JUNE 13-14, 2009 Richmond, VirginiaThe World’s Greatest Off-Road Triathlon
Richmond circa 1999
2009 PRESS GUIDE 2009 XTERRA ATLANTIC CUP SPONSORS
The 2009 XTERRA Atlantic Cup is presented by Paul Mitchell and XTERRA.TV. National sponsors include GU, XTERRAGear.com, Rodale, Zorrel, Gatorade, Choice Hotels, and the Utah Sports Commission. Local sponsors include the City of Richmond, Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau, Richmond Department of Economic Development, Palani Drive, Dasani, Sysco, Peak Experiences, 3Sports, Cool Concessions, Dr. Marchal, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
XTERRA Discount Code 00224890
City of Richmond Richmond CVB and the Department of Economic Development Palani Drive Dasani LOCAL SPONSORS Sysco LOCAL SPONSORS Peak Experiences 3Sports The Crowne Plaza Cool Concessions Altius Family and Sports Medicine - Dr. Matt Marchal In 1996 mountain biking and triathlon met in a duel of the fittest on the island of Maui. The race consisted of an open- ocean swim, a mountain bike race, and a trail run. It represented a bold new racing format that attracted outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, mountain bikers and triathletes. The mountain bikers brought their laid-back style and bold self-assurance. The triathletes brought their hard-core training and avid dedication. They soon discovered a common spirit and attitude that pulled them together. For as different as they are, neither could resist the challenges and thrills this new multisport offered.
Since that day XTERRA has grown into the world’s leading off-road triathlon with more than 100 races in 13 countries this year, including 60 in the XTERRA America Tour alone.
The typical XTERRA is comprised of the following: 1.5 kilometer (0.93-mile) swim in an ocean, lake, or river 30 kilometer (18.6-mile) mountain bike on off-road trails 10 kilometer (6.2-mile) trail run on a variety of surfaces
2009 marks the 13th consecutive year of expansion for ABOVE: Shonny Vanlandingham at Southeast Cup in Pelham, AL. XTERRA with races in 32 states, and welcomes a new eight-stop nationwide Cup Series racing format.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Each of XTERRA’s eight regions in the U.S. will host an XTERRA Cup championship race with $10,000 in prize XTERRA America Tour Introduction ...... 3 money for pros and 41 qualifying spots into the XTERRA XTERRA Atlantic Cup Preview/Schedule ...... 4-5 World Championship for amateurs. Age group competitors XTERRA Atlantic Cup Events and Preview ...... 6-9 will also earn points at the Cup Series races in pursuit of Pro Start List and Preview ...... 10-11 winning their region and qualifying for the invite-only XTERRA Pro Biographies ...... 12-25 XTERRA USA Championship held in Utah on Sept. 26. Last year in Richmond ...... 26 About the 2009 XTERRA Cup Series for Pros ...... 27 2009 XTERRA Cup Series Pro Prize Money Breakdown . . . .28 This guide will breakdown the who, what, when, where and 2009 XTERRA Cup Series Standings ...... 29 why of the XTERRA Atlantic Cup race - and introduce you Results, review of the first three Cup Races ...... 30-33 to some of the professional athletes that will race in the Past XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Results ...... 34-35 world’s premier off-road triathlon in Richmond, Virginia. How the XTERRA America Tour Works (for amateurs) . . .36-38 2009 XTERRA America Tour Schedule ...... 39 2008 XTERRA Age Group Regional Champions ...... 40-41 2008 XTERRA USA Championship ...... 42-43 2009 XTERRA World Tour Schedule ...... 44 2009 XTERRA World Championship race preview ...... 45 Produced by XTERRA Trail Running Series Overview and Schedule . .46-47 How XTERRA started & the world of XTERRA overview . .48-49 XTERRAGear.Com News ...... 50 TEAM Unlimited, XTERRA.TV, past Richmond Results . .51-58
3 XTERRA ATLANTIC CUP PREVIEW
The XTERRA Atlantic Cup (formerly the XTERRA East Championship) at Brown’s Island in downtown Richmond on Sunday, June 14, enters its 11th year in 2009 and will feature all the big names in XTERRA like Conrad “the Caveman” Stoltz from South Africa, Melanie McQuaid from Canada, last year’s winner Josiah Middaugh from the U.S. and mountain bike legend Shonny Vanlandingham from Durango, all battling for their share of the money and fame up for grabs on the coolest course in XTERRA.
With eleven consecutive years of racing in Richmond, you know that this place is epic. Why?
great view of the city, but then athletes turn onto a dirt trail and suddenly an 80-foot vertical climb up railroad ties that looks like the lost steps to the Mayan empire stares them in the face. And that’s just the first couple miles. This trail run ends by crossing the James River on what's known as the "dryway" and in most years you can jump from VW sized rock to another and stay dry all the way to the ladder that takes you back to land. And it will be good, "if the river don't rise"
5. Great, great, great nightlife - see the crew and co. at Sticky Rice and treat yourself to a sake bomb! A fab host hotel (the Crown Plaza) within walking distance of the start; restaurants galore in "the fan" and "shockoe bottom"... wait a minute, there is also a race going on that is legend in XTERRA lore. It’s an absolute must-do for every XTERRA athlete. 1. This course is renowned for having some of the most technical trails in XTERRA despite being in the heart of a big city.
