to pursue XTERRA.”

So from “never-again” to “nearly a world champ” Duffy’spursuit of XTERRA led her to South Africa for some trainingand racing which ultimately resulted in a second-placefinish at XTERRA Buffelspoort, then the XTERRA SouthAfrica Championship on February 23.

“It was awesome to win at Grabouw,” said Duffy. “It is ahuge race in South Africa and receives quite a lot of mediaattention, which made winning it quite attractive.”

Even more impressive was how Duffy did it, overcoming aflat early on the bike with the defending champion Carla VanHuyssteen hot on her heels.

“I had never flatted in a race before and didn’t exactly knowwhat to do,” recalled Duffy. “I managed to keep calmthough, fix the flat, and not lose too much time.”

Beyond the big win Duffy says her experience in SouthAfrica inspired her to do more.

“My three months in SA was amazing. I was based inStellenbosch training and living with Dan and Brad. Trainingwith those two everyday inspired me to ride my mountainbike and pursue XTERRA. Stellenbosch is a beautiful littletown great for training. The town offers an amazing lifestylebecause it is safe, pretty, there are loads of great places toeat, copious amounts of vineyards to visit, and of coursethere is Jonkershoek – a nature reserve which offers miles

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of great trails for riding and running. The weather in hot andsunny, and the people are friendly, it is the perfect place totrain or visit.”

With the added experience riding a mountain bike, Duffy willmost certainly cause trouble for the competition this season.As proof, she just posted the fastest swim, bike, and runtimes and won by a landslide at the XTERRA U.S. ProSeries opener in Vegas (April 13).

“You need to be a solid mountain biker for XTERRA, and Iam still learning how to handle a mountain bike well,” saidDuffy. “I suppose my strong swim helps because it allowsme to put a few minutes on the other girls right from thestart. That and I think being an all-around athlete that tendsto never give up suits the XTERRA format. Ideally though,I’ll learn to ride my mountain bike well then I’ll be a lot moreconfident going into an XTERRA.”

After her XTERRA West Championship win on Sunday,Duffy said “I was keen to race Australia before this race butafter today’s performance and how I felt, I had to book myflight and go to Australia.”

As for her plans after the XTERRA Asia-PacificChampionship on April 26�

“I’ll do the XTERRA U.S. Series, the Lifetime Fitness Seriesand a few ITU events, it’s a mix bag of everything to keep itinteresting.” said Duffy, who will also race at theCommonwealth Games in July as part of her drive tobecome a three-time Olympian (she represented her homecountry of Bermuda at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 LondonOlympic Games).

“Rio 2016 is the big picture goal. I will dedicate all of2015+2016 to the ITU circuit in order to gain points andqualify for the Olympics.”

Until then, Duffy just wants to “really enjoy beating most ofthe men out of the water at XTERRA : ) ”

MEET THE PROS

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MEET THE PROS

DIMITY-LEE DUKERoelands, Australia

PERSONAL: Born November 17, 1983WEBSITE: facebook.com/dimitydukeRACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Just finished 3rd at theIronman Malaysia 70.3 in Putrajaya.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: First year, second race.2014: Placed 5th in her XTERRA debut at the PhilippinesChampionship in March. After the race, she said “What aday! Full respect to XTERRA triathlon competitors...tougherthan any Ironman race that's for sure! Stoked to walk awaywith 5th place overall! A bit off the pace but I know what I amin for now! I can't thank the XTERRA family enough forgiving me the opportunity to race and the Filipino people fortheir support today! I can't wait till my next XTERRA ...lovedevery minute of it! Bring it on!

REBECCA HOSCHKENarrabeen, Australia

PERSONAL: Born February 18, 1977WEBSITE: rebeccahoschke.comSPONSORS: Specialized Australia, Scody Australia,Eyeline Australia, TriShave Australia, Compressport,SaltStick, High5, AquaShop/BlueSeventy, Asics, FuelBelt.RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The 2013 IronmanAustralia Champion. This year placed 6th at IM 70.3Auckland, 3rd at Challenge Half in Melbourne, and 2nd atIM Geelong 70.3. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: First year, second race. 2014: Finished 7th at the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-road tri in Anglesea in her XTERRA debut.

PENNY HOSKENRingwood North, Australia

PERSONAL: Born April 30, 1987WEBSITE: pennyhosken.blogspot.comRACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: After winning the WorldAge Sprint Distance Triathlon Championships in Auckland in2012 she started racing on the ITU triathlon circuit. VictorianGatorade Triathlon Elite Female Series Champion.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: First year, second race. 2014: Finished 3rd at the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-road tri in Anglesea in her XTERRA debut.

DIMITY

REBECCA

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JODY MIELKEEngadine, Australia

PERSONAL: Born September 5, 1971RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has 11 XTERRA titles toher credit.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Raced her first XTERRA in 1999,and won it. Her last XTERRA race was in 2003.HER STORY: Relative newcomers to the world of XTERRAmay not know who Jody Mielke is, but they should �because she is a legend, and she’s back! Mielke, one of theoriginal Aussies of XTERRA, will return to the sport to racein the inaugural XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship atJervis Bay in New South Wales on April 26. Her XTERRAlegacy started in Ruston, Louisiana in 1999 when her namewas still Jody Purcell.

“I remember very well the first time we laid eyes on Jody,”explained XTERRA managing director Dave Nicholas. “Shecame from Australia to Louisiana and landed in Monroe,about 20 miles east of Ruston. Hell, nobody on earth knewwhere Ruston was and we were very impressed this Aussiepro came all that way so Kenny Mielke (an XTERRA Crewguy and medic from Canada) and I went to the small airportto get her. Her darn bike box was bigger than her – and itdid not take but a week or two before she and Kenny fell inlove.” And to hear Jody tell it�

“Ha, good ol’ Ruston, Louisiana. I had flown in and I thinkDave had blown me out to be a 6-foot blonde bombshell.Well, that was not me!” she said. “I remember runningaround with Jenny Wood and she pointed Kenny out andsaying that guy is very cute! I actually had already noticedhim the day before. After our run we went over and startedtalking to him and Chris. Kenny said he would dance with usif we came back that night to the bands. Not sure what hewas thinking but our race was the next day so he will say westood him up but did he not know we were there to race! Iwon the race and he come over and said good job. Thatnight we were all hanging out around the pool, athletes andcrew eating pizza and drinking beer. Kenny didn’t evencome over and talk to me; I was sharing a sun bed withsomeone from NZ so Kenny thought we talked the same sowe must be together! Idiot! Then I headed over to Austin,Texas in the truck with Toby and hung out with the crew forthe week. Kenny asked me out one night, first date was tothe Laundromat! And the rest is history.”

So that’s how Jody met and eventually stole Kenny Mielkefrom the XTERRA crew. They’ve been married for 13 yearsnow, live in Engadine, NSW, have three girls, Connie (10),Charlie (8) and Darcy (4), and love to be outdoors and campas a family.

But enough with the personal stuff, let’s talk about Jody’sracing days. “When she flew over to the States to race herfirst XTERRA in 1999 she was the mystery woman,” wroteScott Schumaker in a decade-old profile he crafted aboutMielke.

