APRIL 28, 2013 - PRESS GUIDE

XTERRA stars Ben Allen from Australia and Dan Hugo from South Africaresume their early season rivalry at XTERRA Malaysia in Putrajaya - April 28

In 1996 mountain biking and triathlon met in a duelof the fittest on the island of Maui. The raceconsisted of an open-ocean swim, a mountain bikerace, and a trail run. It represented a bold newracing format that attracted outdoor enthusiasts,adventure seekers, mountain bikers & triathletes.The mountain bikers brought their laid-back styleand bold self-assurance. The triathletes broughttheir hard-core training and avid dedication. Theysoon discovered a common “Live More” spirit thatpulled them together. The relationship flourishedinto an internationally-recognized brand calledXTERRA, and today there are tens of thousandsof athletes not only taking part in the races, buttruly living the lifestyle.

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

2013 marks the 18th consecutive year of XTERRAracing, and the first year for XTERRA Malaysia inPutrajaya that will award $15,000 in prize moneyfor pros and 15 qualifying spots to the XTERRAWorld Championship for amateurs.

This guide will introduce you to some of theprofessional athletes that will race in the world’spremier off-road triathlon in Putrajaya on April 28.

Leap into Adventure

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Media Contact: Trey Garman808-792-2603 or trey@xterraplanet.comwww.xterraplanet.com / www.xterra.tv

Malaysia is Back!

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The next stop on the adventurous XTERRA World Tour isApril 28 at Putrajaya, Malaysia, just outside the capital cityof Kuala Lumpur.

The race will combine a one-mile swim in Putrajaya Lakefronting the Maritime Centre with an 18-mile mountain bikethrough Challenge Park and a 6-mile trail run. The weekendwill be packed with activities with a Sprint distance off-roadtri and trail runs happening the day before on April 27 and aTeam Relay option running concurrently with thechampionship contenders on the 28th.

“We’ve got a vibrant, growing participant base in Asia andare thrilled to offer athletes another opportunity to race off-road, experience a new destination, and qualify for theXTERRA World Championship,” said XTERRA PresidentJanet Clark. “XTERRA is a great fit for Malaysia – a placewhere adventure reigns - and we’re very happy to welcomenew athletes from the region into our Tribe.”

It marks the first-time XTERRA has held a qualifying event(15 slots to top age groupers into the XTERRA WorldChampionship) in Malaysia since the inaugural race in 2009.

Putrajaya, which sits just 25 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur,joins established XTERRA World Tour events in the regionthat include XTERRA Philippines (March 2), XTERRASaipan (March 9), XTERRA Guam (March 23), andXTERRA Japan (August 24).

“Putrajaya is rich in nature and serene landscapes,” saidorganizer Eunice Lee of RADIUS MALAYSIA. “There is somuch to explore here and with XTERRA we can provide anopportunity for visitors and locals alike to experience thenature that Malaysia has to offer.”

To get a taste of what’s in store for competitors XTERRAsent seasoned age-group athlete Fraser Morrison on arecon mission of the course and culture of the area.

Morrison, a native of Scotland living and working inSingapore as the CEO of a financial services brokerage,was uniquely qualified for the mission. He got his first tasteof XTERRA at the inaugural Malaysia event in 2009, andhas since traveled and competed in XTERRA events inJapan, the Philippines, and Maui.

“I love XTERRA, the people, the atmosphere, the way thepros are so accessible and humble, everyone gets on andit’s great fun,” said Morrison. “Plus, it’s taken me to venuesthat I would not normally go.”

One such venue is where he’ll be next, lining up in PutrajayaLake with some of the sport’s biggest stars.

The pro field includes a cast of decorated XTERRA elitesincluding Aussie Ben Allen, Brits Sam Gardner, Jacqui Slackand Daz Parker, Carina Wasle from Austria, Dan Hugo fromSouth Africa, Mieko Carey from Saipan, Renata Bucherfrom Switzerland, Takahiro Ogasawara from Japan, PeriGray from Australia, and local Shahrom Abdullah.

Their challenge, orchestrated by race director Dave Spence– an XTERRA racer himself - will be new to one-and-all.

“It’s a beautiful setting, and starts with a lovely fresh waterlake swim,” explained Morrison. “The mountain bike isthrough a rainforest and some fantastic single track mixedwith nice technical riding but nothing too hardcore. It will befast but a great ride. And the run is part jungle adventurewith a finish in a stadium style atmosphere, very spectatorfriendly and destined to be awesome.”

Spence has been sensational in sharing details of the routeand easy-to-read maps, course descriptions, and videoscan be found on both the XTERRA Malaysia website,xterramy.com, and on facebook at facebook.com/xterramy.

More than 770 athletes are signed-up for the weekend,which also includes 5km and 11km trail runs and a sprinttriathlon to expose newcomers to the sport.

“The locals here love to get out, and the Malaysianmountain bike scene is huge,” said Morrison. “This will bea great race. They have a terrific team in place, and areextremely organized."

Pro Race Preview

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HEAD-TO-HEAD AGAIN : Sunday’s XTERRA Malaysia off-road tri in Putrajaya is sure to be a shootout with RenataBucher up against Jacqui Slack in the women’s elite racewhile Ben Allen takes on Dan Hugo in the men’s title bout.

It’ll be the sixth time this season Bucher and Slack will beracing against each other. In their first meeting two-timeWorld Champ Lesley Paterson got the best of both of themto win XTERRA Philippines (Renata was 2nd, Jacqui 4th).

Slack won the next two XTERRA Championship races inSaipan and Guam (Renata was 3rd/2nd) before Bucher wonthe last two on back-to-back weekends in Australia and NewZealand earlier this month (Slack was 2nd at both).

