2015 PRESS GUIDE WELCOME FROM THE NSW GOVERNMENT

A warm welcome to athletes and supporters visiting Jervis Bay on the beautiful South Coast of NSW for the 2015 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championships.

The NSW Government proudly secured this event until 2016, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship takes the traditional triathlon off-road, and welcomes some of the world’s best and toughest athletes who will test their skills and endurance on the region’s beaches and trails. The weekend-long festival also gives casual participants the opportunity to compete in a sprint distance off-road triathlon, trail run, or relay team competition.

The NSW South Coast is a haven for surfers, cyclists, runners and nature lovers, and a fitting location to host this event. Competitors will take in some spectacular scenery en route, and visitors will be charmed by the local hospitality and the area’s beautiful natural attractions including Jervis Bay Marine Park and Booderee National Park, as well as its headlands, cliff top walking trails and native forests.

Best of luck to all competitors for the 2015 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championships, and have a wonderful stay in Jervis Bay. Nick Rains / Destination NSW

The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Presenting sponsors include John Paul Mitchell Systems, the world’s largest privately owned professional salon hair care company, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts - one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions, 220 Triathlon Australia/NZ, and XTERRA Wetsuits & Boards Australia - the official swim sponsor.

2 INTRODUCTION TO XTERRA

In 1996 mountain biking and triathlon met in a duel of the fittest on the island of Maui. The race consisted of a rough water 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 “Live More” spirit that pulled them together. The relationship flourished into an internationally- recognized brand called XTERRA, and today there are tens of thousands of athletes not only taking part in the races, but truly living the lifestyle.

A fitting representation of this “XTERRA Tribe” - several hundred athletes from around the world – will gather at Callala Beach in pristine Jervis Bay, New South Wales; and on Saturday, April 18 to put their mental and physical toughness up against Mother Nature at the 2nd annual XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship triathlon.

A television show will be produced for national & international distribution.

XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship TABLE OF CONTENTS Pro Purse ($50,000 AUD) Rank Men Women Media Information 4 1st $10,000 $10,000 Schedule of Events 5 nd 2 $6,000 $6,000 About the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship 6-9 3rd $3,500 $3,500 Course Facts 10-11 4th $2,000 $2,000 2014 XTERRA APAC Review 12-15 th 2015 Elite Men 16 5 $1,250 $1,250 2015 Elite Women 17 6th $750 $750 Men’s Elite Profiles 18-25 7th $550 $550 Women’s Elite Profiles 26-33 About TEAM Unlimited 34 8th $400 $400 About XTERRA.TV 35 th 9 $300 $300 2015 XTERRA World Tour Schedule 36 10th $250 $250 The XTERRA Story 37-44

For further information email Trey Garman at [email protected] MEDIA INFORMATION

The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship press guide was designed to provide the media with useful information about the 2015 race, the pros competing in it, and XTERRA in general. Below are additional items of interest:

- For credentials contact Trey Garman at [email protected] or 0011-1-808-216-8606 (within Australia)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIRECT MEDIA INQUIRIES AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION TO:

Laura Bowmaker, Elite Energy Media Director 0410 591 930 (cell) [email protected]

or

Trey Garman, Vice President 0011 1 808 216 8606 (cell) [email protected]

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

4 2015 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS All events at Callala RSL Country Club unless otherwise noted Callala Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales

Thursday, April 16 All Day Bike course open for pre-ride

Friday, April 17 All Day Bike and run courses open for practice 2:00 - 5.30pm Registration / race pack collection open – all events 3pm XTERRA University clinic, presented by Paul Mitchell and hosted by Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack 5:30pm XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship pre-race briefing and introduction of elite athletes 6:00pm Carbo loading pasta dinner and Q&A at Callala Bay Community Hall

Saturday, April 18 6:00 - 10:30 Registration / race pack collection open 6:00 - 7:40am T1 open for bike racking - XTERRA Sprint race only 7:45am Sprint athlete briefing at beach start (end of Callala Beach Road) 8:00am XTERRA Sprint start 9:00 - 10:45am T1 open for bike racking - XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship race 10:45am Championship race briefing at beach start 11:00am XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship start (end of Callala Beach Road) 12:00pm T1 opens for bike pick-up - XTERRA Sprint only 12:30pm XTERRA Kids fun sprint @ RSL finish area 1:00pm T1 closed for swim/bike gear pick-up - Sprint race only 3pm T1 open for all swim/bike gear pick-up - XTERRA Championship race 3pm Cut off at T2 (you will not be allowed to start the run after this time) 3pm XTERRA awards ceremonies 4:30pm Race closed 5:00pm T1 closed for bike/swim gear pick-up 7:30 - 11pm After-party and race highlight video, Callala RSL Country Club

Sunday, April 19 7:00 - 8.30am Registration / race pack collection open 8:45am Trail run athlete briefing at race start 8:55am 21K Relay runners meet at race briefing for transportation to tag location 9:00am XTERRA Trail Half-Marathon & Relay 21K start 9:10am XTERRA 5K Trail Run start 10:30am XTERRA 5K Trail Run awards 11:30am XTERRA Trail Half-Marathon & Relay Awards

5 THE XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP

In 2014 TEAM Unlimited LLC, owners and producers of the XTERRA World Tour, announced it had reached a three- year strategic partnership agreement with Destination New South Wales to host the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship off-road triathlon and accompanying sports festival in the Jervis Bay area.

The inaugural event was held April 25-27, 2014, & doubled as the XTERRA Australia Championship. The weekend also included a sprint distance off-road triathlon, trail runs, ocean swim, kids events, clinics and social gatherings.

The 2015 race is scheduled for April 18-19, again along the beautiful coastline of Jervis Bay.

As the most prestigious event in XTERRA’s Asia-Pacific series that includes championship races in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Tahiti, Guam, and the Northern Marianas – the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship will offer $50,000 in prize money to the sport’s top professional athletes.

“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Destination New South Wales in hosting one of the major pillar events in the XTERRA World Tour in the New South Wales and Jervis Bay region,” said Tom Kiely, TEAM Unlimited CEO. “Our athletes will be treated to a remarkable setting for a race and perhaps more importantly, a truly amazing adventure destination to explore and discover before and after the big event.”

The main event will combine a one-mile swim with roughly 30-kilometers of mountain biking followed by 10km of trail running. The best athletes from across the region will be invited to compete for the Asia-Pacific crown and local athletes will be welcome to join in the fun and embrace the XTERRA motto to “Live More.”

The 2015 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship event will be televised for a 30-minute feature program to be distributed internationally.

The U.S. TV Broadcast begins in June, 2015 and runs through October, 2017. ESPN International will air the show beginning in August, 2015 and the show will be seen on Pacific Rim Networks (which includes Australia), Caribbean and South America. 6 FLAVOURS OF THE SOUTH COAST

Toma Iakopo Photo

While Jervis Bay is a perfect location for sporting chunky chicken pies and a jar of handmade preserves, adventures, it’s also a great base from which to explore and before trying delicious gelato from Il Locale. Another good taste some of the best flavours of the South Coast. Discover dining spot for casual meal is at Gerroa’s Blue Swimmer at a thriving wine region with many vineyards and cellar doors Seahaven where the tang of sea salt is in the air. More tasty located in idyllic settings; Cambewarra Estate, Coolangatta eateries include The Schoolhouse at Gerringong, Kiama’s Estate, Cuppitt's and Two Figs are some of the best. You’ll Hanoi on Manning and Diggies at North Wollongong beach. also find crunchy sourdough bread from local bakeries, succulent oysters and weekend farmers markets as well as Heading south from Jervis Bay also leads to sublime a wide choice of casual dining options. seafood experiences. Rick Stein at Bannisters is, well established as one of the state’s best regional restaurants. A good starting point is a hearty breakfast at the Hyams On the banks of the beautiful Clyde River at Batemans Bay, Beach Store and Café before heading north to Greenwell enjoy taste freshly-shucked Sydney rock oysters and the Point to taste sublime local rock or Pacific oysters – a must ‘Angasi’ from The Oyster Shed or Pearly Oyster Bar and for oyster-lovers! Further north, the pretty town of Berry is Farm. On the Pier at Batemans Bay is also known for its fine packed with local art galleries and craft shops, antiques, seafood as is The River at Moruya, which has a seasonal markets and fabulous food. menu sourced from local produce.

Visit Milkwood Bakery or the renowned Berry Sourdough Find out more about NSW food and wine on the South Bakery, or head to South Coast Providores for free-range Coast at visitnsw.com.au 7 QUICK FACTS ON THE XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP

WHAT IS XTERRA: The world’s premier off-road triathlon, combining a 1.5-kilometer (1-mile) swim at Callala Beach … a 30-kilometer (18.6-miles) mountain bike that traverses Australia’s famous native “bush” in the Nowra State Forest, and a 10-kilometer (6.2-miles) run through unyielding terrain. Top pros finish in roughly two-and-a-half hours.

WHO RACES: Hundreds of amateur and professional triathletes from around the world ages 15-to-70.

WHEN: The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship starts at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18.

WHERE: Callala RSL Country Club at Callala Beach / Jervis Bay, New South Wales

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

XTERRA BACKGROUND: This is year 20 for the sport of XTERRA. The first XTERRA race was held on November 3, 1996 on the Hawaiian Island of Maui with just 123 participants and was televised on Fox Sports Net. The demand for the sport of XTERRA exploded thereafter and there are now more than 30,000 competitors from more than 40 countries worldwide.

1996: American Jimmy Riccitello and Australian Michellie Jones win inaugural event in Wailea, Maui. 1999: 11 races across the United States, first year of Pro Points Series. 2000: XTERRA goes global with its first international races in England, Japan, and Canada. 2001: The first year of XTERRA in Australia - Jody Mielke and Paul Amey win the XTERRA Australia Championship 2011: The first year of the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour with races in the Philippines, Saipan, Guam, and Japan 2014: The inaugural XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship race in NSW. 2015: Now more than 300 events in 30 countries worldwide, celebrating 20th XTERRA World Championship on Nov. 1

TELEVISION: The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship race will be filmed and edited into a half-hour show for interna- tional distribution. The 2015 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship shows will be broadcast on ESPN International stations in Australia and other countries, as well as throughout the U.S. via national syndication & Fox Sports Network.