“With an apparent endless supply of energy, the Aussie wassolidly built but a bit on the short side, topping out at five feet– a Mary Lou Retton from Down Under perhaps, but not atop-caliber triathlete. Word around the expo contended shewas a pretty good mountain biker. Some said she was onthe Australian World Championship mountain bike team in1998 (true). She had also supposedly done some triathlonsin the past, about ten Ironmen to be exact. Still, no one wassure how competitive she would be. She ended up winningthat first race in Ruston, Louisiana. Not bad for someonewho, according to doctors on more than one occasion,shouldn’t have been at the starting line in the first place.Fourteen and a half pounds. That’s just a couple poundsless than Purcell’s mountain bike weighs, and it’s exactlyhow much she weighed when she was born. Combine thatweight with a mother who is just over five feet herself andthere is the potential for problems during the delivery. InPurcell’s case it was a collapsed lung.

MEET THE PROS

40

THE LEGEND OF JODY MIELKE

“The doctor told my dad to go have a look at me as hethought I would die during the night. After a couple weeks Icame good and the doctor told Mum and Dad they had alittle fighter,” said Purcell.

She’s been tenacious ever since – an attribute that hasserved her athletic career well. As have her father’s genes,which she credits for her strength. Her bloodline has alsodeveloped the capacity to take a licking and keep on ticking.Grandpa was an Australian boxing champion and her 231-pound brother represented the kangaroo continent in theunder-19′s and under-21′s in rugby union.

All of this helped lead to her success first in triathlons, thenmountain biking and finally XTERRA. During her first year intriathlons in 1991 she went to the World Championships asa junior. At 21 she did her first Ironman, finishing in 9:40.However, by 1998, burnt out on the multi-sport thing, shetransferred her aerobic capacity to mountain biking. Sheinstantly fell in love with the dirt and challenge of off-roadracing, again finding immediate success. But her new sportalmost killed her XTERRA career before it started. Amechanical failure sent her slamming into the ground andultimately led to a major loss of cartilage in one of herknees.

“The doctors told me I would not run again,” said Purcell ofthe physicians who once again underestimated her. “I decid-ed I liked the sound of XTERRAs though, so I started to runto see what would happen. I had no pain and the doc saidgo for it. So, there was a triple off-road triathlon at the endof November in Canberra. That gave me six weeks to getready. I did lots of riding and the minimum running to getthrough. The race took twelve-and-a-half hours. I loved itand did well, breaking the women’s record by 45 minutes.”

The rest is XTERRA history. Mielke became the first non-American to compete in the whole series, the original ath-lete roadie you might say. She won six XTERRAChampionship races (out of 12) in 2000. She won the firstXTERRA Australia Championship in 2001.

XTERRA President Janet Clark remembers her as the mostcolorful racer on tour, with the best personality. “She alwayshad the best bathing suits�.every race something different– colorful and flowery. Everyone wore black�but not her!”said Clark. “She traveled the entire US Series for several

years with the crew, even drove one of the Xterra’s fromvenue to venue one year with Kenny. I was the press direc-tor in those days and she was always the one that gotpicked for interviews early in the week, early in the morning,whatever we needed – she did it. And the media loved her– cute little blonde with funny accent and great sense ofhumor – and articulate! How can you go wrong?”

Now 42 and working as a run and triathlon coach, Mielkesaid she was excited to get back in the pool and work on herswim in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Champs (NOT).

“Wow you guys suck! Had to get up this morning and do5:30am swim squad,” wrote Mielke to the XTERRA crew onher progress. “I haven’t done swim squad forMmmmmmmmmm, 12 years! Yes, it hurt! Mick the coachwas smiling at me and said “well you can only get better!”

Oh, how time flies. Her last year with XTERRA was 2003,“I had broken my ankle the day we flew to America to startthe series and we went home and I didn’t came back untilWorlds.”

It’s certainly great to have Jody back in the XTERRA World,and if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Jervis Bay forthe Asia-Pacific Champs, be sure to say Hi to an Aussiegreat and an XTERRA Legend.

Here are a few more fun facts from QnA’s past and pres-ent�

XTERRA: Your greatest strength as a competitor:Jody Mielke: My determination and my long legs – oh Imean my strong legs! Ha! Ha!

XT: Role Model?JM: Mick Doohan

XT: Favorite XTERRA memory?JM: The year I won three in a row, Kerry (Classen) and Iboth won the first three races of the series. Oh, and doingan XTERRA camp on Molokai.

XT: Favorite XTERRA course?JM: Richmond was always my favorite race. Swimming in ariver with boulders and running across an island and back inthe water. Very cool race.

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XT: Favorite part about XTERRA?JM: The athletes and crew always got on really well, weraced hard but had fun too.

XT: How excited are you to see the XTERRA family again?JM: Can’t wait to see the XTERRA family again, wow it isover 10 years. Very excited and for them to meet the girls.

XT: Is XTERRA a good fit for Australia?JM: I think XTERRA is a great fit for Australia. We havegreat beaches and trails, Ozzies are very outdoors peopleand many like an adventure.

XT: What can you tell us of Jervis Bay?JM: Jervis bay is beautiful. We have spent quite a lot of timedown that way. It is great for holidays, rivers, beaches andbush. I have done a number of mountain bike races downthere and the trails are great. There are plenty of beachesand also the river is lovely.

XT: Why should people join you at the Asia-PacificChamps?JM: It is at the end of the school holidays and a great placeto visit. You will not be disappointed by Jervis Bay or doingan XTERRA. They are fun, challenging races and will besuperbly organized.

XT: Any last thoughts?JM: I got a lot more out of XTERRA than I thought I would

JODY

THE LEGEND OF JODY MIELKE

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MEET THE PROS

LIZZIE ORCHARDAuckland, New Zealand

PERSONAL: Born November 26, 1985WEBSITE: facebook.com/dimitydukeXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Won the 25-29 division XTERRAWorld Championship in 2011.2012: Won the overall amateur title at the ITU Cross TriWorld Championship and finished 3rd at the XTERRA NewZealand Championship, and was 11th at XTERRA Worlds.2013: Placed 7th at XTERRA Switzerland and was 6th atXTERRA France.2014: Placed 4th at XTERRA New Zealand Lizzie

NICKY SAMUELSWanaka, New Zealand

2013 XTERRA World Champion

PERSONAL: Born February 28, 1983WEBSITE: nickysamuels.comXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Is a perfect 3-for-3 in her XTERRAcareer, winning the last two XTERRA Motatapu off-roadtriathlon titles and the 2013 XTERRA World Championship.ABOUT NICKY: The 31-year-old placed 35th at the LondonOlympics. She won the 5150 in Columbia (USA) and wassecond at St. Anthony’s and Boulder 5150s last year. Shewas 5th at WTS Austria and Auckland. She was the 2012World Aquathon Champ, NZ Road Race Cycling Champ,and ITU World Cup Tongeyong Champ, and in 2011 wonthe Escape from Alcatraz triathlon and ITU World Cup

Mooloolaba. Nicky is coming off a strong performance atthe ITU WTS opener in Auckland on April 6 where she ledoff the bike. HER MAUI EXPERIENCE: “For those who race XTERRA,I give you a lot of respect. This is a tough event and theMaui course was a brutally tough course. With thecombination of little wind, hot humid temperatures (30DegC), dry dusty and sandy terrain it just adds to the 1.5kmswim, 30km mountain bike and 10km run. I came into therace with a big question mark over the bike section... I knowthat I can swim well, I love running on challenging off roadcourses but with my lack of time on the mountain bike I wasconcerned with how my technical skills would stack up.

The World Champs starts on the DT Flemming beach inKapalua with a beach start into a rough shore break, the Promen and women started together and it was initially hardswimming with guys trying to sit on your hip (and even hard-er to get rid of them) but I was happy to get around thebuoys without a battering (a pleasant change) so maybebeing a girl amongst a combined pro start is good for onething! But then there were some fast men swimmers whoset a good pace to string the field out. Flora Duffy (BER)over took me on the third leg of the swim as my group wenta bit off course in the swells and waves on the way back intothe beach but I reclaimed the lead from about 1km into thebike with a quick transition as I got into my work up the hills.