For the men, it’s Ben vs. Dan part IV, with Allen winning allthree previous meetings at XTERRA Philippines, Saipan,and Guam on his way to winning the Triple Crown in March.Hugo was second at all three.

While Allen kept racing, finishing 2nd in Australia toCourtney Atkinson then winning the XTERRA New ZealandChampionship on April 13, Hugo went home to South Africafor a solid block of training.

Will Bucher be able to win her third race in four weeks?Is Allen on his way to one of the most dominating World Tourseasons in XTERRA history? Can Slack get back to the topspot? And, is Hugo ready to breakthrough and win his firstXTERRA title since capturing the South Africa crown in2011?

All compelling questions, with many more unknowns to bepondered such as whom this new course might favor themost?

There are several other key players to consider as well.Sam Gardner, Takahiro Ogasawara, Carina Wasle andMieko Carey are all champions in their own right havingcollectively won XTERRA titles in Japan and Europe inyears gone by.

Other elites include professional stuntwoman Daz Parker,who could be masterminding her biggest trick yet, plusAussie rookie Peri Gray and the lone local pro – ShahromAbdullah, who grew up just a half-hour away in KualaLumpur.

One thing is for certain, another exciting race in yet anotherexotic location as the XTERRA World Tour discovers thetrails and terrain of Putrajaya.

Renata

Meet the Pros

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Ben Allen, AUS Renata Bucher, SUI

Peri Gray, AUS Sam Gardner, GBR

Daz Parker, GBR

Takahiro Ogasawara, JPNDan Hugo, RSA

Jacqui Slack, GBR Carina Wasle, AUT

Mieko Carey, JPNShahrom Abdullah, MAS

Shahrom Abdullah

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ShahromSHAHROM ABDULLAH

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

PERSONAL: Born July 20, 1979WEBSITE: facebook.com/shahrom.abdullah.1SPONSORS: MALAKOFF Corporation Berhad, NIKEMalaysia, POWERBAR Malaysia, CANNASIA, OAKLEYMalaysia. SKINS 'Transview Malaysia'.RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2012 PutrajayaInternational Triathlon and Mukah Internationalchampion...Has been racing ITU Triathlon Asian Cuptriathlon and duathlon races since 2005, placing as high as8th at the 2009 Subic Bay Asian Duathlon Championshipsand 14th at the Subic Bay tri in 2010.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: First year, placed 6th at theXTERRA Philippines Championship race in Cebu on March2 in first-ever XTERRA.2013: Placed 3rd at the Samui Triathlon and was 6th promale at XTERRA Philippines.

Ben Allen

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BenBEN ALLEN

North Wollongong, Australia2012-13 XTERRA Triple Crown Champ

FINAL 2012 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 3PERSONAL: 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, DextroEnergy, Schnell Carbon Wheels, Rocket Science Sports,Craft, Ryders Eyewear Australia, Greepers Lacers, EkoiHelmets & Connect Sports Australia BIKE/SHOE: Giant 29’er / OnXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Third 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: Has won four of five XTERRA World TourChampionship races to start the year. Won the XTERRAPhilippines, XTERRA Saipan, and XTERRA GuamChampionships in March, finished 2nd to Olympian CourtneyAtkinson at XTERRA Great Ocean Road in Australia, thenwon the XTERRA New Zealand Championship for thesecond straight year on April 13.QUOTE: XTERRA has given me the unique opportunity totravel the world, meet amazing people and visit some of themost beautiful places on the planet. I'm definitely ..."Living More"

Renata Bucher

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RENATA BUCHERLucerne, Switzerland

2012 XTERRA Triple Crown Champion4-time XTERRA European Tour Champ

FINAL 2012 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: t2PERSONAL: Born May 30, 1977...attended the Universityof Zuerich.WEBSITE: renatabucher.chSPONSORS: Intercheese AG, Temposport-exersciences,Baumat, PIC, Asics, PowerbarXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year.RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has won 31 XTERRAChampionship races in 14 countries, the U.S. Territory ofGuam and the Commonwealth of the Northern MarianaIslands (Saipan).FAVORITE XTERRA: Saipan2004: 9th at XTERRA Germany in first-ever XTERRA.2005: Won XTERRA Saipan, and was second at Tagamanto win the PIC Double with a combined time of 6:14:11.Was 3rd at Temecula, won XTERRA Czech (beating threeWorld Champs in Angle, McQuaid, and Whitmore in theprocess), 3rd at XTERRA Italy, 5th in Richmond, wonXTERRA Austria, second at XTERRA Spain, and third atXTERRA Germany. Won the XTERRA European Tour andwas 9th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Placed 4th atWorld Champs in Maui.2006: Won everything she entered starting with XTERRASaipan, then a clean sweep in Europe with victories atFrance, Italy, Czech, Spain, and UK. Won second straightXTERRA European Title. Placed 5th at World Champs.Placed 4th at Tagaman and was 2nd in the PIC Doublestandings behind Whitmore.2007: Won XTERRA Saipan Championship then injurieskept her sidelined for the rest of the season.2008: Won XTERRA Saipan for the fourth straight year,plus the Tagaman Triathlon and Pacific Islands Club Doubleaward, placed 2nd at XTERRA European Championship inItaly, won XTERRA France-Auron, was second at XTERRAAustria, won XTERRA France-Mondelieu and her thirdstraight Euro Tour title. Also won XTERRA Japan, was 2ndat XTERRA USA, and 4th at XTERRA Worlds.2009: Won XTERRA Saipan for 5th straight year, theTagaman road tri on Saipan a week later and the PacificIslands Club Resort Double award for having the fastestcombined time in the 2 races. Finished 4th at XTERRAWest, 2nd at Midwest, 3rd at Southeast Cup, won XTERRAMalaysia, won XTERRA Italy, was 2nd at XTERRA Czech,won XTERRA Northeast Cup (her first win in the U.S.), wonXTERRA European Championship in Austria and the Euro

Renata

Tour for the fourth time, was 8th at XTERRA USA Champs,and 14th at XTERRA Worlds.2010: Won five races, starting with XTERRA Saipan for 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 back-to-back races at the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-road tri inAustralia and the XTERRA New Zealand Championship.