2. The swim starts underneath the train tracks and crosses the unpredictable James River to Belle Isle, where you get out, run across some single track and swim back.
3. The bike goes under and over bridges, through tunnels, up stairs, along the north and south side of the James River with lots of tough short climbs and fast downhills through Forest Hills Park and the epic North Trail Ramp on the way home.
4. The run starts easy enough, a pleasant jog along the canal, across the river, and on top of the floodwall with a 4 XTERRA ATLANTIC CUP SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
BROWN’S ISLAND, RICHMOND, VA June 13-14, 2009
THURSDAY, JUNE 11 5-7pm 10K/21K Trail Run packet pickup/registration at 3 Sports Running Company, Tuckahoe Shopping Center
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 5-7pm 10K/21K Trail Run packet pickup/registration at 3 Sports Running Company 6-9:30pm “Friday Night Cheers” free concert featuring Old School Freight Train
SATURDAY, JUNE 13 6:30am XTERRA XTERRA Fugitive 10K and Xduro 21K Packet Pickup 7:30am XTERRA Richmond Xduro 21K Trail Run start 8:00am XTERRA Fugitive 10K - 1st wave start 8:10/20/30am XTERRA Fugitive 10k - 2nd, 3rd, and 4th wave starts, as needed 9:00am XTERRA Expo Open - Exhibits, Food Booths 9:00am-3:00pm XTERRA Atlantic Cup and Sport Registration and Packet Pick-up 10:00am XTERRA University, presented by Paul Mitchell, hosted by Josiah Middaugh and Shonny Vanlandingham 10:30am XTERRA Xduro/Fugitive 10K Awards Ceremony 12:00pm Kahuna's XTERRA Cup and Sport Race Briefing 3:00pm Brown's Island Expo Close
SUNDAY, JUNE 14 6:30am Transition Open for Set-up and Body Marking 8:00am XTERRA Sport Race Start 9:00am Expo Open - Exhibits, Food Booths 10:00am-2pm Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon, a benefit for Challenged Athletes Foundation 8:30am XTERRA Atlantic Cup Race Start 10:00/10:30am XTERRA Atlantic Cup Male/Female Winners Expected 12:30pm XTERRA Cut-off at T2 1:00pm XTERRA Atlantic Cup and Sport Awards Ceremony 2:00pm Expo Close 7:00pm After Party Blowout at Palani Drive (401 Libbie Avenue, Richmond) subject to change
5 PAUL MITCHELL CUT-A-THON AND XTERRA UNIVERSITY
Founded to help physically challenged athletes reach their athletic goals, the non-profit Challenged Athletes Foundation is the official charity of the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon at each Cup stop on the XTERRA America Tour.
Stylists will cut hair from 10am-12pm on Sunday, June 14 at the finish line area of the XTERRA Atlantic Cup and all proceeds will go to the CAF. XTERRA UNIVERSITY Presented by Paul Mitchell
Learn the art of XTERRA from the best off-road multisport athletes on the planet - last year’s XTERRA Richmond winner Josiah Middaugh and mountain biking legend Shonny Vanlandingham. XTERRA University is a must for first-timers and anyone looking to sharpen their skills in swimming, mountain biking, trail running, and nutrition. Josiah and Shonny will even break down into Richmond course specifics and answer any and all questions. Best part is, the clinic is FREE. Saturday, June 13 @ 10am on Brown’s Island.
6 XTERRA TRAIL RUNS - SATURDAY, JUNE 13
XTERRA RICHMOND XDURO OFF-ROAD HALF-MARATHON
For the second year in a row XTERRA is offering an off- road half-marathon distance trail run - the XTERRA Richmond 21km Xduro! It features the same great river- front attributes shared by the XTERRA Fugitive 10k including Brown’s Island, the Canal Walk, James River Park, Belle Isle, and the Floodwall, but throws in another six+ miles of adventure in Forest Hill Park! With features like the “Mayan Ruins” climb and rock hopping across the riverbed known as the “dry way”, runners be immersed in a truly unique XTERRA experience.
XTERRA FUGITIVE 10K
The XTERRA Fugitive 10K is the James River Scramble revisited.
Called the Fugitive 10K for obvious reasons....it is an adventure second to none - featuring many of the elements of from the movie...the chase, the culvert, and the train tracks. Special recognition to runners dressed in theme. And, there's a special "Double" award to runners who race the 10K on May 16 on June 13.