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

8 XTERRA APAC WEEKEND EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Beyond just the main event, the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship weekend will feature fun for the whole family. New South Wales’ Jervis Bay is the ultimate destination to relax, unwind and recharge your batteries. This majestic stretch of coastline offers spectacular scenery and plenty of adventure. The Race Village at the Callala RSL is a great place to hang out and watch the transitions and finish line activity. In between all of the race action, there will be music, commentary, a BBQ, exhibition tents including XTERRA Wetsuits, and a fun run for little kids that is sure to entertain. Here’s a look at the events on tap...

XTERRA UNIVERSITY: Get to know the Pros and what the Pros know at XTERRA University. Learn the XTERRA disciplines of swimming, mountain biking, and trail running, sharpen your skills with instruction on nutrition, Callala Beach course specifics, racing tips, winning strategies, and get the inside scoop on the Asia-Pacific Championship race straight from the pros.

XTERRA SPRINT RACE: The XTERRA Sprint race is a great way for newcomers to ease their way into the sport. It combines a 750m ocean swim, with a 14K mountain bike and 5K trail run.

XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP: The championship combines a 1.5K ocean swim, 30K mountain bike and 10K trail run. Racers compete against other athletes in their same division, including Pro/elite, Age Group men and women – 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+(W), 65-69(M), 70-74(M), 75+(M), challenged and relay teams.

Top 3 in each age group division earn awards, plus random prize drawing for 2 full XTERRA Wetsuits. Australian residents racing in the championship event are eligible for the XTERRA Australia Championship title – pro and all age group divisions. It’s an official 2015 XTERRA World Championship Qualifier with 50 total slots to the top finishers in each division. Also, the fastest pro and age group male and female finishers (combined time) in the XTERRA New Zealand (April 11 in Rotorua) and Asia-Pacific Championship (April 18 in NSW) will be recognized with special “ANZ Double” trophies.

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

XTERRA HALF-MARATHON TRAIL RUN: On Sunday trail runners can join in the fun and discover nature’s paradise in New South Wales, and get to see what kind of terrain challenges the Aussie Bush provides. XTERRA will give out awards to the top three in each division, and first- place finishers in each division win free entry to the 2015 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship (21K) to be held December 6, 2015 in Hawaii. 9 THE 2015 COURSE AT CALLALA BEACH

XTERRA managing director “Kahuna Dave” Nicholas has SWIM DISTANCE: 1.5-kilometers (0.93 miles). high praise for the venue set to host the 2nd annual Location: Callala Beach at the end of Callala Beach Road XTERRA’s Asia-Pacific Championship race. a long, white sand beach facing the mouth of Jervis Bay. The Bay is renowned for its white sand beaches and clear “The area is gorgeous, and we’ll be racing and riding turquoise water. Jervis Bay is sheltered from most open through the Nowra State Forest,” explained Nicholas. “All in ocean swells. Full course athletes will swim two laps of a all it will be a total Australian experience. They call it bush – 750 meter triangular course with a short beach sprint and it is. Not a lot of total elevation change, but some steep, between laps. Sprint racers swim one lap. Water temps are short stuff and it’s quite sandy in places that will require typically 20 degrees, and most likely a wetsuit legal race. some tough pedaling.”

The bike and run trails are native bush, undulating and fast. There are some sandy trails, even miles from the coast, and Swim Prime: As the official swim sponsor XTERRA it’s also rooty in spots. The trails get narrow, winding thru Wetsuits Australia will award AUD $300 to the pro male and trees. female athlete with the fastest swim as well as two random drawings for a full XTERRA wetsuit. “The run course is going to have nearly a mile of sand/beach running and it will be tough,” said Nicholas. Swim to Bike (T1) - 670-meter run from beach Location: Located at Callala RSL Country Club Even locals marvel at the soft, white sand that stretches for miles. “Better than Kailua Beach sand,” exclaimed XTERRA MOUNTAIN BIKE DISTANCE: 30 Kilometers (18 miles) President Janet Clark, a Canberra-native who lives near the Location:Nowra State Forest, Private Land. The bike course famous Kailua Beach in Hawaii. follows jeep trails from the RSL and crosses Forest Road to access some great single track which are portions of Of note, the ocean temperatures measured at 20 degrees SCUM’s Superbowl and Butterfly trails. There will be short on their visit, which would make it a wetsuit-legal race. technical sections, flat twisty blasts, some short, sharp climbs, a couple of short twisty downhills and a great “It’s also worth noting the ocean should be fairly flat, with no wha-hoo downhill. Single track returns to the road crossing surf to speak of during the race,” said Nicholas. and then takes fire trails back to the transition area at the RSL. Sprint: Our sprint course is a single loop using a No surf, but plenty of wildlife. variety of jeep trail and is perfect for beginners.

“Birds squawking and yodeling everywhere – sulfur crested Bike to Run (T2) Transition cockatoos, parrots, kookaburras, it is a cacophony of a rack- Location: Located at Callala RSL Country Club et. We named one of the run trails “Squawking bird” as a result,” said Nicholas. “The range of colors and sounds is TRAIL RUN DISTANCE: 10 Kilometers (6.2 miles) unbelievable, and the huge white gum trees (currently in Location: Race courses will be a combination of jeep trail flower) are spectacular.” and single track – starting and finishing at the RSL.

Of course there is no doubt visitors will be eager to experience the Kangaroo culture.

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

10 JERVIS BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES

11 2014 XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

April 26, 2014 (Callala Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW) Dan Hugo and Flora Duffy captured the inaugural XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship on a beautiful day at Callala Bay in Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia.

“It was a great win for Dan Hugo and perhaps his coming of age as a bona fide international superstar,” said XTERRA managing director Dave Nicholas. “He has had 2nd-place finishes at XTERRA Worlds, wins at various places around the globe, but he broke the back of a stellar field today in Australia that marks his first big win.”

The 28-year-old from Stellenbosch, South Africa is quick to agree...“Great to win a championship, probably my first of this stature, it’s been a while coming. I grew up knowing Australia as the pinnacle of triathlon, where are all the legends are from, so to win in my first race here is special.” said Hugo, who has now won four XTERRA majors this season. “It’s beautiful when it all clicks, and make no mistake this course suits me down to the ground. It was super technical to ride this course quick and it had some power climbing. I loved the bike course, it was so fun, and you just don't get to see Kangaroos very often."

Everybody agreed on that point, that the course was epic, even four-time XTERRA World Champ Conrad Stoltz.

“The whole race is phenomenal and very well designed. There is a lot of really good single track and it’s well balanced. I loved this course and was super excited to race here. Even the run is great,” said Stoltz, who pulled out of the race at the bike-to-run transition while in 2nd place due to fatigue from a lingering cold that didn’t shake.

“I’m super disappointed I couldn’t put in a proper performance because I would love to do this race justice. It’s a big race, has a TV show, big money, just look how the Aussies crawled out of the woodwork, that’s good for the sport. But when you’re racing at the level we’re racing at if you’re not 100%, well…”

Indeed, the inaugural XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship featured a $50,000 pro purse, two internationally distributed TV shows, and a big-time field worthy of the attention. for putting up the incredible pro purse, so to come out here to show gratitude and elevate the sport was super “Biggest championship until Maui, really, and for us as important, and to be on the top step is really special,” said professional athletes we so appreciate New South Wales Hugo. 12 2014 XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

The day started with two-time Olympian Courtney Atkinson from Australia putting a minute into the field in the water, but that lead was quickly taken away…

“Straight in, first mud hole, I got the first big crash done,” laughed Atkinson. “I thought I’d be able to hold a lead but it seems the fire tracks are as hard as the single track here.”

A group of riders with Hugo, Ben Allen, and Roger Serrano bridged the gap to Atkinson within the first few kilometers of the bike, then Hugo “chose a line through a mud section and that was it.” He got some daylight and drove a wedge between himself and the rest of the field from there.

By the bike-to-run transition Hugo had three minutes on to welcome the XTERRA Tribe to Australia. The day came Serrano and Allen, and roughly six minutes to Braden out amazing.” Currie, Bradley Weiss, and Courtney Atkinson. Atkinson showed off some amazing foot speed by picking Allen also made special effort to tell of how Weiss kept him off everyone in front of him but Hugo with the fastest run moving after he passed him towards the end of the run. “He split of the day by far. just told me keep going and kept my spirits up. It’s just classy to have guys like that in the sport.” “When I heard I was six minutes down I didn’t think I could bridge that no matter how well I ran but I heard that Benny Brendan Sexton, an Aussie Olympian making his XTERRA (Allen) was two minutes up so starting thinking about debut, finished sixth on the day and came away with some winning the XTERRA Australia title and pushed,” said stories for sure. Atkinson, who finished three minutes, 48 seconds behind Hugo for 2nd place. “It was an experience, definitely different from anything I’ve done before but I had a great time, it was really fun,” said Currie, who finished 5th at XTERRA Worlds last year, Sexton, who took a spill that took some skin off his arm. stayed with Atkinson for about 8K “but just couldn’t hang in “Those boys are in a different league, so I just kind of let there at the end.” Still a great effort, especially considering them go and did my own thing. Tried to stay upright but was he competed in an adventure race in China last weekend. unsuccessful. I got through it though. You could say I’m hooked, I definitely would like to prepare better next time but Hugo’s mate and fellow South African, Bradley Weiss, had certainly enjoyed it enough to come back again.” another under-the-radar amazing performance by placing ELITE MEN 4th overall – his sixth top four finish this year (which include Po Name, Country Time Swim Bike Run three runner-up showings). 1 Dan HUGO, RSA 2:19:01 0:18:35 1:11:24 0:47:26 2 Courtney ATKINSON, AUS 2:22:49 0:17:45 1:18:11 0:45:25 Hometown hero Ben Allen held on for fifth to a rousing 3 Braden CURRIE, NZL 2:23:46 0:19:17 1:16:12 0:46:40 applause at the finish line. Allen is beloved in this part of the 4 Bradley WEISS, RSA 2:24:09 0:19:06 1:16:18 0:46:52 world (he grew up about an hour away in Wollongong) and 5 Ben ALLEN, AUS 2:25:35 0:18:29 1:15:02 0:50:53 he put a ton of effort into hosting and pre-race promotion. 6 Brendan SEXTON, AUS 2:25:57 2:25:57 7 Oliver SHAW, NZL 2:30:30 0:21:00 1:18:33 0:49:11 “It’s a win, even though I didn’t win,” said Allen. “It’s so great 8 Alex REITHMEIER, AUS 2:31:45 0:18:40 1:23:01 0:48:16 to see the race go off so well, and the community get 9 Jarad KOHLAR, AUS 2:35:01 0:22:35 1:17:41 0:53:04 involved, and everybody is happy. Jacqui and I, my family, 10 Craig EVANS, USA 2:36:39 0:18:53 1:19:30 0:56:52 we love the sport and the people and wanted to do our best Also: Joshua Kenyon, Joseph Miller 13 2014 XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

For the women it was another amazing performance by Bermudian Flora Duffy who finished far ahead of XTERRA World Champ Nicky Samuels and placed 9th overall. Samuels was first woman out of the water and an equally amazing 2nd overall out of the swim. Jacqui Slack put together three solid legs of swim/bike/run that netted her 3rd woman. XTERRA Saipan winner Carina Wasle 4th and the “Swiss Miss” Renata Bucher 5th.