Mieko Carey

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MIEKO CAREYTumon, Guam

Three-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 TechnicalCollege...fromJapan, Mieko spent many years in Saipanand now works as personal trainer and pilates instructor inGuam when not racing. SPONSORS: Salomon, Zoot, Suunto, IT&E, Giant, BrabuPharmacyXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth 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, and5th at XTERRA Guam.

Mieko

Sam Gardner

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SAM GARDNERSurrey, United Kingdom

Three-time XTERRA Saipan Champion2011 XTERRA Saipan/Philippines Champ

PERSONAL: Born April 29, 1975.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. WEBSITE: samgardner.com2006: Finished 4th at XTERRA Spain and 15th at Worlds.2007: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Saipan, 7th at XTERRADenmark, 5th at XTERRA Austria, 14th at XTERRAGermany, and 9th at XTERRA England. Placed 14th atXTERRA USA Championship and World Championship.2008: Placed 9th at XTERRA European Championships inItaly, 6th at XTERRA UK, 7th at XTERRA France in Auron,10th at XTERRA Austria. Won XTERRA Japan becomingthe first male Brit to win an XTERRA Championship race.Placed 11th at XTERRA USA Champs.2009: Won XTERRA Guam, XTERRA Saipan, and thePacific Islands Club Double for having the best combinedtimes in XTERRA Saipan and Tagaman triathlon. Placed11th at XTERRA Italy, 3rd at XTERRA Malaysia, 4th atXTERRA Czech, 8th at XTERRA Germany, 3rd at XTERRAAustria, won XTERRA Japan, was 4th at the NortheastCup, and 9th at the Mountain Cup.2010: Won XTERRA Saipan, was 13th at XTERRAPortugal, 8th at XTERRA France, and 13th at Czech.2011: Won XTERRA Philippines and XTERRA SaipanChampionships and was 11th at XTERRA Worlds.2012: Placed 10th at XTERRA USA Championship and21st at XTERRA Worlds.2013: Placed 3rd at XTERRA Philippines Championship(fastest bike split), 4th at XTERRA Saipan and 4th at theXTERRA Guam Championship.

Sam

Peri Gray

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PERI GRAYAnglesea, Australia

XTERRA EXPERIENCE: First year.RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Had a decoratedamateur triathlon racing career, turned into an adventureracing star and has now found her way to XTERRA - anatural fusion of her two passions.2013: Placed 5th at the XTERRA Saipan Championship,was third at the Tagaman road triathlon on Saipan a weeklater, placed sixth at the XTERRA Guam Championship,and was fourth at her hometown race - the XTERRA GreatOcean Road off-road tri in Anglesea, Australia on April 7.

Peri

Dan Hugo

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DAN HUGOStellenbosch, South Africa

2011 XTERRA South Africa Champion

PERSONAL: Born July 1, 1985 in Worcester...moved toStellenbosch as a youngster.WEBSITE: dghugo.comTWITTER: @dghugoSPONSORS: Specialized, Totalsports, Puma, DueSouth,Rehidrat Sport, and Oakley. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year. Placed 4th at the2006 XTERRA Brazil Championship in his first XTERRA.2007: 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, DNF atXTERRA Czech, was 12th at XTERRA France-Auron, 4that USA Championship, missed winning the Pro Series by 8points (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 by NicoLebrun at mile four, and ultimately finished 2nd. Placed 5thin the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Finished 2nd at theXTERRA World Championship by just 33 seconds despitea 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 second at XTERRA Buffelspoort, XTERRASouth Africa, XTERRA Philippines, XTERRA Saipan, andXTERRA Guam Championship races.

Dan

Takahiro Ogasawara

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TakahiroTAKAHIRO OGASAWARA

Tokyo, Japan2012 XTERRA Japan Champion

XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Seventh year. Placed 2nd at the2007, and 2008 XTERRA Japan Championships. 2009: Finished 5th at XTERRA Saipan, 2nd at XTERRAJapan, 4th at XTERRA Malaysia, and 40th among malepros at XTERRA Worlds.2010: Placed fourth at XTERRA Saipan, and was third atXTERRA Japan.2011: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Saipan, and finished third atXTERRA Japan (was the top Japanese finisher at both).2012: Placed 6th at XTERRA Guam, 8th at XTERRAPhilippines, 4th at XTERRA Saipan, won the XTERRAJapan Championship and was 33rd at the XTERRA WorldChampionship.2013: Placed 5th at XTERRA Saipan Championship, and6th at XTERRA Guam Championship.

Daz Parker

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DARELLE “DAZ” PARKERLondon, United Kingdom

PERSONAL: Born June 24, 1968...is a professional stuntwoman when not racing...earned a degree in Theatre fromthe Dartington College of Arts in the UK...also a spin andswim coach.WEBSITE: dazparker.co.ukTWITTER: @dazzystuntsSPONSORS: Cannondale, Craft, Suunto, Bikeboxalan,Blueseventy, Clifbar, Shock absorber, bike and run,Chelmer cycles.BIKE/SHOE: Cannondale Scalpel 26”/AsicsXTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fifth yearRACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Won the 2009 overallamateur XTERRA World Title, and the 2008 ITU Sprintamateur world title.2010: Placed 8th at XTERRA Portugal, 10th at the XTER-RA West Championship, 7th at XTERRA France, 5th atXTERRA Switzerland, and 15th at XTERRA Worlds.2011: Finished 4th at XTERRA Philippines, 6th at XTERRASaipan, and 2nd at XTERRA Guam while racing with afractured shoulder (from pre-riding the day before) thatultimately required surgery and kept her out of racing for theseason.2012: Finished 3rd at XTERRA Philippines, and 10th atXTERRA France. 2013: Finished 3rd at XTERRA Philippines, 5th at XTERRASaipan, fourth at XTERRA Guam, 6th at XTERRA GreatOcean Road, and 9th at XTERRA New Zealand.