7 RICHMOND IS ALL ABOUT THAT CRAZY, EPIC COURSE
The Richmond course is classic, and renowned for having some of the most technical trails in XTERRA despite being in the heart of a big city. It starts with a 1k swim (0.6-miles), follows with a 29k (18.3-mile) mountain bike, and finishes with a 11k (6.8-mile) trail run. The swim has become a poster child for the XTERRA creed that "Mother Nature is your tough- est competitor". It's slated to start at the boat ramp at Brown's Island, where competitors swim across the James River to Belle Isle, get out of the water - shuffle a few hundred feet across Belle - and then swim back. The James isn't very cooperative, however, so expect the unexpected. The bike is just as crazy. Riders go under and over bridges, through tunnels, and up stairs. Thanks to countless hours of volunteer work on the Northtrail over the last couple of years a full loop has been created that connects the north and south James River trails via the Boulevard Bridge to the west and the Belle Island footbridge to the east. The course staples include the Buttermilk trail, Belle Isle sections, tough short climbs and fast downhills through Forest Hills Park, and the man-made miracle "Hodson Ramp". The run starts easy enough, a pleasant jog along the canal, across the river, and on top of the floodwall with a great view of the city. Then athletes turn onto a dirt trail and suddenly an 80-foot vertical climb up railroad ties stares them in the face. They call it the Mayan ruins because it looks just as gnarly as a 2000-year-old temple. After that quad burner, things get easy again for a little while but all kinds of climbs and twists and turns lie ahead. A cool section of forested singletrack meanders through the woods along the river, leading to a water crossing over a small island where athletes encounter rocky terrain and the legendary riverbed crossing. From there racers climb up an old iron ladder to Belle Isle, cross over the James on the footbridge, and head back to Brown's for the finish.
8 PICTURES FROM THE COURSE
9 XTERRA ATLANTIC CUP PRO START LIST
The professionals competing in the Atlantic Cup are ‘09 Rank (after 4) - Name - Age, Hometown among the best mountain bikers, triathletes, and 1 - Conrad Stoltz - 35, Stellenbosch, South Africa adventure racers on the planet. 2 - Dan Hugo - 24, Stellenbosch, South Africa ‘09 Rank = Current rank in 2009 XTERRA Cup Series for pros 3 - Josiah Middaugh - 30, Vail, Colorado NR = Not ranked 4 - Mike Vine - 35, Victoria, B.C., Canada 7 - Craig Evans - 31, Spring Hill, Tennessee 8 - Seth Wealing - 30, Boulder, Colorado 10 - Will Kelsay - 27, Boulder, Colorado 12 - Matt Boobar - 36, Stratton Mountain, Vermont 13 - Brian Smith - 33, Gunnison, Colorado 14 - Ryan Ignatz - 30, Boulder, Colorado 18 - Ryan DeCook - 28, Rochester, Michigan NR - Damian Gonzalez - 32, Stockton, California NR - Dominic Gillen - 31, Milford, Connecticut
‘09 Rank - Name - Age, Hometown 1 - Melanie McQuaid - 35, Victoria, B.C., Canada 4 - Shonny Vanlandingham - 39, Durango, Colorado 6 - Danelle Kabush - 34, Canmore, Alberta, Canada 7 - Jenny Smith - 36, Westport, New Zealand 10 - Erin Kummer - 24, Rochester Hills, Michigan 12 - Rebecca Dussault - 28, Crested Butte, Colorado 15 - Kristy Lanier - 38, Marlinton, West Virginia 18 - Sari Anderson - 30, Carbondale, Colorado
START LIST BY COUNTRY/ALPHA Pro Men USA - Matt Boobar, Ryan DeCook, Craig Evans, Dominic Gillen, Damian Gonzalez, Ryan Ignatz, Will Kelsay, Josiah Middaugh, Brian Smith, Seth Wealing CANADA - Mike Vine SOUTH AFRICA - Conrad Stoltz, Dan Hugo ------Pro Women USA - Sari Anderson, Rebecca Dussault, Erin Kummer, Kristy Lanier, Shonny Vanlandingham CANADA - Danelle Kabush, Melanie McQuaid NEW ZEALAND - Jenny Smith
10 XTERRA ATLANTIC CUP PRO RACE PREVIEW
There is a lot of XTERRA history to be found in Richmond – from wacky stories about the swim (walk, crawl, or run) in the James River, snakes and switchbacks in Forest Hills Park, hitting the wall at the Manchester stairs “aka Mayan Ruins”, taking the right (or wrong) route through the “Dry Way”, the suffering to be had on Belle Isle, and of course the thrill of victory – even just the thrill of finishing - on Brown’s Island.
A decade worth of racing (since 1999 in Richmond) on the most unique, most profound urban adventure XTERRA has ever created, can do that. South African greats Conrad “the Caveman” Stoltz and “Bamm Bamm” Dan Hugo – however - are rolling into Richmond with one thing in mind to make last year’s race memories disappear.