Not sure they could have put in any more hills if they triedbut going up was never a problem for me it was the down Iwas concerned about.. The bike course was a solid grind tothe top with a mixture of single track climbing, fire breakroads, sugar cane fields and general off road (not even sureNicky

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MEET THE PROS

there was a track there before!), After a solid 25mins ofclimbing (from sea level to 500m altitude!) there was a shortdescent then into the second of the climbs, before a longdownhill section then back into the woods to finish with 5miles of very undulating (horrible) slow single track all theway back to T2 – nothing like the berms at Deans Bank inWanaka! It was certainly a tough mountain bike and one ofthe hardest triathlons I have ever done but still an amazingbucket list event!

I must admit my Giant XTC advanced 29er was amazing onthe climbs, I caught Flora pretty quickly but was alwaysaware Lesley would be chasing hard. I had 2mins on themat the top of the first climb and then 3mins at the 13milemark where Barb Riveros had joined their group butmanaged to get through the single track and hit T2 still 2min45 up.

I went into this race relatively unsure how I would go but stillwith the goal of a top 3 finish. I thought if I came off the bikein touch or in front I had a chance of winning this race, butI still had in the back of my mind that I only had those 3weeks training on the mountain bike so I wasn’t sure how Iwould hold up against the others.. I headed out of T2 with2-3 minutes on field, the run heads straight up the sametrack as the MTB start (straight uphill!) I thought we wouldall be running up to the lake (the top of the hill about 25minsinto the run) about the same speed so once I got there andstill had 2.30 minutes on the next girls I knew I just had toget to the finish line in one piece and it would be mine.

I wasn’t at all sure I had it in the bag until the last couple ofkm’s though because I kept cramping in my hamstrings andhaving that problem along with jumping obstacles (yep wejumped over fallen trees) and steep descents it waschallenging to say the least! I was very happy to get to thatfinish line and to be greeted by my support crew of myhusband, parents and Aunty and Uncle (It was actually myAunty that got me signed up in the first place as she want-ed an excuse to have a holiday in Hawaii!) to enjoy the post-race celebrations.

The XTERRA crew put on an amazing event in a trulyamazing location for a huge field of pros and age groupers,the support, coverage and hospitality was amazing!

Nicky

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MEET THE PROS

JACQUI SLACKStoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

2014 XTERRA Great Ocean Road Champ

FINAL 2013 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 4PERSONAL: Born June 17, 1983...was a firefighter prior toturning pro full-time...was named the 2012 XTERRA WarriorAward winner along with her boyfriend Ben Allen forperpetuating the “Live More” spirit of XTERRA.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fifth year. FAVORITE XTERRA: PhilippinesWEBSITE: jacquisblog.comTWITTER: @jacquislack2011: Placed 4th at XTERRA Italy and 9th at XTERRACzech.2012: Was 3rd at XTERRA Guam, 2nd at XTERRAPhilippines and XTERRA Saipan Championships, wonXTERRA New Zealand and XTERRA Italy, was 3rd atXTERRA France, 4th at XTERRA Czech, and 3rd atXTERRA Switzerland. Finished 2nd on the XTERRAEuropean Tour. Placed 7th at the USA Championship, andwas 5th at the XTERRA World Championship2013: Finished 4th at XTERRA Philippines Championship,then won the XTERRA Saipan Championship, Saipan’sTagaman road triathlon, and the XTERRA GuamChampionship on successive weekends en route tocapturing the XTERRA Triple Crown title. Finished 2ndbehind Bucher at both the XTERRA Great Ocean Road andXTERRA New Zealand Championship races in April. Was4th at XTERRA Malaysia and XTERRA Spain, 2nd atXTERRA Greece and France, and won the last two EuroTour events at XTERRA Germany and XTERRA England.Finished 4th in the final XTERRA European Tour standings.DNF at the XTERRA USA Champs, and placed 9th atXTERRA Worlds.2014: Placed 4th at XTERRA Philippines, won XTERRAGreat Ocean road, was 3rd at XTERRA Saipan, and 2nd atXTERRA New Zealand.

JACQUI

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CARINA WASLEKundl, Austria

2014 XTERRA Saipan Champion

FINAL 2013 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 7PERSONAL: Born October 20, 1984.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year.SPONSORS: Tiroler, Sailfish, Specialized2005: 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 atXTERRA 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 Championship,was 5th at XTERRA Italy, 4th at XTERRA France, 2nd atXTERRA Czech, 4th at XTERRA Germany and XTERRASwitzerland. Finished 3rd in XTERRA European Tour.Placed 8th at XTERRA USA Championship.2013: Placed 4th at XTERRA South Africa Championship,DNF at XTERRA Philippines, was 2nd at the XTERRASaipan Championship, third at the XTERRA GuamChampionship and XTERRA Great Ocean Road, 4th at theXTERRA New Zealand Championship, 5th at XTERRAMalaysia, 6th at XTERRA Spain, 5th at XTERRA Greece,and 4th at XTERRA Czech and XTERRA Germany, 6th atXTERRA USA Champs, and 11th at XTERRA Worlds.

CARINA

MEET THE PROS

2014: Placed 2nd at XTERRA South Africa, 2nd atXTERRA Philippines, 3rd at XTERRA Guam, and won theXTERRA Saipan Championship.

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Date Event Location / Pro Winners

Feb 23 XTERRA South Africa Championship Dan Hugo / Flora Duffy

March 8 XTERRA Motatapu^ Braden Currie / Nicky Samuels

March 15 XTERRA Philippines Championship^ Dan Hugo / Renata Bucher

March 29 XTERRA Guam Championship^ Dan Hugo / Renata Bucher

March 30 XTERRA Great Ocean Road^ Ben Allen / Jacqui Slack

March 30 XTERRA Costa Rica Leonardo Chacon / Shonny Vanlandingham

April 5 XTERRA Saipan Championship^ Ben Allen / Carina Wasle

April 12 XTERRA New Zealand Championship^ Conrad Stoltz / Barbara Riveros

April 13 XTERRA West Championship* Josiah Middaugh / Flora Duffy

April 26 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship^ Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia

May 3 XTERRA Malaysia^ Putrajaya

May 17 XTERRA Southeast Championship* Pelham, Alabama

May 24 XTERRA Mauritius Bois Cheri

May 24 XTERRA Spain Championship+ Cartagena – La Manga, Murcia

June 1 XTERRA Portugal+ Golega

June 8 XTERRA Brazil Championship Ilhabela, Sao Paulo

June 15 XTERRA East Championship* Richmond, Virginia

June 21 XTERRA Greece Championship+ Lake Plastira

June 28 XTERRA Switzerland Championship+ Vallee de Joux

June 29 XTERRA Norway Championship+ Horten

July 5 XTERRA Mine over Matter# Milton, Ontario, Canada

July 6 XTERRA France Championship+ Xonrupt, Gerardmer

July 6 XTERRA Victoria# British Columbia, Canada

July 6 XTERRA Freedom Fest Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii

July 13 XTERRA Sweden Championship+ Hellasgaarten

July 19 XTERRA Mountain Championship* Beaver Creek Resort, Avon, Colorado

July 20 XTERRA Ireland+ Killaloe, County Clare

July 26 XTERRA Italy Championship+ Abruzzo, Scanno

Aug 2 XTERRA Mexico Championship Tapalpa, Jalisco

Aug 9 XTERRA Czech Championship+ Prachatice

Aug 16 XTERRA Germany Championship+ Zittau

Aug 17 XTERRA Canmore# Alberta, Canada

Aug 24 XTERRA England+ Cranleigh, Surrey

Aug 31 XTERRA Denmark Championship+ Tisvilde

Aug 31 XTERRA Quebec# Lac Delage, Quebec, Canada

Sept 7 XTERRA Sleeping Giant# Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Sept 20 XTERRA USA Championship Ogden/Snowbasin, UT

Oct 26 XTERRA World Championship Maui, Hawaii

+ XTERRA European Tour // ^ XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour // * XTERRA America Tour // # XTERRA Canada Series

Schedule tentative and subject to change, as of 4.18.2014 // www.xterraplanet.com // 1-877-751-8880

2014 XTERRA WORLD TOUR SCHEDULE

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March 8, 2014 (South Island, New Zealand) - The eight-stop XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour kicked off at the XTERRAMotatapu off-road triathlon on the South Island of NewZealand.