Daz

Jacqui Slack

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JACQUI SLACKStoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

2013 XTERRA Triple Crown Champion

FINAL 2012 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 2PERSONAL: 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: Fourth year. BEST XTERRA FINISH: 2012 New Zealand and ItalyChampion.FAVORITE XTERRA: PhilippinesWEBSITE:jacquislack.comTWITTER: @jacquislackSPONSORS: Trek, Internet Central, On, Schnell Wheels,Power Bar, Ryder Eye Wear, Rocket Science Sports,Schwalbe2011: 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.

Jacqui

Carina Wasle

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CARINA WASLEKundl, Austria

2011 XTERRA South Africa Champion2011 XTERRA Brazil Champion

FINAL 2012 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 3PERSONAL: Born October 20, 1984.XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth 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 due to bike mechanical, was2nd at the XTERRA Saipan Championship, third at theXTERRA Guam Championship and XTERRA Great OceanRoad, and 4th at the XTERRA New ZealandChampionship.

Carina

XTERRA World Tour

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Date Event / Pro Winners Location

Feb 24 XTERRA South Africa Championship Grabouw, Western CapeRichard Murray and Carla Van Huyssteen

March 2 XTERRA Philippines Championship CebuBen Allen and Lesley Paterson

March 9 XTERRA Motatapu South Island, New ZealandBraden Currie and Nicky Samuels

March 9 XTERRA Saipan Championship Northern MarianasBen Allen and Jacqui Slack

March 23 XTERRA Guam Championship PitiBen Allen and Jacqui Slack

April 7 XTERRA Great Ocean Road Angelsea, VictoriaCourtney Atkinson and Renata Bucher

April 13 XTERRA New Zealand Championship RotoruaBen Allen and Renata Bucher

April 28 XTERRA Malaysia Putrajaya

June 2 XTERRA Spain Championship+ Cieza, MurciaJune 15 XTERRA Greece+ Lake PlastiraJune 22 XTERRA Brazil Championship Ilhabela, Sao PauloJune 29 XTERRA Switzerland Championship+ Vallee de JouxJuly 7 XTERRA France Championship+ Xonrupt, GerardmerJuly 20 XTERRA Abruzzo+ Scanno, L'Aquila, ItalyAug 3 XTERRA Mexico Championship Tapalpa, JaliscoAug 10 XTERRA Czech Championship+ PrachaticeAug 17 XTERRA Germany Championship+ ZittauAug 24 XTERRA Japan Championship MarunumaAug 31 XTERRA Ecuador ImbaburaSept 8 XTERRA England+ Cranleigh, SurreySept 21 XTERRA USA Championship Ogden/Snowbasin, UTOct 27 XTERRA World Championship Maui, Hawaii

2013 XTERRA WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP RACE SCHEDULEThe sandy, muddy, bumpy, rocky, and rutted-out trails that lead to the XTERRA World Championship in Maui takecompetitors to some of the most exotic locales in the world, from Mexico to Malaysia. In all, 18 countries will hostXTERRA championship events in 2013 that offer qualifying spots to the top amateur finishers and prize money for theprofessionals.

The XTERRA World Tour schedule also features “tours within tours” like the 70-race XTERRA America Tour and the eight-stop European Tour. This intricate series of races serves as a trail map to adventure, providing athletes from all over theworld with a truly exhilarating way to explore new places. Here are the 2013 XTERRA World Tour Championship races.

South Africa Review

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February 24, 2013 - Richard Murray and Carla VanHuyssteen won the 10th running of the XTERRA SouthAfrica Championship at the XTERRA World Tour opener inGrabouw, Western Cape.

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

As expected Murray led out of the water with four-timeXTERRA World Champ Conrad Stoltz roughly 30 secondsback. Murray was able to hold the lead though the first thirdof the bike before Stoltz caught up and pulled away with thelead.

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

Stoltz took a 40-second lead into the bike-to-run transitionbut was caught by Murray roughly half-way into the 11-kilo-meter run.

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

Stoltz ran into the finish in 2nd place, however, course mar-shals reported that he deviated from the run route and as aresult official rules were applied and Stoltz was disqualified.Dan Hugo therefore took second place on the day, with NicoPfitzenmaier finishing third.

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

“I had to work hard the entire race,” said Van Huyssteen.“The swim was a bit chaotic in the beginning with me choos-ing the wrong line. I still had a good swim though, enteringtransition first. I knew I had to work hard as ShonnyVanlandingham is an amazing mountain biker. I managedto find good rhythm on the bike. Going into the run I knewI had to give my all as my husband wouldn’t be impressedwith me if it looked like I was taking it easy. Today’s race wasgreat. I had a knot in my stomach the whole way as Ireally wanted this win”.

Susan Sloan came in second, while Vanlandinghamfinished third.