You see, Stoltz has won this race three times but last year Oh, Middaugh is in town to defend his crown too – fresh off he got flat after flat after flat on the bike and didn’t even the overall title at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, finish. Hugo, meanwhile, was out in front and on his way to Colorado, and Canadian Mike Vine (the 2001 Richmond victory in 2008 before America’s best, Josiah Middaugh, winner) is flying in from Malaysia after winning the first jolted past him in the last mile of the run to steal it from him. XTERRA in Southeast Asia over the weekend. This year, after four races in the XTERRA Cup Series, Stoltz has won three and Hugo won the other just this past There are another half-dozen guys that could make a Saturday in Idaho. difference, including Seth Wealing (2nd here in 2007), Dominic Gillen (top American here four times!), Craig Evans “This course is insane, certainly worthy of flying half way (who will most likely be the first swimmer out of the water), around the world to race here,” said Hugo after last year’s and Brian Smith (he can crush this bike course). race. In the women’s race the winningest racer in NORBA mountain biking history – America’s own Shonny Vanlandingham – will lead the underdog charge against XTERRA phenom and 3x World Champ Melanie McQuaid. The Canadian has won 8 of her last 10, four straight in 2009, and the Richmond title twice (last year and 2004).
Kiwi Jenny Smith is back, and she was second here last year. This bike course suits her well, but the run course suits the crafty Danelle Kabush (a 1,500-meter finalist while at the University of Washington). One of the world’s greatest adventure racers – Sari Anderson (part of the ’06 Raid World Champs squad) – is giving Richmond a go for the first time and U.S. Olympic Skier/XTERRA Winter Worlds Champ Rebecca Dussault is bringing her extreme athleticism and endurance to the River City.
The XTERRA Atlantic Cup in Richmond is race No. 5 on the 8-stop XTERRA Cup Series, and you can rest assured that the blood, sweat, and beers will be flowing this Sunday. 11 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
CONRAD “The Caveman” STOLTZ Stellenbosch, South Africa Conrad 2008 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champ 2001-02 & 2007 XTERRA World Champ
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 1 FINAL 2008 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 8 PERSONAL: Born October 23, 1973 lives in Reno, Nevada during the racing season...a two-time Olympic triathlete, finished 20th in 2000 when he was the first off the bike, then dnf’d in Athens...started BMX racing at age seven, running at nine, biathlon at 13, triathlon and cycling at 14, and pro triathlon at 18...“It’s in my blood.” WEBSITE: conradstoltz.com and stoltzracing.com SPONSORS: Specialized, Balega, Avia, Suunto, GU, Stuffitts, Oakley, Acid Zapper XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A six-time XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champion (2001, ‘02, ‘03, ‘05 & ‘07, ‘08), and the only three-time men’s pro XTERRA World Champion. 2001: Burst onto the XTERRA scene and won the Pro Series and World title as a rookie. 2002: Won in Keystone, California, Tahoe, and Maui. 2003: Won first race at Big Bear, placed 2nd in Richmond, 3rd in Keystone, won in Tahoe, and won Pro Points Series. 2004: Placed second in Richmond, 6th in Keystone, second in Big Bear, and fifth in Tahoe. Finished third in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series, and dnf’d at XTERRA Worlds. 2005: Won five straight before placing 2nd in Keystone. Won XTERRA South Africa, the West, East, and Midwest Champs in Milwaukee, was second in Keystone before win- ning the inaugural XTERRA Brazil. Placed second in Tahoe but still won XTERRA Pro Series title. Placed 9th at Worlds. 2006: Won XTERRA South Africa, missed the first U.S. race of the year in California with injuries, returned in time LAST YEAR: Placed 4th at XTERRA South Africa, won the for Alabama where he was fourth, and a week later he won West Champs for 6th time in his career, won the Southeast the East Championship. Placed 8th in Milwaukee after a title, DNF in Richmond, was 2nd at XTERRA UK, 6th at series of crashes and injuries and then 4th at the Mountain XTERRA Czech, and 2nd at XTERRA France. Won the Championships in Utah. A pre-ride crash at the XTERRA XTERRA Mountain Championship in August, placed 8th at USA Championship kept him out of nationals and worlds. the USA Championship but still edged countryman Dan 2007: Won XTERRA South Africa for fourth straight year, Hugo to win XTERRA U.S. Pro Series title for the 6th time. then the XTERRA West Champs. Won Southeast and East Suffered a flat while leading at the XTERRA World Champs on back-to-back weekends. DNF’d at Utah Championship in Maui and eventually finished 12th after a because of a mechanical. Won USA Championship, Pro series of mechanicals. Series title, then World Champs for third time. Named the THIS YEAR: Won XTERRA West, Midwest, and Southeast Off-Road triathlete of the year at Endurance Sports Awards. Cup Races, was 5th at Northwest Cup.