"It all came together,” said Duffy, who won the XTERRA West Championship two weeks ago and has clearly solidified herself as the woman to beat this year. “I felt great coming into T2 after a really tough bike course and just hammered the first 2K of the run. I just focused on my turnover because I knew Nicky is a strong runner and I wasn’t sure how far behind she was.”

Samuels was just about four minutes back at the bike-to-run transition, but coming off a cold and without the power she had hoped to put up a worthy fight.

“Having been sick for a week, to finish in 2nd is a great result,” said Samuels. “I’m not so good on the single track and this race was fast, and a bit technical through the bush and over trees. Having been racing World Series for nine years I can’t expect to be riding a mountain bike that well, so am justly happy for the result.”

Slack was the third woman out of the swim more than two minutes back and hoping to catch Duffy and Samuels by T2 but it wasn’t in the cards.

“I couldn’t have done much better so really happy with the effort,” said Slack. “It’s great to have such talent in the field and keeps the drive going to get faster and stronger.”

Renata Bucher had the second-best bike split of the day behind Duffy but Wasle was able to catch her on the run to take the fourth spot. The entire field echoed the same sentiment, that New South Wales is a special place.

“This area is gorgeous,” said Duffy. “Growing up in Bermuda I’m kind of a beach snob, so it takes a lot for a beach to impress me and I can tell you it’s gorgeous here, that white sand and water is beautiful. I really enjoyed the swim and seeing Kangaroos, it definitely felt like Australia.”

14 2014 XTERRA ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

ELITE WOMEN Po Name, Country Time Swim Bike Run 1 Flora DUFFY, BER 2:33:07 0:18:28 1:22:28 0:50:24 2 Nicky SAMUELS, NZL 2:40:07 0:18:26 1:26:14 0:53:49 3 Jacqui SLACK, GBR 2:44:29 0:20:53 1:25:56 0:56:01 4 Carina WASLE, AUT 2:46:58 0:22:56 1:27:46 0:54:12 5 Renata BUCHER, SUI 2:51:19 0:22:52 1:23:49 1:03:08 6 Lizzie ORCHARD, NZL 2:56:24 0:23:21 1:34:59 0:56:10 7 Mieko CAREY, JPN 2:57:27 0:22:57 1:30:21 1:02:20 8 Dimity-Lee DUKE, AUS 2:58:13 0:23:07 1:34:42 0:57:46 9 Jody MIELKE, AUS 3:20:49 0:22:49 1:40:55 1:13:55

NEILSON, SIMPSON WIN AMATEUR CROWNS

Daniel Neilson (pictured) and Jessica Simpson were the top overall amateur finishers, and they (along with the fastest amateurs in each division) were named XTERRA Australia National Champs and awarded a qualifying spot into XTERRA Worlds for their efforts.

“Altogether a fabulous first XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship race,” said Dave Nicholas. “The location is superb, the trails got high marks for great riding and fun. Toss in a few dozen Kangaroos, big, loud Cockatoo's flying all over, Kookabura's cooing in the woods, spicy meat pies and strong beer and you have the start of a classic event for years to come. And, there's more to a great event than just the racing. A great pasta party the night before and an even better after party at the Callala RSL. Sunny but cool weather and a race start at 11am adds to the pleasure. Just a few hours south of Sydney, you really need to think about coming Down Under to see the sights and have a great race to cap it off.”

15 2015 ELITE MEN’S START LIST

Name (Alphabetical) - Age, Hometown Ben Allen – 30, North Wollongong, NSW, Australia Courtney Atkinson - 35, Mermaid Waters, Queensland, Australia Braden Currie – 28, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand Mitchell Ginbserg - 31, Ballito, South Africa Todd Israel - 39, Woolloomooloo, NSW, Australia Atkinson Joshua Kenyon - 21, Taupo, New Zealand Jarad Kohlar - 29, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Nick Moore - 30, Miami, QLD, Australia Olly Shaw - 23, Rotorua, New Zealand Conrad Stoltz – 41, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa Richard Yeo - 37, Victoria Park, WA, Australia

Stoltz

16 2015 ELITE WOMEN’S START LIST

Name (Alphabetical) - Age, Hometown Renata Bucher – 37, Lucerne, Switzerland Rachel Challis - 39, Auckland, New Zealand Duffy Flora Duffy – 27, Devonshire, Bermuda Belinda Hadden – 36, Wandana Heights, VIC, Australia Elizabeth Orchard – 29, Auckland, New Zealand Jessica Simpson - 26, East Corrimal, NSW, Australia Jacqui Slack – 31, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, United Kingdom Suzie Snyder - 33, Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA Caroline Steffen - 36, Spiez, Switzerland Carina Wasle – 30, Kundl, Austria Melissa Vandewater - 32, Clifton Hill, VIC, Australia

Slack

17 MEET THE PROS BEN ALLEN North Wollongong, Australia Ben 2012-13 XTERRA Triple Crown Champ 2012-15 XTERRA Saipan Champion

FINAL 2014 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born January 19, 1985...has raced and won many ocean swim’s, surf events, and adventure races...was named the 2012 XTERRA Warrior Award winner along with his girlfriend Jacqui Slack for perpetuating the “Live More” spirit of XTERRA. WEB/TWITTER: benallentriathlete.com/ @Benny_Allen SPONSORS: On Running, Giant Bikes, Xterra Wetsuits, Flight Centre Active Travel, Champion Systems, Funky Trunks, Ekoi, Lurbel, Schnell. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fifth year. 2011: Placed 4th at XTERRA New Zealand, was 3rd at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA Brazil, placed 13th at XTERRA France, 12th at XTERRA Czech, 7th at XTERRA Germany, 4th at XTERRA Switzerland, 6th at XTERRA Canada, 7th at the XTERRA USA Championship, 36th at XTERRA Worlds. 2012: Won the XTERRA Guam, Philippines, Saipan, and New Zealand Championship races to start the season, was 2nd at XTERRA Italy, 9th at XTERRA France, 5th at XTERRA Czech, 11th at XTERRA Germany, 3rd at XTERRA Switzerland, 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship, and 35th (after a series of mechanicals on the bike) at XTERRA Worlds. Finished 3rd in the XTERRA European Tour. 2013: Won four of five XTERRA World Tour Championship races to start the year. Won the XTERRA Philippines, Saipan, and Guam Championships in March, finished 2nd to Olympian Courtney Atkinson at XTERRA Great Ocean Road in Australia, then won the XTERRA New Zealand Championship for the second straight year. On the XTERRA European Tour he placed 2nd at XTERRA Spain, won XTERRA Greece, was 5th at XTERRA Germany, won XTERRA England, was 6th at the USA Championship, and third (top Australian male ever) at the XTERRA World 2015: Finished 3rd at the XTERRA Philippines Championship. He had the most XTERRA World Tour wins Championship and won the XTERRA Saipan of anyone with seven. Championship for the fourth straight year. 2014: Finished 3rd at XTERRA Philippines, won XTERRA QUOTE: The sport of XTERRA has provided me with life Great Ocean Road and XTERRA Saipan, was 5th at the changing opportunities at every race I attend. The amazing Asia-Pacific Championships and 3rd at XTERRA Malaysia. people I have met, the beautiful locations and the Finished 4th in the XTERRA European Tour with a 6th in unexpected hurdles I encounter along my journey are what France, 3rd place in Sweden and Czech, 4th in the UK, 2nd make it so special to me. I love the laid back, easy going & at XTERRA Denmark. Placed 13th at USA Champs, and friendly nature of everyone being able to enjoying the out- was 3rd at XTERRA Worlds for the second straight year. doors and exploring as one big happy family adventure. 18 MEET THE PROS

19 MEET THE PROS

COURTNEY ATKINSON Queensland, Australia

WEBSITE: courtneyatkinson.com.au XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Third year. TWITTER: @courtney_akco SPONSORS: Redbull, Subaru, Oakley 2013: Won the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off-road tri in Anglesea in first-ever XTERRA, won the Koh Samui Long Course Tri, IM 70.3 Carins and IM 70.3 Philippines, and placed 17th elite at the XTERRA World Championship. 2014: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship. ed in spades but new skills to learn, I was hooked ... 2015: Won the Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships in The biggest question I now get asked is ‘how skilled do you February. need to be on the MTB to race XTERRA?’ Here’s my PERSONAL: Born August 15, 1979, Courtney started golden rule, you can get off the bike and walk over any triathlon in the first years of high school around age 14 while terrain you are not comfortable with. I had to do this to start attending The Southport School on the Gold Coast, Australia and in my local forest still do. I would also suggest that it is ... Over his career Courtney has won and placed at some of best to get out on an MTB in a trail area before a race to get the largest triathlon’s on the globe winning the world’s largest some confidence at least a few times. You’re not going to be triathlon “The London Triathlon” in 2010, Australia’s largest starting at the UCI Downhill World Champs anytime soon, triathlon “The Noosa Triathlon” a record equalling 3 consec- but if you’re like most triathletes the need to improve and utive years in a row (2008-10) and in 2012 finished a close get quicker will have you wanting more in no time ... It’s second at the The Escape from Alcatraz triathlon before great to have skills, but in XTERRA there is still plenty of making his way to Europe to prepare for the 2012 London places that you need to simply ride your bike fast and strong Olympic games. Joining the Australian Institute of Sport over the non-technical fire trials. It even outs, and remem- triathlon program in 2005, Courtney went on to become the ber most of the racers coming from a MTB background will number one Australian male at both the Beijing (2008) and be weaker in the swim/run areas. The race is still a triathlon London (2012) Olympic Games. While also accumulating 7 and it’s all about putting the best combination swim, MTB, ITU World Cup win and 15 ITU podiums in his time racing in run together to the finish. That aspect doesn’t change ... I the Olympic version of the sport ... Courtney was married to love to run….but I love to run trail more. If your normal wife Kinga in 2004 and states without doubt his biggest triathlon training routine has you in the city most of the time, career accomplishments are his two children daughter I suggest getting out on a weekend to where the mountain Chloee and son Leo who both were born in 2006 and 2012. trails start. Not only is it great for training, and the softer sur- ON WHY HE LIKES XTERRA: Put simply – because it’s faces good for the legs, the real beauty is being away from different, it’s enjoyable, and it puts me that little bit on the cars, concrete and buildings. It’s a sensory overload, edge…which of course means adrenaline. I still try to win, but running at your limit while being able to negotiate differing it really doesn’t matter…it’s my hobby. All I want to do is ride surfaces, terrain and I bet just a few unusual obstacles my MTB and run trail. There’s just something about being out thrown in for good measure ... Let’s break it down one more in nature, in the forest…its real adventure ... After the 2012 time. XTERRA is TRIATHLON but it’s different. It’s Olympics, I was dismissive of off-road as I didn’t ride the challenging but with that comes self-reward and a whole MTB variant of a bike. But then I hopped one for an adven- heap of good times. More than anything if you have been at ture ride and my passion for new challenges took over. I can’t the same triathlon caper for years now I dare you to just let say I was anything flash! Actually I was probably at the other go, let it hang out just a little and try off-road racing. You end of the scale, I was pretty average. But, this began my won’t be disappointed ... I look forward to seeing you at the passion and drive to improve. It was like I started triathlon all start line of the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championships in over again training for an XTERRA. I had all the fitness need- Jervis Bay in April.