Top 5 Pro Men

Pl Name Time

1 Richard Murray, RSA 2:23:02

2 Dan Hugo, RSA 2:25:20

3 Nico Pfitzenmaier, GER 2:30:06

4 Stuart Marais, RSA 2:32:23

5 Bradley Weiss, RSA 2:40:13

Top 5 Pro Women

Pl Name Time

1 Carla Van Huyssteen, RSA 2:51:01

2 Susan Sloan, RSA 2:55:42

3 Shonny Vanlandingham, USA 2:56:03

4 Carina Wasle, AUT 2:59:13

5 Sylvia Van Tromp, RSA 3:12:28

Philippines Review

19

Liloan, Cebu (March 2, 2013) – XTERRA Warrior awardwinner Ben Allen from Australia and two-time XTERRAWorld Champion Lesley Paterson from Scotland capturedthe third edition of the XTERRA Philippines Championshipat the seafront of Barangay Jubay in Liloan (Cebu Province)on Saturday.

For Allen the victory marks a successful title defense andfourth straight win in the Western Pacific having swept lastyear’s Triple Crown of championship events in thePhilippines, Saipan, and Guam.

“Very proud and honored to defend my title here in thePhilippines, loved every minute of it,” said Allen.

He needed every minute of it, too, as South Africa’s DanHugo finished just 51 seconds back thanks to the fastest runsplit of the day.

“Thrilling event, in many ways,” posted Hugo to his twitteraccount Saturday. “Two flat tires, a crash and a meltdown.Ran into lead, but lost to a class effort by Benny Allen.”

It’s Hugo’s second straight second-place, having finished insame position at the XTERRA World Tour opener in SouthAfrica last week.

2010 XTERRA Philippines Champion Sam Gardner fromthe UK posted the fastest bike split of the day to take third-place, with young-gun Bradley Weiss in fourth, and triathlonlegend Olivier Marceau in fifth. Marceau, who finished 2ndlast year, didn’t arrive into Cebu until late Friday night due totravel delays.

In the women’s race it was all Lesley Paterson, the recent-ly crowned 2013 Off-Road Athlete of the Year, who postedthe fastest bike and run times by far and finished 15 minutesahead of 2012 Philippines Champ Renata Bucher, and thirdoverall behind only Allen and Hugo.

“Just finished THE most epic XTERRA race ever,” postedPaterson to her twitter account right after the race. “My newOn running shoes, SCOTT Sports bike, Enve Compositeswheels, 2XU North America race suit, PowerBar gels tookme to the win. XTERRA Philippines is seriously hard core,like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I almost ran over achicken, a goat, a cow and plenty more.”

Bucher, who said she was happy with second, added that itwas “one of the hardest races ever, the heat was brutal!”

Jacqui Slack, who posted the fastest swim split but dealtwith a series of mechanicals on the bike, toughed-out to

take fourth with fellow Brit Darelle “Daz” Parker placing 3rdhere for the second straight year.

“What a race, what a place. Lovely crowd support, amazingheat and a super tough race. Award ceremony wasamazing too,” said Parker, one of three female pros – alongwith Bucher and Carina Wasle – to have competed in allthree Philippines races.

Wasle suffered bike mechanicals for the second straightyear here in the Philippines, and while last year she wasultimately able to finish, this year she was not.

Next up the core of this elite group – minus only Paterson –will head to the Northern Marianas for next Saturday’sXTERRA Saipan Championship race.

Top 5 Pro MenPl Name Swim Bike Run Time1 Ben Allen, AUS 16:53 1:37:10 42:10 2:37:402 Dan Hugo, RSA 17:23 1:37:49 42:00 2:38:313 Sam Gardner, GBR 19:30 1:35:26 51:53 2:48:194 Bradley Weiss, RSA 18:39 1:41:58 46:24 2:48:465 Olivier Marceau, SUI 18:18 1:45:33 51:13 2:56:54Also: Shahrom Abdullah (MAS), Rory Downie (GBR)

Top 5 Pro WomenPl Name Swim Bike Run Time1 Lesley Paterson, GBR 19:52 1:40:43 43:16 2:45:412 Renata Bucher, SUI 21:26 1:45:33 51:28 3:00:033 Darelle Parker, GBR 23:49 1:57:38 53:31 3:17:034 Jacqui Slack, GBR 19:37 2:37:58 55:01 3:55:21

Saipan Review

20

Saipan, Northern Marianas (March 9, 2013) – Ben Allenand Jacqui Slack - the most proficient XTERRA World Tourtravelers in the sport, captured the XTERRA SaipanChampionship in the Northern Marianas on Saturday.

It's the second time the boyfriend/girlfriend duo have wonXTERRA titles on the same day (they also both won atXTERRA New Zealand last year). The victory marks Allen’s7th XTERRA World Tour win since capturing the 2010 BrazilChampionship in the Amazon, is his second straight Saipancrown, and fifth consecutive win at XTERRA Triple Crownraces in the Western Pacific. It's Slack's third World tourtitle, having captured New Zealand and Italy last year.

In the men's race Dan Hugo placed second, his 10th runner-up finish time in his last 12 XTERRA races since winning theSouth Africa Championship in 2011.

XTERRA President Janet Clark was in Saipan to take in theaction, and brings us this story of how the day unfolded...

The island of Saipan has a new first couple – young AussieBen Allen and his British partner Jacqui Slack.

The dynamic duo took first place today in the men’s andwomen’s pro race at the 12th running of XTERRA’s CrownJewel, XTERRA Saipan. Both were first out of the swim,both had decisive leads on the bike, and both finished withsubstantial margins to take the wins. Allen finished in2:35:23, almost eight minutes ahead of South Africa’s DanHugo. Slack won the women’s race in 3:06:00 with a sevenand a half minute lead over the diminutive Austrian, CarinaWasle.

Mother Nature dished out some real challenges to partici-pants today. The currents in the warm water at Micro Beachwere deceptively strong, and as soon as the pros hit thebike, she unleashed her biggest surprise. Torrential rainscreated slick and slippery trails for both the bike and the runand limited visibility at the top of the bike course.