The race served as a celebration of sorts for reigningXTERRA World Champion Nicky Samuels and BradenCurrie (5th at XTERRA Worlds) as both live right there inWanaka. As a child Samuels used to ride her mountain biketo get to and from the school bus stop.

“It is an amazing place, although looking a little chilly thisyear with some fresh snow on the hills!” said Samuels, whomay have caught herself by surprise when she won Worldsin October, but not her supporters in Wanaka.

“I think I was more surprised with the win than they were, itwas almost like they expected it back home. Some of myimmediate family were there watching so they were thrilledI pulled it off...I was thrilled just to still be standing at theend,” said Samuels, who called XTERRA Worlds “honestlythe toughest race I have done.”

While the ultimate goal for Samuels is the Rio Olympics in2016, which calls for an ITU focused schedule, she hopesXTERRA is a big part of her program going forward.

“I am in for the Asia-Pacific Champs, and I’d like to get backto the World Champs again this year as well,” said Samuels.

While this was just the third year XTERRA Motatapu hasbeen part of the World Tour and offered up 14 qualifyingspots into the XTERRA World Championship, it’s the 10thanniversary for the iconic weekend of events that attractssome 4,000 competitors with races in mountain biking, anoff-road marathon, adventure runs and triathlons.

“It is out-of-this-world gorgeous,” said XTERRA Hall ofFamer Jamie Whitmore, who took part in the mountain bikerace last year.

The race is longer than your typical XTERRA, combining a2km swim in Glendhu Bay, Lake Wanaka, 47km MountainBike and a 15km mountain run over the historic Miners Trailcourse. Samuels, who won last year’s race in her first-everXTERRA, describes the course as “an awesome iconicevent, but the run is a killer on the legs.”

“The mountain bike goes through Shania Twain's propertyon a four wheel drive track through many river crossingsand over continuous rolling tussock covered hills then youend up in Arrowtown (20km out of Queenstown), transitionon the flats then head up a four wheel drive track that turnsinto a rugged goat trail,” said Samuels.

The 10th anniversary event is even more special as for thefirst time the race is under new ownership by theQueenstown Trails Trust and all net proceeds from theevent go to the maintenance and future development of theQueenstown trail network (read the release).

Braden Currie and Nicky Samuels - took the top spots atXTERRA Motatapu. Samuels, the reigning XTERRA WorldChampion, led the women’s race from start-to-finish andbroke the course record she set last year posting a winningtime of 4:17:10.

The “Swiss Miss” Renata Bucher placed 2nd and LizzieOrchard finished 3rd. The win is Samuels’ third XTERRAwin in as many attempts.

For Currie, who lives just 15 minutes from the race start, thevictory marked his third XTERRA Motatapu crown in a row.

“We had amazing weather, perfect race conditions,” saidCurrie, an adventure racer by trade who got his XTERRAcareer started in Motatapu back in 2012.

Currie led the men’s race from start to finish (althoughSamuels beat him out of the water), with Olly Shaw taking2nd and Axel Reiser finishing third (top amateur).

APAC TOUR RACE #1 - XTERRA MOTATAPU REVIEW

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APAC TOUR RACE #2- XTERRA PHILIPPINES REVIEW

Pro MenPl Name Time Swim Bike Run1 Dan Hugo, RSA 2:48:48 19:56 1:43:26 45:262 Brad Weiss, RSA 2:56:39 19:51 1:50:37 46:113 Ben Allen, AUS 3:21:52 18:57 2:11:17 51:384 Charlie Epperson, USA 3:30:07 24:03 2:09:19 56:455 Shahrom Abdullah, MAS 3:32:58 28:32 2:12:44 51:42

Pro WomenPl Name Final Swim Bike Run1 Renata Bucher, SUI 3:24:59 23:48 2:03:31 57:402 Carina Wasle, AUT 3:25:18 24:08 2:08:48 52:223 Mieko Carey, JPN 3:27:34 23:24 2:10:29 53:414 Jacqui Slack, GBR 3:29:19 22:08 2:08:03 59:085 Dimity-Lee Duke, AUS 3:42:16 24:59 2:24:02 53:156 Daz Parker, GBR 3:46:45 25:27 2:21:18 1:00:00

March 15, 2014 (Liloan, Cebu) – Dan Hugo (29,Stellenbosch, South Africa) and Renata Bucher (36,Lucerne, Switzerland) captured the 4th annual XTERRAPhilippines Championship on a steaming hot day at theseafront of Barangay Jubay in Liloan (Cebu Province) onSaturday.

Ben Allen, who won the last two XTERRA Phil titles and 9-of-10 races in the Asia-Pacific region since 2002, took theearly lead with the days fastest swim split (18:57). BradWeiss and Dan Hugo were 2nd and 3rd out of the waterabout one-minute back.

By the end of the first-of-two laps on the bike course Allenhad crashed and flatted twice allowing Hugo and Weiss tomove up front. At the swim-to-bike transition Hugo had acommanding 7-minute lead on Weiss and the only questionwas if his ankle - that he rolled so badly in his XTERRASouth Africa Championship win three weeks ago it tore hisanterior talofibular ligament - would hold up.

Not only did Hugo's ankle hold, he posted the fastest runsplit of the day to boot. It's Hugo's third straight XTERRAwin of the season (to go with titles at Buffelspoort and theSA Champs) and 9th XTERRA Championship title.

Fellow South African Bradley Weiss finished 2nd, a career-best performance. Cebu's own Joe Miller finished 3rd over-all to win the Filipino Elite Division. Allen, who carried ondespite his misfortune on the bike, placed fourth overall .

In the women's race Bucher captured the XTERRA Philcrown for the second time in three years but it wasn't easy.Jacqui Slack led out of the water and through the first lap ofthe bike before Bucher took over.

The "Swiss Miss" had the fastest women's bike split by far(it was fourth best overall behind only Hugo, Weiss & Miller)to take a big lead onto the run. It nearly wasn't big enough,however, as Austrian Carina Wasle - who had the fastestrun of the day - caught and passed Bucher toward the endof the run but "then almost fainted 300-meters from the fin-ish and Renata re-passed," explained XTERRA World Tourmanaging director Dave Nicholas.

Bucher took the tape in 3:24:59, 19 seconds ahead ofWasle for her 32nd career XTERRA Championship victory.

