The Springboks took the Rugby World Cup, so I had pull out all the stops and hit XTERRA Worlds in a big way. The only way- on the top of the podium, lei around the neck, sponsors Pacifico Beer down my throat.

What an epic battle. My game plan of killing everyone on the bike and jogging it in went out the window. My Sydney Olympics breakaway buddy Olivier Marceau rode the less than technical course brilliantly, and we started the run neck in neck. I’ve raced Olivier many many times over the last 15 years and never have I even come close to outrunning him. So I told myself, “Pucker up, this is going to be the toughest run of your life”.

©2007 Rich Cruse/XTERRA
The 1st mile on the road I stuck to Olivier like a bushveld tick, but as we hit the 1st big climb he dropped off the pace. First I though he was playing games, but when I turned the screws his footsteps faded quickly and a little miracle happened.

It was a star studded field with the Olympic silver medalist, (Bevan Docherty) 5 Olympians and a number of past champions. Victory was really really sweet. Especially after last years’ trials and tribulations. Actually, the last 5 years of paying my dues here in Maui.

Thanks a lot for everyone who played a role in my unbelievable season. I won all 6 XTERRAs I did. What a great year it has been- I only had one mechanical and not a single biomechanical!

Mahalo,
Conrad

Ice cream and beer season is now officially open…

The Caveman emerges from Lake Tahoe 40 seconds down… Rich Cruse XTERRA

and beats the camera man out of transition… Ian Dewar- Specialized Riders Club

CRUSHES the bike to build a 3minute lead… Rich Cruse XTERRA

No, it is not a tall mans’ race… Rich Cruse XTERRA

But it is a strong mans race. Rich Cruse XTERRA

New course record.

The press eternalized the magic comeback after last years maiming crash here. Ian Dewar Specialized Riders Club
Results:

Plc Name Division Swim Bike Run Overall

1 Conrad Stoltz Pro 24:17 1:32:17 37:34 2:34:08
2 Mike Vine Pro 25:52 1:33:52 35:56 2:35:40
3 Andrew Noble Pro :25:08 1:36:05 36:05 2:37:18
4 Josiah Middaugh Pro :26:01 1:35:54 35:52 2:37:47
5 Seth Wealing Pro :23:39 1:38:54 37:22 2:39:55
6 Ryan Ignatz Pro :28:00 1:35:50 :36:37 2:40:27
7 Greg Krause Pro :25:35 1:38:16 :37:00 2:40:51
8 Brian Smith Pro :29:40 1:36:02 :36:33 2:42:15
9 Bucky Schafer Pro :24:19 1:40:40 :39:25 2:44:24
10 Andrew Biglow Pro :27:42 1:42:41 :36:32 2:46:55
JTL Timing Systems
For the official slideshow, complete with snow, go to: http://web.mac.com/xterraphoto/Xterra/Tahoe_07.html

Points of interest:

Lake Tahoe is at 6400ft (1900m) and it snowed 2 nights before the event, so there was still some snow up on the trail, (8800ft high) which as quite a treat for this endless summer African. See XTERRA slide show for snow pics.

With a 9am start, the temp was just above freezing, so “What to wear” was a big issue.

What to wear:

– Thick Silicone cap under normal XTERRA swim cap.

– On the bike I went with full cold weather gloves. (Specialized Equinox) I cut the openings to be larger to help put them on over cold, wet hands. (see pics)
– I wore neoprene booties over the front part of cycling shoes to keep my toes warm. I left the shoes on the pedals and gained precious time out of T1. (see pics)

– In my Oakley glasses, I had large, VR28 (light coloured) lenses. Large to stop the cold wind from making my eyes water, and VR28 to see better on the sun dappled trail.

– If it had been any colder, I would have worn a plastic bag under my top, (removes easily and keeps the wind off your torso) and arm warmers. If it was really cold I would wear a beanie under my helmet and a long sleeve wind breaker.

Weighty issue:

Because of all the the climbing on this course I made some interesting equipment choices:

– I wore a race uniform thats 200g lighter* than my usual 2 piece.

* I drenched both uniforms in water and hung them up to drip for 5minutes. The one was 200g lighter.

– I chose tires that are 80g lighter than the tires I typically would run on these sandy conditions. Specialized Fast Trak LK. 2.00. I added the minimum amount of Stans.

– When climbing, I made sure to have as little water in my bottle as possible. There were 2 aid stations at various elevations, and if you timed things well, you didnt have to carry much water uphill. As for calories, I got them from 4 Clif Shots I taped to the down tube. I alternated Espresso with Vanilla to keep the caffeine flow steady.
– But most of all, I half starved myself in training (in true cycling tradition*) and tried to achieve the optimum blubber to muscle ratio. (Which is 0-100)
* By mentioning “cycling tradition” I get cold chills and have to voice my utmost disgust of athletes who dope. Whether the doping is “illegal”, “undetectable”, “not-illegal-yet” or “genetic manipulation”. I hate it, I hate the system and I despise athletes and doctors involved. The Marion Jones confession broke yesterday and I’m still riled up- Sorry.

Bike:

Specialized carbon Epic:
23.7lbs (10.7kg) for size XL

– Specialized D2 helmet. The most amazing helmet I have ever worn! The leap (from the already great Descibel) is astounding. 196g for a helmet?! Thats nuts. The material strap does not absorb sweat either. And, holy moley, this thing is holey!

– Rockshox SID 08. Yes, the new one. Its under 1400g with 100m travel. 115psi+ and 85psi-

– Mavic Crossmax SLR. Forget about wheel worries. These are bomb proof, dependable, no-nonsense and has a remarkably light peripheral weight, which makes the bike feel light and easy to flick through quick corners.

– Titec Pluto stem, bars and bar-ends. All carbon. Despite the added weight of the bar ends (and the risk of getting hooked up on trees!) I like them as it helps my upper body relax.

Because this was the final race of a Points Series I could not afford not to finish because of a mechanical. (I only had to get 7th or better to win the series) So I took a tubby bag with a spare tube, CO2, tire lever, Specialized Magnesium EMT multi tool, SRAM Golden Chain link, extra derailleur hanger and some duct tape wound around the CO2 canister. Duct tape works well for quick patching not too big side wall cuts- African style! Of course, my tool box weighed a ton, but with $14 000 for a Series win, I’d carry a bag full of bricks if I had to!