This was Allen’s second victory of the year, having wonXTERRA Philippines last weekend, and his secondXTERRA Saipan Championship win. “I’m over the moon,”he said. “This is a dream come true. The sport has offeredme so much. I love it and I’m passionate about it. I had agood swim and was able to ride conservatively and safelyand focus on my technique. I had a couple of crashes. It iseasy to make a mistake with speed and pushing yourself tothe limit. But I didn’t let the mistakes overcome me, andwas able to refocus and bounce back.

Allen was so fast, he reached the Saipan run course’siconic World War II caves before the marshals with theirlanterns to light the way through the caves, and managed topass through the low hanging cave roof and stairs carvedinto the rock in pitch dark without incident.

“To win in Saipan is awesome – especially with Ben,” saidSlack. “We came here last year and wanted to gainexperience at these races. I’ve learned so much andimproved through the year. But the last couple of raceshaven’t really gone to plan, so I was worried that my fitnesswasn’t there. I had something to prove as I wasdisappointed in the Philippines (she finished 4th there lastweek), but you have to put those races behind you andmove on. My mentality was to enjoy it and I enjoyed it allthe way through. I’m absolutely stoked to win.”

The two plan a grueling schedule of fifteen XTERRAchampionship races in 2013.

Pro Men

Pl Name Time

1 Ben Allen, AUS 2:36:362 Dan Hugo, RSA 2:44:183 Bradley Weiss, RSA 2:50:544 Sam Gardner, GBR 2:52:045 Takahiro Ogasawara, JPN 2:56:03Also: Olivier Marceau, Rory Downie

Pro Women

Pl Name Time

1 Jacqui Slack, GBR 3:06:002 Carina Wasle, AUT 3:13:303 Renata Bucher, SUI 3:16:494 Mieko Carey, JPN 3:22:015 Daz Parker, GBR 3:49:07Also: Yasuko Miyazaki

Guam Review

21

Piti, Guam (March 23, 2013) – Ben Allen and Jacqui Slackwon the 2nd annual XTERRA Guam Championship race onan absolutely gorgeous tropical blue sky day in theMarianas.

For Allen it marked the second straight season he’s sweptXTERRA’s Triple Crown of championship races in thePhilippines, Saipan, and Guam during the month of March.

Today’s race was likely his toughest test yet, however, asSouth Africa’s Dan Hugo came out of the water at the sametime as Allen and they stayed neck-and-neck through theentire bike. Their combined swim and bike times were justtwo seconds different so it all came down to the run, whichAllen crushed in a race best 39:22. Hugo’s split wassecond-best at 43:07.

Behind Allen and Hugo was a great race for third between24-year-old South African Brad Weiss and three-timeXTERRA Guam Champ Sam Gardner from the UK. Thosetwo, along with Rory Downie from Scotland, rode much ofthe bike together; and just as Allen took off on the run topeel away from Hugo; so did Weiss to Gardner and Downie.

Many of the elites racing in Guam and the Triple Crown willalso compete at XTERRA Malaysia, with the likes of Allen,Hugo, Gardner, Ogasawara, Slack, Renata Bucher, CarinaWasle, Daz Parker and Mieko Carey all on the start list.

Pl Name Swim Bike Run Time

1 Ben Allen, AUS 19:06 1:24:33 39:22 2:23:01

2 Dan Hugo, RSA 19:12 1:24:29 43:07 2:26:48

3 Bradley Weiss, RSA 20:34 1:29:39 45:53 2:36:06

4 Sam Gardner, GBR 21:54 1:28:13 47:41 2:37:48

5 Rory Downie, GBR 19:11 1:33:07 47:26 2:39:44

Also: Takahiro Ogasawara (JPN), Arland Macasieb (PHI)

SLACK BACK-TO-BACK

Last year Jacqui Slack did the Triple Crown as a test-run tosee where she was at and how far she could take the dreamof a professional racing lifestyle. This year, it was aboutwinning and proving she made the right decision to pursuea career in racing. Mission accomplished.

“I’m really happy with way things have come along,” saidSlack, who also won XTERRA Saipan earlier this month. “Ithink my mountain bike and running skills have improvedheaps. Last year I came to gain the experience, this year Iwanted to come back and see the difference.”

The difference was a wire-to-wire win at the XTERRA GuamChampionship that combined the fastest swim, the second-best bike time, and the quickest run split.

“Last year Renata caught me early on in the bike, so everyminute that went by and she wasn’t there was major moti-vation to keep me going,” said Slack.

Bucher, last year’s Guam and Triple Crown champ, did havethe fastest bike split by almost a minute but it wasn’t enoughto reel in the fast swimming Slack who got more than a two-minute cushion on Bucher coming out of the water.

Bucher, who has won 29 XTERRA Championship races in12 countries in her career, finished second.

“It’s such great competition here with these women, andwithout them it wouldn’t be so satisfying,” said Slack, notingthat Carina Wasle also has several European Tour winsunder her belt.

Wasle finished third on the day, her second podium of theTriple Crown, with Daz Parker in fourth, local resident MiekoCarey in fifth, newbie pro Peri Gray in sixth, and YasukoMiyazaki in seventh.

Pl Name Swim Bike Run Time

1 Jacqui Slack, GBR 21:22 1:41:39 49:43 2:52:44

2 Renata Bucher, SUI 24:04 1:40:44 50:47 2:55:35

3 Darelle Parker, GBR 23:57 1:45:18 51:50 3:01:05

4 Daz Parker, GBR 25:45 1:49:44 51:04 3:06:33

5 Mieko Carey, JPN 22:41 1:55:39 54:39 3:12:59

Also: Peri Gray (AUS), Yasuko Miyazaki (JPN)

Australia Review

22

Anglesea, Victoria, Australia (April 7, 2013) – CourtneyAtkinson and Renata Bucher won the men's and women'selite titles, respectively, at the inaugural XTERRA GreatOcean Road off-road triathlon in Anglesea on Sundaymorning.