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APAC TOUR RACE #3 - XTERRA GUAM REVIEW

Pro MenPl Name Time1 Dan Hugo, RSA 2:28:402 Brad Weiss, RSA 2:35:433 Olly Shaw, NZL 2:39:124 Nico Sterk, RSA 2:43:525 Markus Benesch, AUT 2:45:306 Charlie Epperson, USA 2:54:057 Mark Leishman, NZL 2:55:188 Michal Bucek, SVK 3:15:339 Takahiro Ogasawara, JPN 3:23:5310 Tyce Mister, USA 3:37:08

Pro WomenPl Name Final1 Renata Bucher, SUI 3:03:522 Mieko Carey, JPN 3:04:333 Carina Wasle, AUT 3:15:11

March 29, 2014 (Piti, Guam) – South Africa’s Dan Hugo ledfrom wire-to-wire, posting the fastest swim (19:39), bike(1:24:41) and run (44:20) times of the day to capture the10th annual XTERRA Guam Championship in 2:28:40 onSaturday. In the women’s race the “Swiss Miss” RenataBucher edged fellow Aloha Racing team member and islandfavorite Mieko Carey with a winning time of 3:03:52.

The victory is Hugo’s 3rd straight on the XTERRA WorldTour, as he also captured the XTERRA South Africa inFebruary and the Philippines Championship.

“It's been a stellar two weeks on Guam,” said Hugo. “It is agreat training environment for Asian athletes needing toescape winter. Multiple running tracks, 50m pools, quietroads. It has been great for both Brad and I, and thatshowed today.”

Hugo and his travel /training buddy Bradley Weiss, also ofSouth Africa, pulled away from the entire field during thescenic, warm-water swim then tackled the signature hillclimb right out of transition to bridge a gap.

Weiss, who just turned 25-years-old, was in a world all hisown on the day - finishing second with no one in sight, whileKiwi Olly Shaw followed in third. A deep, international elitefield filled in behind with Nico Sterk (RSA), Markus Benesch(AUT), Guam-based elite Charlie Epperson - the topAmerican on the day, placing 6th overall, and MarkLeishman (NZL) rounding out the top 7.

“These people are real home grown enthusiasts for thesport, and they produce an XTERRA with soul across amemorable swim-bike-run route,” said Hugo (read his racerecap at dghugo.com). “It’s a bucket list race destination.”

Renata Bucher is the women’s Guam champ for the thirdtime in five years and collected her 33rd career XTERRAchampionship title.

Austria’s Carina Wasle posted the fastest bike split of theday and had the lead into the run but missed an arrow andwent off course, as did local favorite Mieko Carey, who wassecond out of transition.

Carey, the reigning and 4-time XTERRA Japan Champion,finished 41-seconds behind Bucher in 2nd place.

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APAC TOUR RACE #4- XTERRA GREAT OCEAN ROAD REVIEW

Pro MenPl Name Time1 Ben Allen, AUS 1:57:142 Roger Serrano, ESP 2:00:073 Drew Box, AUS 2:02:404 Mitchell Anderson, AUS 2:05:275 Alex Hunt, AUS 2:07:086 Sam Kidd, AUS 2:08:197 Jarad Kohlar, AUS 2:12:138 Eduardo Sturla, ARG 2:13:459 Ben Pattie, AUS 2:14:5210 Noah Wright, USA 2:22:26Also: Tim Beardall

Pro WomenPl Name Final1 Jacqui Slack, GBR 2:16:192 Deanna Blegg, AUS 2:27:493 Penny Hosken, AUS 2:28:414 Peri Gray, AUS 2:29:515 Annabel Luxford, AUS 2:31:226 Bernadette Dornom, AUS 2:34:527 Rebecca Hoschke, AUS 2:35:47

March 30, 2014 (Anglesea, Victoria, Australia) – Thepower couple of XTERRA, Ben Allen from Australia andJacqui Slack from Great Britain, captured the 2nd running ofthe XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-road triathlon amidst aperfect bright blue sky day in the seaside town of Anglesea,Victoria.

Interestingly, Allen didn’t post the fastest swim, bike, or runtime but still crossed the tape nearly three minutes ahead ofRoger Serrano from Spain with a winning time of 1:57:14.Drew Box, an Aussie ITU racer, was first out of the waterand also posted the fastest run split (just 11 seconds fasterin both disciplines than Allen) while Serrano had the bestbike split.

The lead Box held out of the swim-to-bike transition area atAnglesea River-mouth Park didn’t last long as Allen andSerrano sped along the early stages of the bike route thatfeatured breathtaking views of the Surf Coast Walk beforedipping into some rugged bushland and single track.

Allen and Serrano came into the bike-to-run transitiontogether, then Allen pulled away and put the hammer downon the 10K trail run that featured a mixture of soft sand, cliffface and headland.

It’s Allen’s first major win of the season, coming off a 2013career-year when he posted an unprecedented sevenXTERRA World Tour race victories

In the women's race Aussie ITU and IM 70.3 great AnnabelLuxford started strong in her XTERRA debut using herAussie surf skills to lead Slack out of the water. Of note,age grouper Natalie Marshall - a champion Surf Swimmer -exited 1st ahead of both of them.

Slack showcased her XTERRA mountain bike skills rightaway by riding through the soft sand and into the trails in thefirst 200-meters, a spot where Luxford had to walk her bikethrough, and there was no looking back after that. Slackposted the quickest bike and run splits on the day to crossthe line in 2:16:19, more than 11-minutes ahead of runner-up Deanna Blegg.

“I had a solid ride but had no idea how far ahead I was,” saidSlack, winner of four XTERRA World tour races last season.

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APAC TOUR RACE #5 - XTERRA SAIPAN REVIEW

Pro MenPl Name Final Swim Bike Run1 Ben Allen, AUS 2:34:29 20:18 1:22:20 50:352 Dan Hugo, RSA 2:39:01 20:33 1:22:26 54:413 Brad Weiss, RSA 2:44:11 21:18 1:26:45 54:254 Olly Shaw, NZ 2:45:54 22:34 1:25:59 55:335 Olivier Marceau, SUI 2:49:48 22:45 1:28:35 56:506 Nico Sterk, RSA 2:52:56 22:41 1:28:46 59:467 Takahiro Ogasawara, JPN 2:54:48 25:31 1:29:45 57:398 Markus Benesch, AUT 3:00:33 22:47 1:33:29 1:02:269 Aleksandr Dorovskikh, RUS 3:01:24 26:15 1:33:46 59:2710 Mark Leishman, NZL 3:02:51 26:41 1:34:16 1:00:16Also: Charlie Epperson, Michal Bucek

Pro WomenPl Name Final Swim Bike Run1 Carina Wasle, AUT 3:06:31 26:23 1:40:29 57:582 Renata Bucher, SUI 3:07:41 25:35 1:38:54 1:01:243 Jacqui Slack, GBR 3:12:21 24:18 1:42:36 1:03:504 Mieko Carey, JPN 3:16:32 24:43 1:44:21 1:05:565 Yasuko Miyazaki, JPN 4:08:42 27:19 2:31:06 1:07:36

April 5, 2014 (Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands) –Aussie Ben Allen and Austrian Carina Wasle won the 13thrunning of the XTERRA Saipan Championship on a breezyand beautiful Saturday morning in the Northern Marianas.

It’s Allen’s 3rd-straight win in Saipan, his second victory onthe World Tour in as many weeks (he won XTERRA inAustralia last weekend) and the 14th of his career.

“Never gets any easier, that’s for sure,” said Allen. “Dan(Hugo) and I broke away from the main pack in the swimand then went back-and-forth on the bike the whole way.”