20 MEET THE PROS

BRADEN CURRIE Braden Currie is making a name for himself in his native Wanaka, New Zealand country of New Zealand as the new “King of Adventure” 2012-14 XTERRA Motatapu Champion thanks to his third straight win at the de-facto adventure racing world championship – Speight’s Coast to Coast – 2014 XTERRA Sweden Champion which features six stages and 150-miles worth of running, biking, and kayaking from the west to east coast of the FINAL 2014 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 2 South Island where he lives. Going long isn’t the only thing PERSONAL: Born May 30, 1986 Currie is good at, however, as evidenced in his first full XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Fourth year season racing XTERRA last year (see 2014 results). ABOUT: Father of two, accomplished adventure racer, winner of the Coast-to-Coast multisport race. This year, he’s looking to improve on all of those results and 2012: Won the XTERRA Motatapu off-road tri on the South take the XTERRA World by storm. Island of New Zealand in March, was 17th at Worlds. 2013: Won the XTERRA Motatapu off-road tri on the South “I want to be the World champion in off-road,” said Currie, Island of New Zealand in March, then placed 5th at the who’s next two XTERRA starts will come at XTERRA New XTERRA World Championship in Maui, the best finish by a Zealand and the Asia-Pacific Championship on back-to- Kiwi since Hamish Carter won it all in 2006. back weekends next month, April 11 and 18. “I like the tech- 2014: Won the XTERRA Motatapu off-road tri on the South nical and adventure aspect of off-road and I like the Island of New Zealand for the third straight year. Was third atmosphere at XTERRA. It’s a bit more rugged and the at the Asia-Pacific Championship. Finished 2nd at the racing style is more aggressive than triathlon.” XTERRA Switzerland, France, and Italy Championships. Won Sweden, was fourth at XTERRA Czech and third at As for the difference, he says, between adventure racing XTERRA Germany. Placed 2nd in final XTERRA European and XTERRA … time. “XTERRA normally pushes me to my Tour standings. anaerobic threshold for 3-4hours, while an adventure race 2015: First XTERRA, but won his third straight Speight’s normally does that for 11-12 hours. Either way I am Coast to Coast title. smashed at the end, but I enjoy the shorter, sharper, and more technical aspect of XTERRA.”

What’s really interesting about Currie is that he only really just started swimming and biking a few years ago.

“Running has always been my natural strength. I’ve never had technical coaching in any of three of these disciplines but I have learnt a lot from riding and training with the good guys,” said Currie, notable among those ‘good guys’ is Kiwi legend Richard Ussher. “I got into swimming two years ago now and that has gone really well for me and has turned out to be a strength. Mountain biking is again, something I only really started doing in the last few years. I have made big improvements but there is still many to be made but now, it’s my favorite discipline.”

XT: What are your goals this year? BC: Win Asia-Pacific XTERRA champs; win XTERRA Braden Worlds, win USA XTERRA Champs, win Asia-Pacific 70.3 Champs, and I’m also doing an ITU World cup event in March this year to see how I go. 21 MEET THE PROS

MITCHELL GINSBERG Ballito, South Africa

AGE: 31 ABOUT: Grew up in small coastal town 40km North of Durban ... attended Northwood Boys High in Durban ... is a chief officer in the Maritime Yachting Industry. IN HIS WORDS: Last time I was in Sydney was 2005/2006, where I worked on the Northern beaches as pro lifeguard, so really looking forward to visiting NSW again as I have many great memories here and looking forward to meeting up with old mates. Started XTERRA really late on in life – 27 and only started racing competitively 3 years ago whilst completing studies as I had loads of free time on my hands. When I’m not racing, I work as a freelance Officer filling in on luxury Motor Yachts around the globe, which is com- pletely different world compared to the more down to earth people I get to meet and train with. My bike goes every- where with me, which has allowed me to see and explore some really remote parts of the world. SPONSORS: Coolpoint AHT XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Did first XTERRA at Buffelspoort in 2012 after hearing about it from Daniel Carlton, the 2011 Mitchell XTERRA World Champ in the 25-29 division. 2013: Finished 2nd in the 25-29 division at the XTERRA World Championship (38th overall) 2015: Finished 7th at XTERRA Buffelspoort and 11th in the pro division at XTERRA South Africa Championship. JOSH KENYON Rotorua, New Zealand

AGE: 21 ABOUT: Grew up in Taupo and went to high school at Taupo Nui ATia and also studied at Waiariki in electrical ... TODD ISRAEL works at Off Road NZ as a Tour guide/Thrill ride driver ... raced motocross for nine years. Sydney, Australia SPONSORS: Brooks, Blueseventy, Huka Cycles XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Did his first XTERRA in Rotorua AGE: 39 in 2011, two weeks after placing 2nd in his division at the NZ ABOUT: Born in Perth, now lives in Sydney where he Triathlon National champs. teaches students with autism full-time at Wairoa School. Best XTERRA Finish: 5th Pro Xterra NZ 2011/ 2013 Has an arts degree in sculpture and painting. Favorite XTERRA? XTERRA Rotorua is such a great event RACING BACKGROUND: Competed for Great Britain in and it just keeps growing. The people who come always 2000 at the ITU Worlds Olympic distance and 2009 ITU come back! long course Worlds. 2014: Placed 11th at the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Champs. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: First-ever XTERRA 2015: First XTERRA 22 MEET THE PROS

JARAD KOHLAR Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Jarad

AGE: 29 ABOUT: Earned a degree in Outdoor Education and Nature Tourism La Trobe Bendigo...manages and runs an outdoor company www.peakadventure.com.au specialiizing in giving people a peak adventure from doing their first XTERRA event to paddling ocean ski's across Bass Strait. WEBSITE: jaradkohlar.com SPONSORS: PeakAdventure.com.au, 2XU, Thule Australia, Salomon, Suunto, Hammer Nutrition, Schwable XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Placed 3rd in first-ever XTERRA at the 2008 XTERRA Daylesford in Victroia. 2013: Placed 6th at XTERRA Great Ocean Road and 3rd at the XTERRA Japan Championships. 2014: Placed 6th at XTERRA Great Ocean Road and 9th at OLLY SHAW the Asia-Pacific Champs. Rotorua, New Zealand 2015: First XTERRA AGE: 23 ABOUT: Earned a college degree in sport from the Olly University of Waikato and in between training and racing works part-time at the Waiariki Recreation Centre in Rotorua where he does a little personal training. Also coaches a few athletes. IN HIS WORDS: I race XTERRA because I love the events and the training. You get to see so many awesome places when you are travelling and every course is a change from the others. Different soil, different track types and different conditions, which makes every race unique and challenging in its own right! That's always refreshing and it keeps you looking to improve as an athlete as one course may suit you but another might not. I also find that whenever you are at an XTERRA event there is always a fun, enjoyable, and happy atmosphere which always keeps you excited about the races! XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Eighth year, third as an elite. He was just 15 when he did his first race at XTERRA New Zealand in his hometown. 2012: Placed 25th overall, second amateur, and first in the 20-24 division to win the XTERRA World Championship. 2014: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Motatapu, 3rd at XTERRA Guam, 4th at XTERRA Saipan, 3rd at XTERRA New Zealand, and 7th against a stacked field at the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship. 2015: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Motatapu. 23 MEET THE PROS