While it's just the first XTERRA win for Atkinson, it's No. 30for Bucher who has now won an XTERRA major in 13different countries, the U.S. Territory of Guam and theCommonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan).

Anglesea, the Adventure Capital of the Surf Coast ofVictoria, greeted hundreds of offroad triathletes and trailrunners who turned out today to celebrate the return ofXTERRA to Australia and the launch of XTERRA GreatOcean Road. Conditions were ideal with temperatures inthe mid 20’s (Celsius) with light surf. Two-time AustralianOlympian, Courtney Atkinson, in his first XTERRA appear-ance, literally ran away with the win.

Atkinson came out of the water at the front with AustralianXTERRA racer, Ben Allen, who is fresh off winning theXTERRA Triple Crown (XTERRA Philippines, XTERRASaipan and XTERRA Guam held in March in Asia/Pacific),and South African, Stuart Marais. Allen and Atkinson rodeneck and neck on the first part of the bike, with Atkinsonleading into the narrow, twisting, single track section abouthalf way into the mountain bike.

He caught Allen about 4km into the run on a long beachstretch and pulled away to take the win with a margin ofalmost four minutes over Allen.

“Getting out on the bike, Courtney was right on my tail, andI wasn’t able to drop him on the fire trails. My mountain bikeskills were a little bit better (than Atkinson’s) and I was ableto gain a 30-45 second advantage on the single track, butthere wasn’t enough of it for me to capitalize on my advan-tage. Courtney caught me at the turn around on the run andjust put the hammer down. I tried to stick with him, but he’sa world-class athlete,” said Allen.

Pro Men

Pl Name Swim Bike Run Time

1 Courtney Atkinson 15:18 1:01:46 35:50 1:53:262 Ben Allen 15:19 1:00:18 41:11 1:57:193 Stuart Marais 17:05 1:01:25 40:47 2:00:044 Rory Downie 16:43 1:04:07 43:12 2:04:425 Olly Shaw 18:15 1:05:59 43:46 2:08:13Also: Jarrod Kohler

In the women’s race Switzerland’s Renata Bucher had adecisive victory with a lead of almost five minutes overrunner-up, Great Britain’s Jacqui Slack.

In doing so, Bucher racked up her 30th XTERRAChampionship win since her first XTERRA race in 2004.

“I really wanted to win here,” said Bucher, who spent sever-al weeks in the area before and after the XTERRA TripleCrown series in March, where she was runner-up at allthree races. But today was her day.

Bucher was second out of the water behind Slack andcaught her on the fire road just before entering the singletrack where she took the race lead and never let it go.

“I love the bike course here,” she said. “I trained hard andhave spent hours on the trails. I left everything on thecourse and I’m super happy about that.”

Slack had won XTERRA in Saipan and Guam only a fewweeks earlier, however, today the win was elusive. AustrianCarina Wasle, who was racing in her fifth XTERRA WorldTour major this season having competed at South Africa(4th), Philippines (DNF), Saipan (2nd), and Guam (3rd), fin-ished in third today. Local girl, Peri Gray, took fourth in hersecond XTERRA race as a professional.

Pro Women

Pl Name Swim Bike Run Time

1 Renata Bucher 20:21 1:03:31 43:58 2:08:182 Jacqui Slack 17:59 1:09:31 46:02 2:13:563 Carina Wasle 19:07 1:09:54 49:57 2:19:554 Peri Gray 19:05 1:14:58 48:12 2:22:425 Deanna Blegg 19:07 1:16:42 51:19 2:28:18Also: Daz Parker, Nienke Oostra

New Zealand Review

23

Rotorua, New Zealand (April 13, 2013) – Ben Allen andRenata Bucher won the 11th annual Paymark XTERRANew Zealand Championship at Blue Lake, Rotorua onSaturday.

For Allen, it's his fourth win in five XTERRA World Tourchampionship races and remarkably, he won the same four- Philippines, Saipan, Guam, and New Zealand to start the2012 season.

For Bucher, it's her second straight win coming off a victoryat XTERRA Australia last weekend. It's also win No. 31 inher career, spanning 14th countries, the U.S. Territory ofGuam and the Commonwealth of the Northern MarianaIslands (Saipan).

The men's race was a close fought battle with just 19seconds separating first and second, the tightest margin onthe XTERRA World Tour this year and one that came as asurprise to Allen who, after a commanding 1km swim andsolid 26km Mountain Bike, led Marais onto the 11km runwith a 2 minute buffer.

“I knew he was closing, but I thought I still had at least30seconds. I just ran as hard as I could," said Allen."Anything can happen in XTERRA racing, that’s what I loveabout it, I never think I have won until I get across that line.”

Marais was left to question what could have been afterhaving mechanical problems with his bike, at one pointhaving to dismount to fix the problem. Rotorua local and upand coming athlete, Olly Shaw, was pleased his first elitepodium happened in his home town.

Things don’t get any quieter for Allen with a half-marathonin Tauranga on Sunday, followed by a full Iron-distanceTriathlon in Thailand the following weekend, after that he willbe back on the XTERRA World Tour at XTERRA Malaysiaon April 28.

“Out of the 17 XTERRA World Series races this year, I amracing 15 of them but Rotorua is my favorite, it is a fantasticevent and such stunning scenery,” said Allen.

A sentiment echoed by first-time XTERRA Rotorua entrantand women’s winner, Renata Bucher (Switzerland).