“He had me covered,” said Hugo. “I was trying to beaggressive on the bike, and over the top I might have got10-seconds on him and was hoping to build on that but hewas superb on the technical stuff. I took a bad line at onepoint and that 10 seconds up turned into 10-seconds down.I’ll tell you, I enjoyed the dual, it was a great tussle.”

Allen took a 20-second lead into the signature Saipan runcourse and then put the hammer down.nBrad Weiss wassolid all-around to finish 3rd in Saipan for the second yearin a row. It’s Weiss’ fourth top 4 finish of the season.

Carina Wasle put together the “perfect day” to win her firstXTERRA major since 2011 and her first in four-years of try-ing on the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour.

Defending champ Jacqui Slack took the early lead out of theswim, with Mieko Carey close behind, Renata Bucher morethan a minute back and Wasle over two minutes behind.

Bucher, a 7-time XTERRA Saipan Champ, took the lead onthe bike with the fastest split of the day and headed out onto the run with a two-minute gap on Wasle but it wasn’tenough.

“I pushed really hard on the bike and felt good but Carinawas a lot stronger on the run today,” said Bucher, who willstay on in Saipan and race in next week’s Tagaman road tri.“I can tell you already a fantastic week, it’s a wonderful lifehere.”

Wasle posted the fastest run-split of the day, the onlywoman to run the grueling jungle course in less than anhour.

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APAC TOUR RACE #6 - XTERRA NEW ZEALAND REVIEW

Pro MenPl Name Time1 Conrad Stoltz, RSA 2:04:512 Ben Allen, AUS 2:05:313 Olly Shaw, NZL 2:07:284 Sam Osborne,NZL 2:08:555 Roger Serrano, ESP 2:11:276 Sam Shaw,NZL 2:13:147 Sam Gardner, GBR 2:15:058 Clark Ellice, NZL 2:16:179 Josh Kenyon, NZL 2:16:1910 Nick Moore, NZL 2:16:34Also: Andrew Small, Tayler Reid, Noah WrightPro WomenPl Name Final1 Barbara Riveros, CHI 2:18:322 Jacqui Slack, GBR 2:24:143 Sarah Backler, NZL 2:27:444 Lizzie Orchard, NZL 2:30:205 Rachel Challis, NZL 2:30:596 Nic Leary, NZL 2:35:06

April 12, 2014 (Rotorua, New Zealand) – OlympiansConrad Stoltz of South Africa and Barbara Riveros of Chilecaptured the 12th annual XTERRA New ZealandChampionship race on a beautiful Saturday morning aroundthe Blue Lake in Rotorua.

Stoltz, a four-time XTERRA World Champion and three-timeITU Cross Triathlon World Champion, set his sights ondiscovering the adventure and thrill of racing in some of theworld’s most amazing venues in 2014 and got off to arollicking start for that today.

“The course was phenomenal, exactly what I expected,”said Stoltz after the win. “I heard so many good thingsabout it and saw footage of it on the internet. When I sawthe course I thought wow, this is just phenomenal. I wish Icould stay longer and ride some more and see the rest ofthe trails out here.”

“I saw a wallaby, all the tree ferns, this beautiful lake, it’s juststunningly beautiful here,” said Stoltz. “Even the run, it’sshaded the whole way, lush and green. Plus, the Kiwis arecrazy about their triathlon and are very knowledgeableabout the sport so it was great to come out and be part ofthe XTERRA family here.”

In her fourth-ever XTERRA race Barbara Riveros capturedher first-ever XTERRA Championship. “Pretty happy withmy performance today,” said Riveros, who placed 8th lastweekend at the ITU World Triathlon Series opener inAuckland, New Zealand. “It’s hard to spend much time onmy mountain bike because my focus is ITU and next monthwe start qualification for Rio.”

Great Britain XTERRA star Jacqui Slack, the 2012 NewZealand Champ, pushed Riveros to the breaking point onthe bike before succumbing to her phenomenal fitness.

“Jacqui was pushing so hard on the bike, and came so veryclose to dropping me,” said Riveros. “I had to put the ham-mer down just to stay with her. I’m really happy for herbecause she has brought her mountain bike skill to anotherlevel. She’s another athlete compared to last year.”

The Paymark XTERRA Rotorua Festival is one of the singlebiggest multisport events in the world, with more than 2,000racers taking part in a variety of challenges.

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APAC TOUR RACE #8 - XTERRA MALAYSIA PREVIEW

On Saturday, May 3, a week after the XTERRA Asia-PacificChampionship race, the second-running of XTERRAMalaysia will take place in Putrajaya, just outside thecapital city of Kuala Lumpur.

The race combines a one-mile swim in the gorgeous, man-made Putrajaya Lake fronting the Maritime Centre with an18-mile mountain bike through Challenge Park featuringworld-class trails followed by one of the most diverse andadventurous six-mile trail runs on the XTERRA Planet.

“It was a fantastic event. The swim was superb, course wasunreal, and there were loads of volunteers. First-class allthe way,” said last year’s men’s winner Ben Allen.

Dan Hugo, who like Allen has traveled extensively acrossthe region, also spoke highly of the course andorganization.

“So much fine detail, I can’t say enough of the organizationand tourism board. Massive amount of vollies, impeccablesignage, they didn’t hold back on anything and went theextra yard wherever they could. It’s a phenomenal location,and a really, really fun course. When the race started themoon was visible and we hit the sunrise perfectly to see thecity scape. The water was like a pool, glassy with lane rope,and the bike was almost Richmond-like, a fun mix of every-thing and never a straight line. It was super entertaining,and the culture shows through here, very courteous, warmpeople.” said Hugo.

Indeed for all involved it was a spectacular event andassures to be even better in 2014. The natural landscape inPutrajaya is one of pure adventure, and the mix of epic sin-gletrack switchbacks and the most diverse, remarkable runcourse imaginable combined for an instant classic. With anawe-inspiring host hotel at the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside,superb organization, and so much to see and experience inthe immediate and surrounding areas XTERRA Malaysia inPutrajaya is sure to become a World Tour stable.

“Lived it, loved it,” said XTERRA Pro Daz Parker.“Amazingly organized and executed by Race Director DaveSpence and his team of wonderful smiley volunteers.”

See images from last year & learn more at xterramy.com.

TEAM UNLIMITEDTEAM Unlimited is a Hawaii-based television events and marketing company, foundedin 1988. It owns and produces XTERRA and in 2014 will offer more than 300XTERRA off-road triathlon and trail running races in 25+ countries worldwide. In theU.S. alone nearly 200,000 participants took part in the XTERRA lifestyle last year. Inaddition, TEAM TV has produced more than 300 adventure television shows resultingin three Emmy’s and 42 Telly Awards for production excellence since 1990. Viewsamples at www.xterra.tv, and learn more at xterraplanet.com and xterratrailrun.com.

XTERRA THROUGH TIME1996: 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 XTERRA in Australia - Jody Mielke and Paul Amey win the XTERRA Australia Championship2002: 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 Tour2005: First year of the stand-alone XTERRA Trail Running Series and Nevada Passage Adventure Competition.2011: More than 100 XTERRA off-road triathlon races and 70+ XTERRA Trail Runs. The first year of the XTERRA Asia-

Pacific Tour with races in the Philippines, Saipan, Guam, and Japan2012: First year for the XTERRA Guam Championship and the “Triple Crown” of Guam, Philippines, and Saipan on back-

to-back-to-back weekends in March.2014: Now more than 200 events in 26 countries worldwide, including expanded Asia-Pacific Tour with races in New

Zealand, Philippines, Australia, Saipan, Guam, and Malaysia, and the first-ever Asia-Pacific Championship.