CONRAD “The Caveman” STOLTZ XTERRA Czech, and 2nd at XTERRA France. Won the Stellenbosch, South Africa XTERRA Mountain Championship in August, placed 8th at 4-time XTERRA World Champion the USA Championship but still edged countryman Dan Hugo to win XTERRA U.S. Pro Series title for the 6th time. Suffered a flat while leading at the XTERRA World PERSONAL: Born October 23, 1973...a two-time Olympic Championship in Maui and eventually finished 12th after a triathlete, finished 20th in 2000 when he was the first off the series of mechanicals. bike, then dnf’d in Athens...started BMX racing at age 2009: Won XTERRA West, Midwest, and Southeast Cup seven, running at nine, biathlon at 13, triathlon and cycling Races, was 5th at the Northwest Cup, won the Atlantic Cup, at 14, and pro triathlon at 18...“It’s in my blood.” finished 3rd in a photo-finish at the Northeast Cup, was 2nd WEBSITE/TWITTER: conradstoltz.com / @ConradStoltz at the XTERRA USA Championship (and won the U.S. Pro XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 15th year. Series for the 7th time). Placed 5th at XTERRA Worlds. RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Is XTERRA’s all-time 2010: Won all four regionals he entered - the XTERRA championship race wins leader with 51 (he has 53 all-told), West, South Central, Southeast and East Champs. Placed is the only pro to win four XTERRA World Titles, and has 6th at the XTERRA Canada Championships, won XTERRA an unprecedented 10 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series titles (2001- USA Championship (and the Pro Series for 8th time), and 03, ‘05 & ‘07-’12). Also won the 2011, 2012, and 2013 ITU became the first pro to win four World Titles. Cross Triathlon World Championships. 2011: Won XTERRA Buffelspoort, was 2nd at XTERRA 2001: Burst onto the XTERRA scene and won three races, West Champs, won his record-breaking 38th career including the Pro Series and the World title as a rookie. championship at South Central Champs in Waco, won ITU 2002: Won in Keystone, California, Tahoe, and Maui. Cross Tri World Title, won the Pacific and Southeast titles 2003: Won first race at Big Bear, placed 2nd in Richmond, on back-to-back weekends in May, captured East title in 3rd in Keystone, won in Tahoe, and won Pro Points Series. Richmond in June, and XTERRA Japan. Placed 5th at 2004: Won XTERRA South Africa, placed 2nd in Richmond, XTERRA USA Championship and won the Pro Series 6th in Keystone, 2nd in Big Bear, and 5th in Tahoe. Finished crown for 9th time (fifth straight). 3rd in the Pro Series, and dnf’d at XTERRA Worlds. 2012: Won XTERRA South Africa Championship for fifth 2005: Won four straight before placing 2nd in Keystone. time, won West Championship, ITU Cross Tri World Won XTERRA South Africa, the West, East, and Midwest Champs/XTERRA Southeast Championship, East and Champs in Milwaukee, was second in Keystone before Mountain Championships, 4th at USA Championship, won winning the inaugural XTERRA Brazil. Placed 2nd in Tahoe the U.S. Pro Series for 10th time, and was 3rd at Worlds. but still won XTERRA Pro Series title. Placed 9th at Worlds. 2013: Won XTERRA Buffelspoort, crossed the finish line in 2006: Won XTERRA South Africa, missed the first U.S. 2nd at the XTERRA South Africa Championship but was race of the year in California with injuries, returned in time later DQ’d for going off-course in last stages of the run. for Alabama where he was fourth, and a week later he won Placed 2nd at the XTERRA West Championship, had the the East Championship. Placed 8th in Milwaukee after a lead on the run at Southeast Champs before having to pull series of crashes and injuries and then 4th at the Mountain due to injury. Recovered in time to win XTERRA Brazil, then Championships in Utah. A pre-ride crash at the XTERRA his third straight ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship, USA Championship kept him out of nationals and worlds. followed by a victory at XTERRA Italy. He placed fourth at 2007: Won XTERRA South Africa for fourth straight year, the XTERRA USA Championship and 11th in Pro Series. then the XTERRA West Champs. Won Southeast and East Finished 6th at XTERRA Worlds. Champs on back-to-back weekends. DNF’d at Utah 2014:Placed 3rd at XTERRA South Africa, won XTERRA because of a mechanical. Won USA Championship, Pro New Zealand, was 2nd at the XTERRA East Champs, third Series title, then World Champs for third time. Named the at XTERRA Italy, 8th at XTERRA Germany / ITU Cross Tri Off-Road triathlete of the year at Endurance Sports Awards. Worlds, and won XTERRA England and XTERRA Denmark 2008: Placed 4th at XTERRA South Africa, won the West on back-to-back weekends in August. Finished 7th on the Champs for 6th time in his career, won the Southeast title, European Tour, and was 7th at XTERRA Worlds. DNF in Richmond, was 2nd at XTERRA UK, 6th at 2015: First race. 24 MEET THE PROS

Conrad

25 MEET THE PROS

RENATA BUCHER 2010: Won five races, starting with XTERRA Saipan for the Lucerne, Switzerland 6th straight year, and the Pacific Islands Club Resort 2014 XTERRA Philippines & Guam Champ Double award. Won XTERRA Guam, won inaugural XTERRA Portugal Championship, won XTERRA South 4-time XTERRA European Tour Champ Central Championship, placed 2nd at XTERRA European Championship in Italy, placed 4th at the Southeast Champs, FINAL 2014 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 5 won the East Champs, was 2nd at XTERRA France, won PERSONAL: Born May 30, 1977. XTERRA Czech, and was 2nd at XTERRA Switzerland. WEBSITE: renatabucher.ch Finished in a points tie for first with Marion Lorblanchet for XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 12th year. the Euro Tour title, but lost tie-breaker (position at last race). RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has won 33 XTERRA DNF at XTERRA Worlds. Championship races in 14 countries, the U.S. Territory of 2011: Finished 2nd at XTERRA Philippines, 3rd at Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. XTERRA Saipan, 2nd at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA 2004: 9th at XTERRA Germany in first-ever XTERRA. France, was 7th at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, was third at 2005: Won XTERRA Saipan, was second at Tagaman to XTERRA Czech and Germany, and 5th at XTERRA win the PIC Double with a combined time of 6:14:11. Was Switzerland. Placed 2nd at the XTERRA Pacific 3rd at Temecula, won XTERRA Czech (beating three World Championship, third at the Southeast Championship, and Champs in Angle, McQuaid, and Whitmore in the process), fourth at XTERRA World Championship. Finished 2nd in 3rd at XTERRA Italy, 5th in Richmond, won XTERRA the XTERRA European Tour and 11th in the U.S. Pro Series Austria, second at XTERRA Spain, third at XTERRA 2012: Won the XTERRA Guam, Philippines, and Saipan Germany, won XTERRA European Tour, was 9th in U.S. Championship races on consecutive weekends - a clean Pro Series. Placed 4th at World Champs in Maui. sweep of the XTERRA Asia Pacific triple crown, then won 2006: Won everything she entered starting with XTERRA the XTERRA West Championship. Placed 10th at the ITU Saipan, then a clean sweep in Europe with victories at Cross Tri World Champs/XTERRA Southeast Champs, was France, Italy, Czech, Spain, and UK. Won second straight 6th at XTERRA Italy, 2nd at the East Champs, 2nd at XTERRA European Title. Placed 5th at World Champs. XTERRA France, 4th at XTERRA Mountain Champs, won Placed 4th at Tagaman and was 2nd in the PIC Double XTERRA Mexico, was 3rd at XTERRA Canada, 5th at standings behind Whitmore. XTERRA USA Champs, and 7th at XTERRA Worlds. 2007: Won XTERRA Saipan Championship then injuries Finished tied for 2nd in XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. kept her sidelined for the rest of the season. 2013: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Philippines, Saipan, and 2008: Won XTERRA Saipan for the fourth straight year, Guam Championship races in March, then won four straight plus the Tagaman Triathlon and Pacific Islands Club Double World Tour races at the XTERRA Great Ocean Road off- award, placed 2nd at XTERRA European Championship in road tri in Australia, XTERRA New Zealand, XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA France-Auron, was second at XTERRA Malaysia and XTERRA Spain. She was 4th at XTERRA Austria, won XTERRA France-Mondelieu and her third Greece and XTERRA Switzerland, secon at XTERRA Italy straight Euro Tour title. Also won XTERRA Japan, was 2nd and XTERRA Czech, and 5th at XTERRA Germany. She at XTERRA USA, and 4th at XTERRA Worlds. finished the season ranked 3rd in the XTERRA European 2009: Won XTERRA Saipan for 5th straight year, the Tour. Was 12th at USA Championship, and 15th at Worlds. Tagaman road tri on Saipan a week later and the Pacific 2014: Placed 2nd at XTERRA Motatapu, won XTERRA Islands Club Resort Double award for having the fastest Philippines and XTERRA Guam Championships, and combined time in the 2 races. Finished 4th at XTERRA placed 2nd at XTERRA Saipan. Was 5th at the Asia-Pacific West, 2nd at Midwest, 3rd at Southeast Cup, won XTERRA Championship, 4th at Switzerland, 3rd at France and Malaysia, won XTERRA Italy, was 2nd at XTERRA Czech, Sweden, 4th at Italy, 5th at Czech, 7th at Germany and 5th won XTERRA Northeast Cup (her first win in the U.S.), won at Denmark. XTERRA European Championship in Austria and the Euro 2015: Placed 5th at the XTERRA Philippines Championship Tour for the fourth time, was 8th at XTERRA USA Champs, and 4th at XTERRA Saipan. and 14th at XTERRA Worlds. 26 MEET THE PROS

Renata

27 MEET THE PROS

FLORA DUFFY Devonshire, Bermuda 2015 XTERRA Philippines & SA Champ 2014 XTERRA World Champion 2014 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Champion 2014 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champ

PERSONAL: Born September 30, 1987...earned a degree in sociology from the University of Colorado-Boulder...born and raised in Bermuda and is hoping to make the 2016 Olympic triathlon team. Splits time in Stellenbosch, South Africa and Boulder, Colorado when not traveling to races. WEBSITE: floraduffytri.blogspot.com TWITTER: @floraduffy RACING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Has raced with the best in ITU and is a two-time Olympian. Finished 3rd at the first ITU race of 2015 in Abu Dhabi. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Third year, has won nine of the 10 XTERRA Championships she has raced in since capturing the XTERRA South Africa Championship to start 2014 season. 2013: Placed 6th at the XTERRA Mountain Championship in her first-ever XTERRA, and was 3rd at XTERRA Worlds. 2014: Won XTERRA South Africa, XTERRA West Champs, XTERRA Asia-Pacific Champs, the XTERRA Southeast and East Championships. Was 2nd to Kathrin Mueller at the XTERRA Germany Championship which doubled as the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship, won the XTERRA USA Championship and the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series title. Won the XTERRA World Championship in October. 2015: Won the XTERRA Philippines Championship and the XTERRA South Africa title for the second straight year.

“The area is gorgeous,” said Duffy after winning last year’s inaugural event at Callala Beach. “Growing up in Bermuda I’m kind of a beach snob, so it takes a lot for a beach to impress me and I can tell you it is gorgeous here, that white sand and water is beautiful.”