12 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
JOSIAH MIDDAUGH Vail, Colorado Josiah 2008 XTERRA East Champion 2004-05/07-08 XTERRA National Champ
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 3 PERSONAL: Born July 25, 1978 from East Jordan, Michigan...earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health fitness from Central Michigan University where he ran cross country and track...works as an endurance coach and per- sonal trainer. WEBSITE: josiahmiddaugh.com SPONSORS: TYR, Salomon, First Endurance XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has been the top American racer in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series four of the last five years. 3-time USSSA Snowshoe National Champion (2002, ‘03, ‘08), 5-time North American Snowshoe Champ, 2006 USAT Winter Triathlon National Champion, and 2005 USAT Long Course National Champion. Before turning pro he was the 2002 XTERRA Amateur USA and World Champion in the 20-24 division. 2004: 7th in Richmond, won Keystone, 3rd in Big Bear and Lake Tahoe, won XTERRA Canada. Top American finisher in Tahoe where he posted the fastest bike and run. Placed 2nd in Pro Series and top American (3rd overall) at Worlds. 2005: 7th in Temecula, 10th in Richmond, 6th in Milwaukee, and 3rd in Keystone by six seconds. 9th in Tahoe and 6th in Pro Series (top American). Was also the top American at the World Championship (10th overall) for 2nd straight year. 2006: Finished 3rd at Temecula then broke his knee-cap in a training ride before the second race of the year in Alabama. Came back in time for Tahoe where he finished 7th, followed that with a 4th at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: Finished 4th at West Champs, 3rd in Alabama, 4th in Richmond, 2nd in Utah, 4th at the USA Championship and 3rd in the Pro Series (top American). Was 17th at Worlds. LAST YEAR: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Winter Worlds in Utah (by one second). Placed 4th at West Champs, won the East Championship, was 5th at the Mountain Champs, and 3rd at XTERRA USA. Top American in the U.S. Pro Series for 4th time in 5 years. Placed 7th at XTERRA Worlds (top American for third time in his career). THIS YEAR: Placed 4th at the XTERRA Winter World Championship in Utah. Finished 2nd at XTERRA West Cup, 3rd at Midwest Cup, and 2nd at the Southeast Cup. Missed NW Cup (Won Teva Mtn Games in his hometown). 13 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
MIKE “The Vineman” VINE Victoria, B.C., Canada Mike 2008 XTERRA USA Champion
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born May 18, 1973...from Victoria but now living in Vancouver...part-time swim coach, system analyst consultant and auto mechanic...been riding a bike com- petitvely since age 13 WEBSITE: mikevine.athletesjournal.com SPONSORS: Cycles, Fox Racing Shox, Mizuno Footwear, Michelin Tires, Vega Nutrition, Blue Seventy Wetsuits, Maui Coupon Magazine. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 10th year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Finished in the top three in 14 consecutive pro tour races encompassing the entire 2000 XTERRA America Tour and the first three races of the 2001 XTERRA USA Championship series. Won the 2000 XTERRA Canada Championship, 2001 East and Central Champs, 2002 Saipan Crown, 2005 & ‘06 Mountain titles, 2007 XTERRA Brazil, and 2008 XTERRA USA Champs. 2005: Placed 4th in Temecula, 8th in Richmond, 11th in Milwaukee, and won impressively in Keystone with a 4:32 margin of victory over Stoltz. Finished 3rd in Tahoe and second in the XTERRA Pro Series, and was 4th at Worlds. 2006: Placed 7th in Temecula, 14th in Alabama, and didn’t race in Richmond. Placed 2nd at the inaugural XTERRA Mexico Championship on June 24, DNF with mechanical in Milwaukee, then won the last regional of the year at the XTERRA Mountain Championship in Utah (second straight Mountain Championship). Was 14th at XTERRA UK and finished 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship where he posted fastest bike split. DNF at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: 2nd at Temecula while posting the fastest run of the day, 4th in Bama and 3rd at East Champs. DNF’d at Mountain Champs due to mechanicals. Finished 2nd at the USA Championship, 2nd in the Pro Series, & 8th in Maui. LAST YEAR: Finished 11th at XTERRA West Champs, 10th at Southeast Champs, and 13th at East Champs before nearly upsetting Stoltz at the Mountain Champs where he came in 2nd, just 14 seconds back. Won the XTERRA USA Championship, and placed 4th (top regular XTERRA Pro) at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Saipan Championship on April 18, 4th at the XTERRA West Cup, 2nd at the Midwest Cup, 3rd at Southeast Cup, won inaugural XTERRA Malaysia Championship. 14 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
DAN HUGO Stellenbosch, South Africa 2008 XTERRA South Africa Champion Dan