TEAM TV

Since 1990 TEAM TVhas produced more than

300 television showsresulting in three

regional Emmy’s and42 Telly Awards for

production excellence.

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XTERRA.TV - FREE 24/7 WEB TV NETWORKCheck out XTERRA.TV to watch a wide variety of XTERRA programming right now. Available content, which is updatedweekly, features everything from the XTERRA World Championship show to adventures in New South Wales, Australia.To see the XTERRA broadcast schedule visit www.xterraplanet.com.

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XTERRASHOP.COM

At XTERRAShop.com XTERRA fanatics can find everything from technical apparel to XTERRA-branded treadmills,watches, sunglasses, wetsuits, stand-up paddleboards, coffee and more�

The Story of how a Sport was born, and a Brand evolved...

“The single best meeting ground for the

best triathletes in the world. Ironman,

ITU, Olympic, 70.3, Winter Triathlon,

and Mountain bike champs have all com-

peted at XTERRA.” – Jimmy Archer

“The Captain Morgan of triathlon!”

– Christiane Reetz

“A Way of Life,” – J. Rittling

“An Epic adventure that tests your will,”– Bruce Rogers

“The coolest, most diverse, challenging andfunnest competition ever!” – Molly Hummel

“An addiction,” – Jayne Peterlin

“Blood, Sweat, & Beers!” – J. Walsh

“An extreme test of endurance,skill, and guts.” – J. Middaugh

“Adventure!” – Mark Leishman

“One of the toughest thingsI’ve ever done, but well

worth it,” – Chris Holt

“A gnarly way to communewith nature!” – Brandyn Roark

Gray

“Living more through competition, meetingwonderful, like-minded people and traveling

to beautiful venues,” – Libby Harrow

XTERRA is ...

hile the first-ever XTERRAwas “born on the beach” onthe island of Maui in 1996,the origins of the brandwere rooted in events that

took place in the late '80's when Tom Kiely(pictured), the CEO of TEAM Unlimited, wastasked with creating more publicity for theWaikiki Oahu Visitors Association.

::: SPORTS TV WAS THE BIG IDEA :::

"First, sports are a big part of our culture inHawaii, and second, what looks better on TVthan the beaches and ocean," explained Kiely.

The concept was pretty simple. Sports andentertainment is one of the biggest industries inthe world and the travel industry is THEBIGGEST industry in the world. Bring those twotogether in programming, and you've got some-thing big.

So, Kiely came up with the idea for the HawaiianInternational Ocean Challenge - a lifeguardskills competition that attracted water safety spe-cialists from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii,and California. Then, he forged a relationship

with ESPN - the worldwide leader in sports. In 1990 the Ocean Challenge was broadcast onESPN, and millions of viewers were exposed tothe beauty of Waikiki - the sun, sand, and crystalclear blue water of the Pacific Ocean.

"So we get into producing the Ocean Challenge,"says Kiely. "And now I'm thinking I've got allthese athletes and TV crews and if it costs methis much to produce one show, it'll cost less foranother, and even less for a third."

::: ESPN BUYS IN :::

ESPN approves two more shows (Waikiki King'sRace and Diamond Head Wahine WindsurfingClassic) and in 1991 TEAM Unlimited producedthree events and three TV shows. The conceptwas working, and Hawaii was reaping thebenefits of the outdoor exposure the shows weregenerating.

"So the next year (‘92) we produced sevenHawaiian Sports Adventure Shows.…multiplesegments, different stories, great scenics, and30-minutes of entertaining stuff," said Kiely.

Those seven shows were in addition to theOcean Challenge and a few other televisedevents, including theinaugural Tour O' Hawaii.

"Tour O’ Hawaii, now that wasa great event," said DaveNicholas, the race director forTEAM Unlimited.

"The Tour O' Hawaii happened before procyclists were allowed to compete in the Olympicsso the top riders from every country kept their

amateur status so they could race in theOlympics. We had George Hincapie, JanUlrich,Tyler Hamilton, and lots of others - a who'swho of international cycling," said Nicholas.

A few years later the Olympics allowed pros tocompete, road cycling in the U.S. was on thedecline, and the Tour O' Hawaii was no more. Atthe same time, however, mountain biking wastaking off. So in 1995, in addition to 12 other TVshows and several events, TEAM Unlimitedproduced the Hawaiian Mountain Tour.

In doing so Nicholas and mountain bike Hall-of-Famer Dean Crandall established the rules andheld the first-ever mountain bike stage race. Thisis also where many of the XTERRA greats firstappeared. The likes of Ned Overend, Shari Kain,Melanie McQuaid, Steve Larsen, Mike Kloser,Leslie Tomlinson, and host of others were takingpart in the Hawaiian Mountain Tour. Now theseraces took place at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu,where the Koolau mountain range meets theocean, and the story goes that after their racesthe mountain bikers would ride down to thebeach and jump in the water. It sparked anidea…why not have a mountain bike triathlon?

By 1996 TEAM Unlimited had produced morethan 50 shows and sporting events, and whilethe idea of an off-road triathlon was enticing...who'd pay for it?

::: LOOKING FOR A GRAND IDEA :::

Almost simultaneously, the Aston Hotel in Maui(now the Wailea Marriott Resort) was shoppingfor a good idea for their grand opening and theMaui Visitors Bureau was looking for a newevent that could tell a different story about Maui'ssouth shore because all the exposure up to thatpoint was golf. Well, what better way to show offthe hotel and south shore than 1) starting therace at this beautiful beach in front of the spon-sor hotel, 2) follow a race that covers 21 miles ofterrain with two dozen cameras, and 3) put it onTV for the whole world to see?

Kiely likes to define luck as the "intersection ofopportunity and activity. So, I called Aston andthe MVB and said O.K., I've got the idea, here'sthe thing ... bing, bang, boom," said Kiely.

PART I : THE PREQUEL

W

The XTERRA Story

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At the finish line of that very first race in 1996 itwas clear that XTERRA was going to be morethan just a one-off event. There was passion inthe eyes of the competitors and an unwaveringfeeling that XTERRA was destined to become alifestyle…a movement.

The Fox Sports Net broadcast of that originalevent (which you can watch in its entirety rightnow on XTERRA.TV) exposed the new andexciting sport to the nation, and the responseset the table for the future of a sport.

“That race was magical, and the reaction byeveryone – our staff, the competitors, the hotel,the Maui Visitors Bureau, the people thatwatched on TV, was that we had truly uncov-ered something special,” explained Kiely.

In the early days there was no grand strategy ormaster plan, rather more of a reaction to themarketplace and people saying ‘bring XTERRAto our community’.

As such TEAM Unlimited put on four XTERRAraces in 1997, five in 1998, and in 1999 thestars aligned with Nissan and a 10-stop “XTER-RA America Tour” was put in place to help thecar giant promote its new SUV in an authenticway.

“What we learned after that year was that 10events were not enough to satisfy the demand

for the thousands of people who wanted to getback to the roots of endurance sports, go off-road and have fun. A bigger event plan wasmandated,” said Janet Clark, President ofTEAM Unlimited.

To meet the challenge TEAM Unlimited shelvedits other event properties and concentrated onthe growth of XTERRA. A key ingredient in thatevolution would be Janet Clark, a former “AdWoman of the Year” while at Ogilvy and Mather.Born and raised in Canberra, Australia, Clarkbrought 25 years of media and marketingexperience to the table and together with Kielyand Nicholas - the “Big Three” put together aplan on how to take XTERRA to the next level.