FLORA 28 MEET THE PROS

JACQUI SLACK Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom JACQUI 2015 XTERRA Saipan Champion

FINAL 2014 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born June 17, 1983...was a firefighter prior to turning pro full-time...was named the 2012 XTERRA Warrior Award winner along with her boyfriend Ben Allen for perpetuating the “Live More” spirit of XTERRA. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year. FAVORITE XTERRA: Philippines WEBSITE: jacquisblog.com TWITTER: @jacquislack 2011: Placed 4th at XTERRA Italy, 9th at XTERRA Czech. 2012: Was 3rd at XTERRA Guam, 2nd at XTERRA Philippines and XTERRA Saipan Championships, won XTERRA New Zealand and XTERRA Italy, was 3rd at XTERRA France, 4th at XTERRA Czech, and 3rd at XTERRA Switzerland. Finished 2nd on the XTERRA European Tour. Placed 7th at the USA Championship, and was 5th at the XTERRA World Championship 2013: Finished 4th at XTERRA Philippines Championship, then won the XTERRA Saipan Championship, Saipan’s Tagaman road triathlon, and the XTERRA Guam Championship on successive weekends en route to capturing the XTERRA Triple Crown title. Finished 2nd behind Bucher at both the XTERRA Great Ocean Road and XTERRA New Zealand Championship races in April. Was 4th at XTERRA Malaysia and XTERRA Spain, 2nd at XTERRA Greece and France, and won the last two Euro Tour events at XTERRA Germany and XTERRA England. Finished 4th in the final XTERRA European Tour standings. DNF at the XTERRA USA Champs, and placed 9th at LIZZIE ORCHARD XTERRA Worlds. Auckland, New Zealand 2014: Placed 4th at XTERRA Philippines, won XTERRA Great Ocean road, was 3rd at XTERRA Saipan, and 2nd at PERSONAL: Born November 26, 1985 XTERRA New Zealand, 3rd at XTERRA Asia-Pacific XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Won the 25-29 division XTERRA Championship and won XTERRA Malaysia Championship. World Championship in 2011. Was 4th at XTERRA Spain, 3rd at XTERRA Portugal, 7th at 2012: Won the overall amateur title at the ITU Cross Tri XTERRA France, 2nd at XTERRA Czech, 6th at XTERRA World Championship and finished 3rd at the XTERRA New Germany, 4th at XTERRA England, 3rd at XTERRA Zealand Championship, and was 11th at XTERRA Worlds. Denmark. Finished 4th in the European Tour. Finished 9th 2013: Placed 7th at XTERRA Switzerland and was 6th at at the XTERRA World Championship. XTERRA France. 2015: Placed second at the XTERRA Philippines 2014: Placed 4th at XTERRA New Zealand and sixth at the Championship and won XTERRA Saipan for second time in XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship race, and 15th at the three years. XTERRA World Championship. 29 MEET THE PROS

SUZIE SNYDER Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA SUZIE 2012 XTERRA U.S. National Champion

FINAL 2014 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 4 PERSONAL: Born March 30, 1982...originally from Averill Park, NY...was a three-sport state champ in cross country, pole vault, and Slalom waterskiing...earned a masters degree in exercise science from Springfield College...was a competitive slalom water skier from the ages of 12-18. WEBSITE: teamlunachix.com/proteam TWITTER: @SnyderSuzie SPONSORS: Team Luna Chix, Stan’s NoTubes, Maxxis, Orbea, Fox, Shimano, QT2 Systems, Planet Sun XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 12th year. Won the 20-24 division XTERRA World Title in 2004 and 2006. Is also a 4-time XTERRA age group National Champion. 2010: Finished 5th at the XTERRA Mountain Champs in first race as a pro, was 9th at the XTERRA USA Championship, and a career-best 5th at XTERRA Worlds. 2011: Placed 4th at the XTERRA Saipan Championship and won the Tagaman road triathlon a week later in Saipan. Placed 7th at the XTERRA West Champs, 4th at the South Central Champs, 13th at ITU Cross Tri Worlds, 7th at the Pacific and Southeast Championships, a career-best 3rd at the East Champs, 8th at the Mountain Champs, and 9th at the USA Champs. Finished 5th in the Pro Series and was 15th at XTERRA Worlds. 2012: Finished 6th at the XTERRA West Champs, 4th (top American) at the ITU Cross Tri World Championships/ XTERRA Southeast Championship, 6th at the XTERRA East Champs, 3rd at the Mountain Champs, 6th at the XTERRA Canada Championship, and a career-best 2nd at the XTERRA USA Championship. Finished 5th in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series, and DNF at XTERRA Worlds. 2013: Placed second at the XTERRA West Championship, 5th at the Southeast Champs, 6th at the East Champs, and 4th at the Mountain Champs, 7th at USA and 10th at Worlds. 2014: Finished 9th at XTERRA Czech, 8th at XTERRA Germany, 4th at XTERRA West, 3rd at XTERRA Southeast, 3rd at XTERRA East, 6th at XTERRA Mountain and 6th at the USA XTERRA Championship. Was 4th in Pro Series. Finished 6th at the XTERRA World Championship. 2015: First race.

30 MEET THE PROS

CAROLINE STEFFEN Spiez, Switzerland CAROLINE

PERSONAL: Born September 18, 1978 ... lives in Mooloolaba, Australia. WEBSITE: xenasport.com TWITTER: @caroline_xena XTERRA EXPERIENCE: First race. HER STORY: Caroline is one of the most decorated triathletes of the 21st century, but this will be her first-ever XTERRA race.

“It will be my first off-road triathlon and I’m so excited about it,” said Steffen, winner of Ironman Australia (2011), Challenge Roth (2013), two ITU Long Course World Championships (2010/12), two IM Asia-Pacific titles (2012/14), and two IM European Championships (2011/12).

As for her expectations, Steffen says she plans on “having heaps of fun and gaining some insight into a new sport.”

“I’m just coming off a huge block of training and raced the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships two weeks ago in Melbourne (where she finished third). I had some well- deserved rest and will start ramping up my training again next week. With two weeks to go, I’ll spend some time on my bike to improve my bike skills and will add some open water swims to my usual swim training. Will keep my run the same, nice balance between off-road/track/concrete.”

Although Steffen is new to XTERRA she’s no stranger to mountain bikes and the great outdoors and with a nickname like “Xena the Warrior Princess,” should fit right into the XTERRA scene.

“I was an outdoor kid from a young age and before I started with triathlon I spent most of my time on the mountain bike exploring the Swiss Alps,” said Steffen, who grew up in a small village in Switzerland surrounded by mountains. “Sadly, however, as I moved towards triathlon and relocat- ed to Australia I had to leave my passion – my mountain bike – behind.”

Steffen has made Mooloolaba her home base for six years now but having never visited Callala Beach before said she’s looking forward to discovering the beauty of New South Wales. 31 MEET THE PROS

CARINA WASLE Kundl, Austria CARINA 2014 XTERRA Saipan Champion

FINAL 2014 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: 3 PERSONAL: Born October 20, 1984. XTERRA EXPERIENCE: 11th year. 2005: Finished 3rd at Austria in first-everXTERRA then won XTERRA Germany. Placed 7th in XTERRA 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 XTERRA Denmark, 3rd at XTERRA Austria, and won XTERRA Germany for 3rd straight year. Was 10th at World Champs. 2008: Placed 3rd at European Championship in Italy, won XTERRA Czech, was third at XTERRA France-Auron, and second at XTERRA France-Mondelieu. Finished 2nd in XTERRA European Tour standings. Placed third at XTERRA 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, and 4th at XTERRA USA Champs. 2010: Placed 4th at XTERRA Portugal and the European Championship in Italy, was third at XTERRA France, 5th at Czech, 10th at the USA Championship, and 6th at Worlds. 2011: Won the XTERRA South Africa Championship, was 3rd at XTERRA Philippines, 2nd at XTERRA Saipan, 5th at XTERRA Italy, won XTERRA Brazil, 2nd at XTERRA France, 4th at XTERRA Czech, 6th at XTERRA Germany, 4th at XTERRA Switzerland, and 11th at USA Champs. 2012: Placed 2nd at XTERRA South Africa, 5th at XTERRA Italy, 4th at France, 2nd at Czech, 4th at Germany and Switzerland. Finished 3rd in XTERRA European Tour. Placed 8th at XTERRA USA Championship. 2013: Placed 4th at XTERRA South Africa, 2nd at Saipan, third at Guam and XTERRA Great Ocean Road, 4th at New Zealand, 5th at Malaysia, 6th at Spain, 5th at Greece, 4th at Czech and Germany, and 6th at XTERRA USA Champs 2014: Finished 5th at Switzerland, 2nd at France, Sweden, Italy, 4th at Czech, 11th at Germany, 4th at Denmark, 2nd at Philippines, 3rd at Guam, won XTERRA Saipan, 4th at XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship, 3rd at XTERRA Malaysia, 7th at the USA Championship, 10th at Worlds. 2015: Finished 3rd at XTERRA South Africa and 2nd at XTERRA Saipan.

32 XTERRA JOINS PAUL MITCHELL® IN THE GREEN TAKEOVER

In an effort to plant 500,000 trees by the end of 2016 as part of its “Tea Tree The Green Takeover” campaign, John Paul Mitchell Systems will plant 30,000 trees with its partner Reforest’Action on behalf of all Asia-Pacific and U.S. XTERRA athletes, and create opportunities for thousands more in the XTERRA community to get involved.

“The Live More lifestyle that XTERRA embodies, and the fundamental belief in taking care of the environment are important to us, and I know it’s important to XTERRA athletes,” said Julie Solwold, the Vice President of Global Sports and Events for John Paul Mitchell Systems.