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 2 FINAL 2008 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 18 2007 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 19 PERSONAL: Born July 1, 1985 in Worcester...moved to Stellenbosch, Conrad Stoltz’ hometown, when he was in the 10th grade. . WEBSITE: dghugo.com SPONSORS: Jeep Apparel, Puma, Tropitone, Specialized, Garmin, and EA Sports. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fourth year. Placed 4th at XTERRA Brazil in 2006 in first XTERRA. 2007: Finished 2nd at XTERRA South Africa and 6th at the XTERRA West Championship. Was in third place during the bike portion of the Southeast Champs in Alabama when he crashed and broke his hand. The injury kept him out for the rest of the season. LAST YEAR: Won the XTERRA South Africa CRAIG EVANS Championship, was 2nd at XTERRA West Championship, Spring Hill, TN Southeast Championship (by just 16 seconds to Stoltz) and East Championship (by 24 seconds to Middaugh). Placed 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 7 9th at XTERRA UK, DNF at XTERRA Czech, was 12th at PERSONAL: Born March 29, 1978...originally from Ocala, XTERRA France-Auron, 4th at USA Championship, missed Florida...earned a degree in healthcare administration from winning the Pro Series by 8 points (to Stoltz) and placed 8th Western Kentucky University where he was an All-American at XTERRA Worlds. swimmer...works in medical device sales for Smith and THIS YEAR: Placed 3rd at the XTERRA West Cup, 4th at Nephew Endoscopy, and is part owner of a new tri shop. the Midwest Cup, 4th at the Southeast Cup, won Northwest WEBSITE: teamcraigevans.com Cup. SPONSORS: Endurance Sports and Rec, Infinite Nutrition, Biker’s choice, and SwiftWick Socks. Craig XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year. Turned pro in 2006 after winning the amateur overall at the Southeast Championship in Alabama. Won every XTERRA Points Series race he entered in 2004 and 2005. 2006: Finished 12th in Milwaukee, then injured. 2007: Finished 16th at XTERRA West Champs, 5th in Alabama and 6th in Richmond. Had the fastest swim in both ‘Bama and Richmond. Placed 10th at Mountain Champs despite racing with a broken bone in his foot. LAST YEAR: Finished 7th at XTERRA West Champs, 3rd in Alabama and 5th in Richmond. Led the Pro Series in points heading into Mountain Champs where he placed 9th. Was 14th at USA Champs and 25th at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Finished 9th at XTERRA West and Midwest Cup races, 6th at Southeast Cup, 6th at Northwest Cup. 15 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
BRIAN SMITH Brian Gunnison, Colorado 2008-09 XTERRA Winter World Champ
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 13 PERSONAL: Born November 15, 1975 in Glens Falls, NY...NORBA XC Pro since 2001...ran track and x-country at Western State College where he earned degree in clinical/counseling psychology...works as a community support specialist for developmentally disabled adults. WEBSITE: wheresbrianandjennysmith.blogspot.com SPONSORS: Trek, FOX, Shimano, Rudy Project, Salomon XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Seventh year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Two-time and current XTERRA Winter World Champion, Top American (3rd overall) at the 2007 XTERRA World Championship, won the 2006 XTERRA Midwest Championship and the overall- Grand Traverse Backcountry Extreme Ski Race in 2006. 2006: Finished 10th at XTERRA West Champs while posting fastest bike split, 5th in Alabama, his best XTERRA finish ever at the time, 9th in Richmond, and won the Midwest Championship in Milwaukee (which was a duathlon format as swim was cancelled) on August 6. Placed 12th at the USA Championship and 17th at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: Finished 5th in Temecula, 7th in Bama, DNF in Richmond, was 3rd at Mountain Champs, 8th at XTERRA USA Champs and was 6th in the Pro Series. Finished 3rd overall and top American at the XTERRA World Champs. LAST YEAR: Won the inaugural XTERRA Winter World Championship (bike, snowshoe, run, randonee) at Snowbasin Resort in Utah and the Fire and Ice award for having the fastest combined times at the XTERRA World Championship and Winter Worlds. Placed 3rd (top American) at West Champs, sixth at Southeast Champs, third at XTERRA Brazil, and third at Mountain Champs. Placed 6th at XTERRA USA Championship, 4th in the Pro Series and 9th at XTERRA Worlds (2nd American behind Josiah Middaugh). THIS YEAR: Won the USAT Winter Triathlon National Championship in Bend, Oregon in January 11, represented the U.S. at ITU Winter Triathlon World Championships in Austria where he finished 12th (top American), and won the XTERRA Winter World Championship in March. Finished 8th at the XTERRA West Cup, and 7th at the Midwest Cup.
16 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
WILL KELSAY Boulder, Colorado Will
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 10 PERSONAL: Born August 5, 1981...attended the University of Colorado where he raced on the national championship triathlon team and earned a degree in mechanical engineering...coaches high school cross country and track. WEBSITE: willkelsay.com SPONSORS: Timex, Rudy Project, Colorado Multisport, Trek, Sugoi, Aqua Sphere, Bontrager, Powerbar, Nathan, ARX, Trigger Point, Gaiam, Nuun, Saris/Power Tap, Headsweats, Training Peaks. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. Has more than 25 top 10 XTERRA finishes. Best place was 8th at Mountain Champs in 2007. Has 15 XTERRA races on his schedule this season. In 2007 he was named Mr. XTERRA after going on a 12,630-mile, 12-week, 12-race, cross-the- country road trip in a beat-up RV to share his love for XTERRA. Along the way he put on a dozen clinics, traveled through 31 states, won four races, finished in the top 10 at three others, rebuilt the RV, and ran out of money. The journey was dubbed “Will’s XTERRA Adventure” 2006: Finished 11th in California, 11th in Alabama, DNF in Richmond, was a career-best 9th in Milwaukee, 10th in Utah, 17th at USA Championship and 114th in Maui. 2007: Placed 14th at XTERRA West Champs, 10th in Alabama, and 14th in Richmond. Placed 8th at XTERRA Mountain Champs in Utah for his best career finish and was 13th at USA Championship. Was 64th in Maui. LAST YEAR: Finished 18th in Temecula, 19th in ‘Bama, 14th in Richmond, 12th in Utah, and 12th at the XTERRA USA Championship. Placed 16th overall in the Pro Series. THIS YEAR: Finished 14th at the XTERRA West and Midwest Cup races, 9th at the Southeast Cup, and 11th at the Northwest Cup.