Armed with the knowledge that a) XTERRA wasbuilding from the ground up and its grass rootsappeal was dynamic, b) the enthusiasm for thesport went beyond the U.S. borders, c) XTER-RA was turning into a media darling with signif-icant coverage in magazine, newspapers, andTV and, d) even people outside of triathlon wereattracted to XTERRA – the initial expansionsteps were written on the chalkboard:

t’s well documented thatthe first-ever XTERRA wasthe World Championship inMaui, but that race wasn’tactually called XTERRA,it was “AquaTerra.”

Turned out, however, that AquaTerra was trade-marked by a kayak company in South Carolinaand they wanted some big-time $$$ if TEAMUnlimited wanted to keep using the name.

Instead of dishing out cash to make the kayakcompany famous, Kiely came up with“XTERRA”.

“I wanted something that could mean manythings to many people so there would be roomfor expansion,” said Kiely. “The X is a numericalterm which means “unknown” and Terra is Latin

for land/territory, thus … “Unknown territory.” Kiely also had the foresight to register the namein all major product categories includingautomobile and it was just weeks later whenNissan – after months and a million dollarsworth of market research on what to name theirnew SUV – decided on Xterra and called him upto secure the rights.

Long story short, TEAM kept XTERRA andNissan got the license to the name for their newSUV in exchange for a sponsorship deal thatlasted nine years and spurred the growth ofXTERRA triathlons.

Part II : The StoryBehind the Name

“XTERRA is this cosmic blend of specialized training, arduous racing,incredible camaraderie and friendships with competitors and

TEAM Unlimited that defies description, and it’s an irreplaceable component of my life,” – Kent Robison

Clark is a “hands-on” executive, as seen here body marking a competitor before the race

I

Conrad “The Caveman” Stoltz is a 4x XTERRA WorldChamp and social marketing guru - see conradstoltz.com

PART III : THE MAGIC

- Reach as many communities as we can

- Produce a substantial national TV package

- Start planning for international growth

- Register and own the trademark name of XTERRA in all

of the primary countries for all appropriate categories

- Build the foundation of the XTERRA community

- Begin development of new XTERRA products, media

and properties

61

TERRA has grown at anamazing rate through theyears. In 2000 theXTERRA Gear licensingbusiness was launched

and the World Tour was born with races inEngland, Japan and Canada.

In 2001 the XTERRA Point Series was createdwith 19 races leading up to the USAChampionship. The Series was (and still is)marvelously structured, providing a bona-fidechampionship for age-group athletes tocompete within their region, then against thebest across the U.S. to determine a legitimatenational champion. It opened the door fordestinations across the country to showcasetheir trails and natural beauty; and it solidifiedthe “Live More” lifestyle as like-minded athletesfrom all different backgrounds were creating theclosest of friendships through the sport.

The XTERRA Adventures TV Series was alsoborn in 2001 and the terms “Adventure” and“XTERRA” would be linked together forever. By2003 there were 50 XTERRA races to competein and by 2004 there was a full-blown XTERRAEuropean Tour.

The Year Two Thousand and Five marked theinaugural season for the Trail Running Series.In 2008 that Series culminated with the first-ever XTERRA Trail Running WorldChampionship – which was highlighted onXTERRA.TV, a 24/7 web TV network featuringXTERRA events and adventures from aroundthe world.

Part IV : From a Vision to a Lifestyle

X

Razor Ridge at the top of the XTERRA Worlds bike course in Maui

Each dirt-strewn step in XTERRA’s development built the foundation of the Brand – which

revolves around its community.

An Emerging Lifestyle Brand...

The XTERRA Live More Membership Card

XTERRA Watches by Rockwell

XTERRA Fitness - Treadmills, Fitness Bikes, Ellipticals

XTERRA Wetsuits

XTERRA Stand Up Paddleboards

XTERRA technical and active lifestyle apparel

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oday, 18 years after thatfirst race, XTERRA hasgrown into a globalphenomenon with morethan 300 events in 26countries. It has estab-

lished off-road tri and trail running series. It hasbranded products from wetsuits to watches tofitness equipment, tech wear and apparel. Itproduces a bevy of national and internationallybroadcast TV productions and hosts an onlinevideo channel. XTERRAPlanet.com garnersmore than 30 million impressions per year.There are training programs across the U.S.and introductory distance races for newcomers.The sport dishes out more than a half-milliondollars in prize money to attract the worlds lead-ing multisport athletes. XTERRA recognizeshometown heroes (everyday athletes from allwalks of life) as national and world champions.It puts on kids races and the XTERRAFoundation provides educational opportunitiesfor at-risk kids. And, it has an incredible line-upof sponsors & partners and tens of thousands ofthe most enthusiastic participants on the planet.

T

The executive summary for the 2013 XTERRAAnnual Report shaped up like this...

- 188,000 participants- 45 million TV viewers- 29 million advertising impressions- 4 million grassroots impressions- 247 million publicity impressions- 33 million website impressions

“XTERRA is ... family, friends, and fun. It’s always adventurous and younever know what’s in store for you – but you can always count on a

smile or a joke or something to make your day.” – Linda Lindsay

XTERRA Kids Rock!

Celebrating positive role models for the next generation Mother Nature is your toughest competitor

The Spooky Forest in Malaysia The Blood Rock section at XTERRA Alabama

Block Party after USA Championship in Ogden, UtahThe most scenic courses on the planet

Feb 24 XTERRA South AfricaGrabouw, Western Cape

M XTERRA PhilippinesCebuXTERRA Costa RicaPlaya ConchalXTERRA Saipan Northern MarianasXTERRA GuamPitiXTERRA AustraliaAsia-PacificChampionship in NSW

A XTERRA New ZealandIn Motatapu and RotoruaXTERRA MalaysiaPutrajayaXTERRA Spain Cieza, MurciaXTERRA GreeceLake PlastiraXTERRA Brazil Ilhabela, Sao PauloXTERRA SwitzerlandVallee de JouxXTERRA France Xonrupt, GerardmerXTERRA Canada

5 Five races from coast-to-coastXTERRA ItalyScanno, L'AquilaXTERRA MexicoTapalpa, JaliscoXTERRA Nordic SeriesSweden, Denmark & NorwayXTERRA CzechPrachaticeXTERRA Germany ZittauXTERRA MauritiusBois CheriXTERRA PortugalGolegaXTERRA EnglandCranleigh, SurreyXTERRA IrelandKillaloeXTERRA USA 70-race XTERRA America TourXTERRA World ChampionshipMaui, Hawaii

HONOR ROLLXTERRA World Tour

It was “the people” who nurtured XTERRA’s growth and it will be their desires, needs, andinterests that set the path for its future.

Many brands start with a product and then use marketing tools to try and build a relationship withthe community. XTERRA did the reverse…it began with the community – the active lifestylemarket - and everything flowed from that first impression, that initial connection.

With that comes another list, another chalkboard full of ideas and dreams and visions…

500 Events in 50 countriesMore than a million participants

XTERRA branded products success storiesAn XTERRA Television Network

XTERRA Experiential Retail StoresXTERRA Camps, Clinics, and Travel

XTERRA Health and Fitness Mobile Marketing ToursXTERRA Foundation working to make the world a better place

“The most important thing we created was a relationship, a friendshipwith our XTERRA Tribe,” said Kiely. “It is this foundation, this very real andauthentic relationship, that makes us a respected and recognizedemerging brand and it is what will carry us to great heights in the future.”

Part V : The Future

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