On Earth Day, April 22, 2015, Paul Mitchell and Paul Mitchell is the longest-tenured sponsor in the history of Reforest’Action will start planting thirty-thousand trees in XTERRA, with the relationship dating back more than 20 Peru on behalf of all U.S. XTERRA athletes, and Paul years. The 2015-2016 Paul Mitchell XTERRA Trail Run Mitchell is inviting all XTERRA athletes, race directors, Series will feature more than 100 runs in 20+ states across families, and friends to plant an additional free tree by using the U.S. ranging from 5 kilometers to 50 kilometers. Paul the code XTERRAME at http://xterra.co/PMreforest. Mitchell is also a presenting sponsor of the 2015 XTERRA America Tour, Asia-Pacific, and World Championships. Join The Green Takeover conversation online. Spread the word about Paul Mitchell’s mission and your contribution by About John Paul Mitchell Systems posting our Green Takeover graphic, or upload your own John Paul Mitchell Systems®, a top manufacturer of salon- image with the hashtag #GreenTakeover and don’t forget to only professional hair care products, has been serving the tag @PaulMitchellUS. “The XTERRA Tribe cares about professional beauty industry for over 30 years. The compa- nature and preserving it, and preventing global warming and ny currently produces over 150 professional and consumer deforestation,” said Janet Clark, XTERRA President. products (including the brands Paul Mitchell®, MITCH®, “I think we’re all very lucky to have Paul Mitchell activating Awapuhi Wild Ginger®, Tea Tree, Paul Mitchell® Pro for our environment and that of future generations.” Tools™, and Neuro™ Tools) that have won over 45 beauty awards. John Paul Mitchell Systems products are sold Paul Mitchell’s eco-inspired Tea Tree brand has long through distributors to over 100,000 hair salons in North supported healthy forests, and for the second straight year America, and internationally, to thousands of hair salons in in conjunction with Reforest’Action – a Paris-based 84 countries. John Paul Mitchell Systems offers comple- environmental organization that plants trees worldwide to mentary education to stylists through a national network of reforest areas in need –will plant Maya Nut trees in San over 1,000 educators, and Paul Mitchell Schools trains over Martin Province, Peru. Located in the upper part of the 10,000 future professionals in over 100 locations nation- Peruvian Amazon rainforest, San Martin Province is being wide. John Paul Mitchell Systems does not test its products deforested due to logging, mining, agriculture and an influx on animals, nor has it ever done so. In accordance with of settlers. While tropical forests like these only take up 6% CEO John Paul DeJoria’s motto, “Success unshared is fail- of the world’s surface, they house an enormous volume of ure,” The company has a strong commitment to giving back, plant and animal life. supporting a wide range of philanthropic causes both domestically and internationally. For more information, The Tea Tree Green Takover program will also serve to please see our website http://www.paulmitchell.com or visit sequester more than 85,000 tons of CO2 during the trees’ us on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. For more informa- lifetime, support rainforest conservation, benefit local tion about Paul Mitchell® Tea Tree, please contact Lindsey communities through better health and nutrition, and protect Provost at 310.248.3888 or visit PaulMitchell.com. soil from depletion and erosion caused by deforestation. 33 TEAM UNLIMITED

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

XTERRA THROUGH TIME 1996: Jimmy Riccitello and Michellie Jones win inaugural event in Wailea, Maui. 1997: XTERRA adds two events in California, and one in Louisiana in addition to World Championship. 1998: The XTERRA tour goes to Michigan, Colorado, Oregon, and back to Louisiana. 1999: 11 races spanning from California to New Jersey. First year of Pro Points Series. 2000: XTERRA goes global with its first international races in England, Japan, and Canada. 2001: The first year of XTERRA in Australia - Jody Mielke and Paul Amey win the XTERRA Australia Championship 2002: The inaugural XTERRA Saipan Championship, and races in Germany and the Czech Republic. The XTERRA USA Championship Series expands to 31 races. 2003: The seventh consecutive year of expansion provides more than 50 events to compete in. 2004: Forty-five events in the U.S., plus 33 international races and a full-fledged XTERRA European Tour 2005: First year of the stand-alone XTERRA Trail Running Series and Nevada Passage Adventure Competition. 2011: More than 100 XTERRA off-road triathlon races and 70+ XTERRA Trail Runs. The first year of the XTERRA Asia- Pacific Tour with races in the Philippines, Saipan, Guam, and Japan 2012: First year for the XTERRA Guam Championship and the “Triple Crown” of Guam, Philippines, and Saipan on back- to-back-to-back weekends in March. 2015: More than 300 events in 30 countries worldwide, including expanded Asia-Pacific Tour with races in Guam, New Zealand, Philippines, Australia, Saipan, Tahiti and Malaysia, and the 2nd annual Asia-Pacific Championship.

ELITE ENERGY

The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship race is produced by TEAM Unlimited LLC in conjunction with Elite Energy Events. Elite Energy is a sports and athlete management-marketing firm, dedicated to lifestyle sports development, creating new standards in competition, format, equipment and competitor satisfaction. Established in 1999, Elite Energy manages mass participation sporting, music and entertainment events where their company has produced many of Australia's leading multisport events. Elite Energy is one of Australia’s premier event management specialists.

Their mission is to "make events memorable". Quality is a vital component in the development of their events and their goal is to satisfy the needs of sponsors, competitors, the triathlon industry and the public in a safe, healthy and memorable atmosphere.

Mark "Emo" Emerton, the founder and CEO of Elite Energy, served as the logistics manager for the Triathlon, Marathon, Race Walks, and Road Cycling events of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Learn more at www.EliteEnergy.com.au

34 XTERRA.TV - FREE 24/7 WEB TV NETWORK

Check out XTERRA.TV to watch a wide variety of XTERRA programming right now. Available content, which is updated weekly, features everything from the XTERRA World Championship show to adventures in New South Wales, Australia. To see the XTERRA broadcast schedule visit www.xterraplanet.com.

35 2015 XTERRA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING RACES

Date Race (Location) Elite Winners Feb 8 XTERRA Philippines Championship (Albay, Luzon) + Brad Weiss / Flora Duffy Feb 22 XTERRA South Africa Championship (Grabouw) Stuart Marais / Flora Duffy Mar 7 XTERRA Motatapu (South Island, New Zealand) Dougal Allan / Jess Simson & Simone Maier Mar 28 XTERRA Saipan Championship (Micro Beach, CNMI) + Ben Allen / Jacqui Slack Mar 29 XTERRA Costa Rica (Playa Reserva Conchal) Rom Akerson / Lesley Paterson Mar 29 XTERRA Malta (Majjistral Nature Reserve, Mellieha) *SILVER Nico Fernandez / Brigitta Poor Apr 11 XTERRA Guam Championship (Piti) + Apr 11 XTERRA New Zealand Championship (Rotorua) Apr 18 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship / XTERRA Australia (Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia) + Apr 25 XTERRA Tahiti (Mataiea) Apr 25 XTERRA West Championship (Lake Las Vegas, NV, USA) # Apr 26 XTERRA Reunion (Saint Gilles Les Bains, Reunion Island) May 2 XTERRA Asian Tour Championship / XTERRA Malaysia (Langkawi) + May 10 XTERRA Brazil Championship (Ilhabela) May 16 XTERRA Southeast Championship / USAT Cross Triathlon National Championship (Pelham, AL, USA) # May 16 XTERRA Portugal (Golega) *SILVER June 7 XTERRA Spain (Extremedura) *GOLD June 14 XTERRA East Championship (Richmond, VA, USA) # June 20 XTERRA Greece (Lake Plastira) *SILVER June 27 XTERRA Switzerland (Vallee de Joux) *GOLD June 27 XTERRA Mine over Matter (Ontario, Milton, Canada) ! July 4 XTERRA Freedom Fest (Kaaawa, HI, USA) July 5 XTERRA Victoria (Victoria, B.C., Canada) ! July 5 XTERRA France Championship (Xonrupt, Gerardmer) *GOLD July 11 XTERRA Sweden Championship (Hellasgaarden, Stockholm) *SILVER July 18 XTERRA Mountain Championship (Beaver Creek, CO, USA) # July 25 XTERRA Parry Sound (McDougall, Ontario, Canada) July 26 XTERRA Abruzzo (Lago di Scanno, Italy) *GOLD Aug 8 XTERRA Mexico Championship (Tapalpa, Jalisco) Aug 8 XTERRA Czech Championship (Prachatice) *GOLD Aug 15 XTERRA Germany Championship (Zittau) *GOLD Aug 16 XTERRA Canmore (Canmore, Alberta, Canada) ! Aug 22 XTERRA Adventure Fest Maui (Kapalua, HI, USA) Aug 23 XTERRA Quebec (Quebec City, Quebec, Canada) ! Aug 29 XTERRA Japan Championship (Hokkaido) ++ Aug 29 XTERRA Sleeping Giant (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada) ! Aug 29 XTERRA Denmark (Tilsvilde) *SILVER Aug 30 XTERRA European Championship / XTERRA England (Vachery Estate, Surrey) *GOLD Sept 13 XTERRA Woolastook (Upper Kingsclear, New Brunswick, Canada) ! Sept 19 XTERRA USA Championship (Ogden/Snowbasin, Utah, USA) # Nov 1 XTERRA World Championship (Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii)

*GOLD XTERRA European Tour - *SILVER XTERRA European Tour + 2015 XTERRA Asian Tour (++ 2015-16 Asian Tour) // # XTERRA America Tour / ! XTERRA Canada Series /

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

“The single best meeting ground for the

best triathletes in the world. Ironman,

ITU, Olympic, 70.3, Winter Triathlon,

and Mountain bike champs have all com-

peted at XTERRA.” – Jimmy Archer

“The Captain Morgan of triathlon!” – Christiane Reetz

“A Way of Life,” – J. Rittling

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

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

“An addiction,” – Jayne Peterlin “Blood, Sweat, & Beers!” – J. Walsh “An extreme test of endurance, skill, and guts.” – J. Middaugh

“Adventure!” – Mark Leishman

“One of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but well worth it,” – Chris Holt

“A gnarly way to commune with nature!” – Brandyn Roark Gray

“Living more through competition, meeting wonderful, like-minded people and traveling to beautiful venues,” – Libby Harrow The XTERRA Story PART I : THE PREQUEL