17 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
SETH WEALING Boulder, Colorado Seth 2006 XTERRA USA/Pro Series Champ
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 8 PERSONAL: Born November 21, 1978 in Remington, Indiana...earned bachelor degrees in architecture and environmental design from Ball State University...is a practicing architect with a 40+ hour a week job. WEBSITE: sethwealingusa.com SPONSORS: Blue Competition Cycles, SRAM, Aquaman Wetsuits, Point 6 Socks, Stan’s No-Tubes Wheels, TYR, MAXXIS, First Endurance, Fizik, Mafia Racing. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year. Raced in selected XTERRA’s in 2000 thru 2002 before concentrating on World Cup & Olympic racing. Returned to XTERRA in 2005. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2006 XTERRA USA Champ, 2002 USA Elite Triathlon National Championship, member of the 2003 national select team, placed third at ITU World Cup race in Tongyeong, South Korea. 2005: Placed 4th at Richmond, DNF’d in Keystone, and was the top American at the XTERRA USA Championship in Nevada where he finished fourth. 2006: Finished 2nd at the first two races of the year in California & Alabama, was 7th in Richmond, did not race in Milwaukee due to injury, was 2nd in Utah, won his first championship race - the XTERRA United Kingdom Championship on Sept. 2., then won the XTERRA USA Championship, becoming the first American to ever win the race and the first American since Michael Tobin in 2000 to win XTERRA U.S. Pro Points Series. Placed 3rd, top American, at XTERRA Worlds in his first-ever attempt. 2007: Finished 4th at XTERRA New Zealand, 12th at XTERRA West, 6th in Alabama, and moved up 4 places dur- ing the run in Richmond to finish 2nd. Won the XTERRA Mountain Championship in Utah to jump from 5th to 2nd in the Pro Series. Finished 7th at XTERRA United Kingdom, 5th at the USA Championship, 4th in the Pro Series, and 177th in Maui after a series of mechanicals on the bike. LAST YEAR: Placed 5th at XTERRA West Champs, 20th at Southeast Champs, 12th at East Champs, 4th at Mountain Champs (less than a minute behind race winner Stoltz), 2nd at XTERRA USA Championship (top American) and 11th at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Placed 12th at XTERRA West Cup, 6th at the Midwets Cup, DNS at Southeast, was 3rd at Northwest Cup.
18 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
MATT BOOBAR Stratton Mountain, Vermont Matt 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 12 PERSONAL: Born September 4, 1972...originally from Rockport, Maine...earned a degree in exercise science from Plymouth State University...works as a full-time nordic ski coach at Stratton Mountain School, where the girls nordic team won the national title in 2007 & 2008. SPONSORS: Trek, SRAM, Powerbar, Michelin, Stratton Mountain Resort, Bontrager. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year, first as a pro...XTERRA’s overall amateur national champion in 2006 and 2007. Has won four XTERRA National Titles in three divisions (35-39 in 2007; 30-34 in 2003 and 2006; and 25-29 in 2001), and is a 6-time Northeast Region Champ. LAST YEAR: Finished 22nd overall (5th amateur) at USA Champs and was 66th overall (7th in 35-39) at Worlds. THIS YEAR: Placed 13th at the XTERRA Midwest Cup, 10th at the Southeast Cup, 13th at Northwest Cup.
Ryan
RYAN DECOOK Rochester, Michigan
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 18 PERSONAL: Born October 6, 1980...2003 and 2005 USA Triathlon All American...earned an accounting degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Oakland University...ran cross country at both schools. SPONSORS: Roy O'Brien Ford, Brooks shoes, Rooly sun- glasses, First Endurance, Moosejaw. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fourth year as pro, won the 20-24 XTERRA National Championship in 2005. 2007: Placed 11th at the East Championship, 13th at the Mountain Champs in Utah, and 43rd at Worlds. LAST YEAR: Finished 15th at the West and Southeast Champs, 10th at East Champs, 30th at Mtn Champs, 20th at USA Champs, and 37th among pros in Maui. THIS YEAR: Finished17th at XTERRA West Cup and 10th at the Southeast Cup. 19 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
RYAN IGNATZ Boulder, Colorado Ryan
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 14 PERSONAL: Born September 25, 1978 in born in Arcadia, CA...earned Masters of Science in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology at Univ of Colorado at Boulder...manages the Colorado Multisport triathlon store in Boulder. WEBSITE: ryanignatzracing.com SPONSORS: BMC Bikes, First Endurance, Colorado Multisport. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2002 USAT All American, 6th at Collegiate Nationals (2002), top 10 in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series last two years (2007/08). 