“I found it hard to rest this week before the race, the trailsare so stunning here, I just wanted to keep riding andriding.”

Bucher topped the podium ahead of last year’s winner,Jacqui Slack (Australia) and New Zealand OlympicMountain Bike representative, Karen Hanlen (Whakatane).

After the race Bucher posted this image of her bike onto herfacebook page, with the caption "With #13 racing on the13th of April, yes, it was my lucky day. Super happy aboutwinning Xterra NZ. What an awesome course, great organ-isation, perfect weather:) Would like to stay much longer formore riding and trail running here, it is an offroad paradise.Thanks Rotorua."

The Paymark XTERRA Rotorua Festival annually hostsmore than 2,000 athletes in what is considered the world'slargest single day XTERRA off-road triathlon festival withcompetitors choosing from a 5.5km, 11km or 21kmrun/walk, a 26km mountain bike as well as an individual orteam off-road triathlon. All events taking place at thestunning Blue Lake, Rotorua.

Pro Men

1. Ben Allen, Australia - 2:03:252. Stuart Maris, South Africa - 2:03:443. Olly Shaw, New Zealand - 2:06:144. Sam Shaw, New Zealand - 2:08:235. Joshua Kenyon, New Zealand - 2:09:04Also: Cam Durno, Mark Leishman, Shane Vincent, MattRandall

Pro Women

1. Renata Bucher, Switzerland - 2:15:272. Jacqui Slack, Great Britain - 2:20:393. Karen Hanlen, New Zealand - 2:23:294. Carina Wasle, Austria - 2:24:205. Sarah Backler, New Zealand - 2:24:54Also: Annika Smail, Sonia Foote, Amelia Watkinson, DazParker

XTERRA in ASIA

24

Asia and the Western Pacific regions have played a prominent role in thedevelopment of XTERRA as a truly international event since 2000, when the sportfirst visited Japan. Here’s a look at some of the highlights through the years...

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

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

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

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

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

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

2005: The “Swiss Miss” of XTERRA Renata Bucher wins the first of seven SaipanChampionship titles, and also wins her first of many PIC (Pacific Islands Club) Doubleawards which are given annually to the man and woman with the fastest combined timein XTERRA and Tagaman. The prize is $500, seven nights at the magnificent PacificIslands Club resort, and all meals included. The title guaranteed top flight pros from

XTERRA in ASIA

25

around the world would continue to visit Saipan, and the exposure in magazines hasmade Saipan a famous destination race. It was most recently named one of the ‘World’sBest” in Triathlete Magazine’s March 2011 issue. Also in 2005 athletes in Guam bandedtogether to produce their own off-road tri, dubbed the “Xticer.” Guam triathlete ArtGuerrero won, and an adventurous Swiss triathlete Mario Deicher came in second.

2006: The Xticer race in Guam proved to entice the island to join the Tour, and the first-ever XTERRA Guam triathlon is produced. Although it did not provide qualifying spots tothe XTERRA World Championship or prize money for pros, it did create the opportunityfor visiting athletes to extend their stay in the Western Pacific to race in three events, allwhile training in perfect warm weather conditions.

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

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

2009: Mieko Carey, a Japanese triathlete living in Saipan, did her first XTERRA in 2006and improved so dramatically that she would race as a professional in 2008, andultimately win the first of three straight XTERRA Japan championship races in 2009.

Also in 2009 XTERRA hosted its first championship in Malaysia. The race was held

in Kuantan and won by Canadian Mike Vine and Renata Bucher from Switzerland.

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

2011: The inaugural XTERRA Philippines Championship is won by Sam Gardner andShonny Vanlandingham, and featured the biggest crowd support of any XTERRA ever asthe entire course was lined with citizens from Cebu. In Saipan, the race took place themorning after the devastating tsunami that hit Japan, and while the Marianas Trench is sodeep that the wave lost its power and Saipan was OK.

In Japan, Conrad “the Caveman” Stoltz – XTERRA’s biggest star – raced for the first timeto the delight of locals and visiting athletes alike. Stoltz’ gave clinics and shared hisknowledge with all in attendance.

2012:XTERRA Guam, which held XTERRA races since 2006, debuts as a championshipevent with pro prize money and slots to Maui, and the Triple Crown of the Western Pacificis born with back-to-back-to-back races in the Philippines, Guam and Saipan. Ben Allenand Renata Bucher sweep all three events and become first Triple Crown Champions.

2013: Ben Allen repeats as Triple Crown Champ, and his girlfriend Jacqui Slack wins thewomen’s TC title. Malaysia returns to the schedule with a new event in Putrajaya, andJapan celebrates it’s 10th year in Marunuma in August.

XTERRA Worlds

26

Following an action-packed racing season that will span 18 countries with more than 100 events, XTERRA will host its 18thXTERRA World Championship at the Kapalua Resort in Maui on October 27. A season-ending blow-out like no other, theWorld Championship is the culmination of a worldwide series of races held in South Africa, Guam, Philippines, Saipan,Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Italy, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Czech, Mexico, Germany, Japan, Canada, Switzerland,Spain, England, Greece, and the United States.

The race course, considered one of XTERRA's toughest and most grueling, will consist of a 1.5-kilometer roughwaterswim, a grueling 30- kilometer mountain bike, and a 10-kilometer trail run.

The maxed-out field is limited to 750 competitors, who represent the best off-road, multisport athletes on the planet. It isa "winner take all" race, with one of the richest pro purses in multisport at $100,000, and it is awarded solely on the basisof the Maui performance. Since this race is a stand-alone event, it offers a unique opportunity to competitors. Even thosewho have had a less than stellar season, are given an opportunity to redeem themselves and earn the coveted title ofXTERRA World Champion.