hile the first-ever XTERRA amateur status so they could race in the was “born on the beach” on Olympics. We had George Hincapie, Jan the island of Maui in 1996, Ulrich,Tyler Hamilton, and lots of others - a who's the origins of the brand who of international cycling," said Nicholas. W were rooted in events that took place in the late '80's when Tom Kiely A few years later the Olympics allowed pros to (pictured), the CEO of TEAM Unlimited, was compete, road cycling in the U.S. was on the tasked with creating more publicity for the decline, and the Tour O' Hawaii was no more. At Waikiki Oahu Visitors Association. the same time, however, mountain biking was taking off. So in 1995, in addition to 12 other TV ::: SPORTS TV WAS THE BIG IDEA ::: shows and several events, TEAM Unlimited produced the Hawaiian Mountain Tour. "First, sports are a big part of our culture in In doing so Nicholas and mountain bike Hall-of- Hawaii, and second, what looks better on TV ::: ::: than the beaches and ocean," explained Kiely. ESPN BUYS IN Famer Dean Crandall established the rules and held the first-ever mountain bike stage race. This The concept was pretty simple. Sports and ESPN approves two more shows (Waikiki King's is also where many of the XTERRA greats first entertainment is one of the biggest industries in Race and Diamond Head Wahine Windsurfing appeared. The likes of Ned Overend, Shari Kain, the world and the travel industry is THE Classic) and in 1991 TEAM Unlimited produced Melanie McQuaid, Steve Larsen, Mike Kloser, BIGGEST industry in the world. Bring those two three events and three TV shows. The concept Leslie Tomlinson, and host of others were taking together in programming, and you've got some- was working, and Hawaii was reaping the part in the Hawaiian Mountain Tour. Now these thing big. benefits of the outdoor exposure the shows were races took place at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, generating. where the Koolau mountain range meets the So, Kiely came up with the idea for the Hawaiian ocean, and the story goes that after their races International Ocean Challenge - a lifeguard "So the next year (‘92) we produced seven the mountain bikers would ride down to the skills competition that attracted water safety spe- Hawaiian Sports Adventure Shows.…multiple beach and jump in the water. It sparked an cialists from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, segments, different stories, great scenics, and idea…why not have a mountain bike triathlon? and California. Then, he forged a relationship 30-minutes of entertaining stuff," said Kiely. By 1996 TEAM Unlimited had produced more Those seven shows were in addition to the than 50 shows and sporting events, and while Ocean Challenge and a few other televised the idea of an off-road triathlon was enticing... events, including the who'd pay for it? inaugural Tour O' Hawaii. ::: LOOKING FOR A GRAND IDEA ::: "Tour O’ Hawaii, now that was a great event," said Dave Almost simultaneously, the Aston Hotel in Maui Nicholas, the race director for (now the Wailea Marriott Resort) was shopping TEAM Unlimited. for a good idea for their grand opening and the Maui Visitors Bureau was looking for a new "The Tour O' Hawaii happened before pro event that could tell a different story about Maui's cyclists were allowed to compete in the Olympics south shore because all the exposure up to that with ESPN - the worldwide leader in sports. so the top riders from every country kept their point was golf. Well, what better way to show off In 1990 the Ocean Challenge was broadcast on the hotel and south shore than 1) starting the ESPN, and millions of viewers were exposed to race at this beautiful beach in front of the spon- the beauty of Waikiki - the sun, sand, and crystal sor hotel, 2) follow a race that covers 21 miles of clear blue water of the Pacific Ocean. terrain with two dozen cameras, and 3) put it on TV for the whole world to see? "So we get into producing the Ocean Challenge," says Kiely. "And now I'm thinking I've got all Kiely likes to define luck as the "intersection of these athletes and TV crews and if it costs me opportunity and activity. So, I called Aston and this much to produce one show, it'll cost less for the MVB and said O.K., I've got the idea, here's another, and even less for a third." the thing ... bing, bang, boom," said Kiely. “XTERRA is this cosmic blend of specialized training, arduous racing, Part II : The Story incredible camaraderie and friendships with competitors and TEAM Unlimited that defies description, and it’s an irreplaceable Behind the Name component of my life,” – Kent Robison t’s well documented that for the thousands of people who wanted to get the first-ever XTERRA was back to the roots of endurance sports, go off- the World Championship in road and have fun. A bigger event plan was Maui, but that race wasn’t mandated,” said Janet Clark, President of actually called XTERRA, TEAM Unlimited. it was “AquaTerra.” I To meet the challenge TEAM Unlimited shelved Turned out, however, that AquaTerra was trade- its other event properties and concentrated on marked by a kayak company in South Carolina the growth of XTERRA. A key ingredient in that and they wanted some big-time $$$ if TEAM evolution would be Janet Clark, a former “Ad Unlimited wanted to keep using the name. Woman of the Year” while at Ogilvy and Mather. Born and raised in Canberra, Australia, Clark Instead of dishing out cash to make the kayak brought 25 years of media and marketing company famous, Kiely came up with experience to the table and together with Kiely “XTERRA”. and Nicholas - the “Big Three” put together a plan on how to take XTERRA to the next level. “I wanted something that could mean many things to many people so there would be room for expansion,” said Kiely. “The X is a numerical term which means “unknown” and Terra is Latin PART III : THE MAGIC At the finish line of that very first race in 1996 it was clear that XTERRA was going to be more than just a one-off event. There was passion in the eyes of the competitors and an unwavering feeling that XTERRA was destined to become a lifestyle…a movement.

The Fox Sports Net broadcast of that original event (which you can watch in its entirety right now on XTERRA.TV) exposed the new and exciting sport to the nation, and the response Clark is a “hands-on” executive, as seen here set the table for the future of a sport. body marking a competitor before the race Armed with the knowledge that a) XTERRA was “That race was magical, and the reaction by building from the ground up and its grass roots everyone – our staff, the competitors, the hotel, appeal was dynamic, b) the enthusiasm for the the Maui Visitors Bureau, the people that sport went beyond the U.S. borders, c) XTER- watched on TV, was that we had truly uncov- RA was turning into a media darling with signif- Conrad “The Caveman” Stoltz is a 4x XTERRA World Champ and social marketing guru - see conradstoltz.com ered something special,” explained Kiely. icant coverage in magazine, newspapers, and TV and, d) even people outside of triathlon were for land/territory, thus … “Unknown territory.” In the early days there was no grand strategy or attracted to XTERRA – the initial expansion Kiely also had the foresight to register the name master plan, rather more of a reaction to the steps were written on the chalkboard: in all major product categories including marketplace and people saying ‘bring XTERRA automobile and it was just weeks later when to our community’. - Reach as many communities as we can Nissan – after months and a million dollars - Produce a substantial national TV package worth of market research on what to name their As such TEAM Unlimited put on four XTERRA - Start planning for international growth new SUV – decided on Xterra and called him up races in 1997, five in 1998, and in 1999 the - Register and own the trademark name of XTERRA in all to secure the rights. stars aligned with Nissan and a 10-stop “XTER- of the primary countries for all appropriate categories RA America Tour” was put in place to help the - Build the foundation of the XTERRA community Long story short, TEAM kept XTERRA and car giant promote its new SUV in an authentic - Begin development of new XTERRA products, media Nissan got the license to the name for their new way. SUV in exchange for a sponsorship deal that and properties lasted nine years and spurred the growth of “What we learned after that year was that 10 XTERRA triathlons. events were not enough to satisfy the demand 40 Part IV : From a Vision to a Lifestyle

TERRA has grown at an amazing rate through the years. In 2000 the XTERRA Gear licensing X business was launched and the World Tour was born with races in England, Japan and Canada.

In 2001 the XTERRA Point Series was created with 19 races leading up to the USA Championship. The Series was (and still is) marvelously structured, providing a bona-fide Razor Ridge at the top of the XTERRA Worlds bike course in Maui championship for age-group athletes to compete within their region, then against the best across the U.S. to determine a legitimate An Emerging Lifestyle Brand... national champion. It opened the door for destinations across the country to showcase their trails and natural beauty; and it solidified the “Live More” lifestyle as like-minded athletes from all different backgrounds were creating the closest of friendships through the sport.

The XTERRA Adventures TV Series was also born in 2001 and the terms “Adventure” and “XTERRA” would be linked together forever. By 2003 there were 50 XTERRA races to compete in and by 2004 there was a full-blown XTERRA European Tour. XTERRA Coffee XTERRA Wetsuits The Year Two Thousand and Five marked the inaugural season for the Trail Running Series. In 2008 that Series culminated with the first- ever XTERRA Trail Running World Championship – which was highlighted on XTERRA.TV, a 24/7 web TV network featuring XTERRA events and adventures from around the world.

XTERRA TV XTERRA Stand Up Paddleboards

Each dirt-strewn step in XTERRA’s development built the foundation of the Brand – which XTERRA Fitness - Treadmills, Fitness Bikes, Ellipticals XTERRA technical and active lifestyle apparel revolves around its community. 41 oday, 18 years after that “XTERRA is ... family, friends, and fun. It’s always adventurous and you first race, XTERRA has never know what’s in store for you – but you can always count on a grown into a global smile or a joke or something to make your day.” – Linda Lindsay phenomenon with more than 300 events in 26 countries. It has estab- lishedT off-road tri and trail running series. It has branded products from wetsuits to watches to fitness equipment, tech wear and apparel. It produces a bevy of national and internationally broadcast TV productions and hosts an online video channel. XTERRAPlanet.com garners more than 30 million impressions per year. There are training programs across the U.S. and introductory distance races for newcomers. The sport dishes out more than a half-million dollars in prize money to attract the worlds lead- ing multisport athletes. XTERRA recognizes hometown heroes (everyday athletes from all walks of life) as national and world champions. It puts on kids races and the XTERRA Foundation provides educational opportunities for at-risk kids. And, it has an incredible line-up of sponsors & partners and tens of thousands of the most enthusiastic participants on the planet.

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

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

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

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

The most scenic courses on the planet Block Party after USA Championship in Ogden, Utah XTERRA Kids Rock!

42 XTERRAHONOR World ROLL Tour

Feb 24 XTERRA South Africa Grabouw, Western Cape M XTERRA Philippines Cebu XTERRA Costa Rica Playa Conchal XTERRA Saipan Northern Marianas XTERRA Guam Piti XTERRA Australia Asia-PacificChampionship in NSW A XTERRA New Zealand In Motatapu and Rotorua XTERRA Malaysia Putrajaya XTERRA Spain Cieza, Murcia XTERRA Greece Lake Plastira XTERRA Brazil Ilhabela, Sao Paulo XTERRA Switzerland Vallee de Joux XTERRA France Xonrupt, Gerardmer XTERRA Canada 5 Five races from coast-to-coast XTERRA Italy Part V : The Future Scanno, L'Aquila XTERRA Mexico It was “the people” who nurtured XTERRA’s growth and it will be their desires, needs, and Tapalpa, Jalisco interests that set the path for its future. XTERRA Nordic Series Sweden, Denmark & Norway Many brands start with a product and then use marketing tools to try and build a relationship with XTERRA Czech the community. XTERRA did the reverse…it began with the community – the active lifestyle Prachatice market - and everything flowed from that first impression, that initial connection. XTERRA Germany Zittau With that comes another list, another chalkboard full of ideas and dreams and visions… XTERRA Mauritius Bois Cheri 500 Events in 50 countries XTERRA Portugal More than a million participants Golega XTERRA branded products success stories XTERRA England An XTERRA Television Network Cranleigh, Surrey XTERRA Experiential Retail Stores XTERRA Ireland XTERRA Camps, Clinics, and Travel Killaloe XTERRA Health and Fitness Mobile Marketing Tours XTERRA USA XTERRA Foundation working to make the world a better place 70-race XTERRA America Tour XTERRA World Championship “The most important thing we created was a relationship, a friendship Maui, Hawaii with our XTERRA Tribe,” said Kiely. “It is this foundation, this very real and authentic relationship, that makes us a respected and recognized emerging brand and it is what will carry us to great heights in the future.”

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