2006: Finished 9th in California, 6th in Alabama, 10th in Richmond, 6th in Milwaukee, 7th in Utah, 6th in Tahoe, and 9th at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: Placed 8th at East Champs, 7th at Mountain Champs, 6th at XTERRA USA Championship to place 10th overall in Pro Series. Finished 16th at XTERRA Worlds. LAST YEAR: Placed 3rd at Duathlon Nationals, DNF at West Champs in Temecula, 8th at Southeast Champs, 6th DOMINIC GILLEN at East Champs, 8th at Mountain Champs, 9th at XTERRA Milford, Connecticut USA and 14th at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Finished11th at XTERRA West Cup, 7th at the 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: Not ranked Northwest Cup. PERSONAL: Born September 1, 1977...lettered in DAMIAN GONZALEZ swimming at the University of Connecticut. Stockton, California XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year. Has been the top American finisher at the XTERRA in Richmond 4 times (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006). 2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: Not ranked 2002: Placed fourth at the XTERRA East and USA PERSONAL: Born December 20, 1976...runs a graphic, Championships. Finished seventh in the Pro Series. video and web services company. 2003: Third at Richmond, and 15th in Tahoe. WEBSITE: xpmultimedia.com 2004: Fourth in Richmond, 12th in Keystone, and 8th in Big SPONSORS: Orbea, Crank Brothers, Ritchey, Accelerade, Bear. Finished 11th in the U.S. Pro Series, and fourth at the Go Pro, Rudy Project, ZYM, Williams Cycling, Wenzel XTERRA World Championship (2nd American). Coaching, Devinci’s Delicatessen, Righetti Enterprises, 2005: Finished 79th in Richmond, and DNF’d at Worlds. Birkenstock & More, Stockton Orthopedic, Alpine 2006: Finished 8th in California, 7th in Alabama, 5th in Orthopedic, Meyers Optical, Flashbacks Photography, XP Richmond and 4th in Milwaukee. Did not race in Utah, was Multimedia. 20th in Tahoe, and 16th in Maui. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Ninth year, second as a pro. Won 2007: Did not race. the 30-34 XTERRA National Chamionship in 2007. LAST YEAR: Won the Off-Road Duathlon National LAST YEAR: Placed 21st at the West and Southeast races, Championship in Richmond on April 26, placed 19th at the 18th at East Champs and Nationals, and was 32nd among XTERRA West Champs, 4th at the Southeast Champs, 9th men’s pros at XTERRA Worlds in Maui. at the East Champs, and 23rd at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Finished 16th at the West Cup. THIS YEAR: First race. 20 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
MELANIE McQUAID Victoria, B.C., Canada ‘08 XTERRA USA/U.S. Pro Series Champ Melanie 2003, ‘05 & ‘06 XTERRA World Champ
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 1 PERSONAL: Born May 17, 1973 in Victoria, BC, Canada has a degree in biochemistry raced with Canada’s National Cycling team for six years...started up the MelRad racing team in 2009. WEBSITE: racergirl.com SPONSORS: Specialized, Avia, GU, Sundog Eyewear, Shimano, MAXXIS, Titec, Profile Design, Lazer Helmets, Pactimo, Saris, Genuine Innovations, Saltstick, Suunto. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 8th year. 2002: Finished in the runner-up position in both the XTERRA East and Central Championships before winning the West title at Half Moon Bay. Finished 4th at the USA Championship and was the runner-up in Pro Series. 2003: Second at Big Bear and Richmond, won in Canada, and was 2nd in Tahoe. Finished 2nd in Pro Series. 2004: Won in Richmond, then finished runner-up to Whitmore in Keystone, Big Bear, and Tahoe. Also finished second in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Won XTERRA Canada and placed second at XTERRA Worlds. 2005: Won in Temecula, finished 7th at XTERRA Czech, won XTERRA Italy, placed 2nd in Richmond and Milwaukee, won Keystone to tie Whitmore for the Series lead heading into Tahoe. Placed second in Tahoe and 2nd in the Pro Series. Was 9th in the XTERRA European Tour standings. Became the first female to win her second XTERRA World Championship in Maui. 2006: 2nd in Temecula, won inaugural XTERRA Southeast Championship in Alabama, 2nd in Richmond and Milwaukee, won the Mountain Championship to create a virtual tie with Whitmore for Pro Series lead, then won in Tahoe to capture her first Pro Series crown after three runner-ups. Followed with her second straight and unprecedented 3rd XTERRA World Title. 2007: Won in California, was second in Alabama, Richmond, and Utah. Placed 5th at USA Champs, 2nd in Pro Series, and was the runner-up at XTERRA Worlds. LAST YEAR: Won West Champs for second straight year, 8th at Southeast, won the East, the Mountain Championship, and the USA Champs. DNF’d at XTERRA Worlds. THIS YEAR: Won XTERRA West, Midwest, Southeast, and Northwest Cup races. 21 MEET THE PROFESSIONALS
SHONNY VANLANDINGHAM Durango, Colorado Shonny 2008 XTERRA Southast Champion 2008 XTERRA National Champion
2009 XTERRA CUP SERIES RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born May 29, 1969...earned her degree in nutrition and played NCAA I basketball at East Texas State University races for the Luna Chix Pro MTB Team roasts her own coffee at her second home on the Big Island of Hawaii