Posts Tagged ‘Utah’
THE XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES SHOWDOWN…err, THROWDOWN!
XTERRA Utah 08
Saturday I will toe the line for my 7th XTERRA USA Series title. The Series title points to consistency throughout the season. After consistently winning a few races earlier this year, I got a nail through the tire in Idaho, and cut my foot in Richmond. (go here to see those juicy pics again) Those setbacks, (setback seems to be a Caveman consistency in itself) means that the points are closer than I would like. I really dislike this course- its lots of climbing and a little bit of down hilling. 2800ft of down hilling is lost with this point to point race up the site of the 2006 Winter Olympic Super G course.
That said, Ogden is a great town, the people are really welcoming and the scenery is amazing. The trees are turning red and yellow on the mountain slopes. The Utah Sports commission is putting a lot of money into promoting sport and sports events in the state, and they are quickly building a sportsman destination reputation.
I borrowed this piece below from the www.XTERRAplanet.com newsletter. For press info, and pics, say you are a journalist and want to be placed on the mailing list, email Trey Garman. For video on previous XTERRA races, go to www.XTERRA.TV
“It all comes down to this. The 8-stop XTERRA Cup Series for professionals that started in early May wraps up with the ultimate showdown of XTERRA’s best on Saturday, Sept. 26 in Utah. And when we say the best, we mean it as the top 13 ranked men and women are on the start list – the lone exception being fourth-ranked Dan Hugo who just suffered through two weeks of a severe flu and painstakingly decided to stay home in South Africa to build an 8-month-base of training so he could tackle 2010 with a vengeance.
Jan Frodeno in Beijing 2008
Lastly, congratulations to Jan Frodeno for winning the Gold in the Olympic Triathlon. What an amazing race. His played a perfect poker game and surely was unbeatable in the sprint. I saw Jan grow up in South Africa. (his folks live in Llundudno outside of Cape Town) He used to be more interested in surfing than triathlon, but the last few years he really improved as he is obviously very very talented. Last November I bumped into Jan in Stellenbosch- he was on his way to swim practice (I was in the middle of my 3 month holiday) and I asked him what he was training for in November. Jan said in a fake German accent: “For zie Oelympics” Well there you have it. Tons of talent, huge work ethic and fierce self belief. Good stuff bru.
I’m also very happy for long time friends (and previous medalists) Simon Whitfield and Bevan Docherty for their medals. Old men Rock! Simon was perfect tactically (for the amount of tiger he had in the tank) and Bevan is a beast all around. He raced XTERRA Worlds last year. Great people. I’m happy with the mens podium and wished i was there. Its not my game or passion anymore- I had my innings.
Missing my mom and the SA team out there
XTERRA Mountain Champs results, Ogden, Utah
photo by Rich Cruse
Just a quick blog before prize giving.
This “Mountain champs” really lives up to its name. Tons of climbing (ow), high altitude (ow), but fortunately also plenty of single track (yay) and lots of rocks. (yay) Snow basin was the venue for the previous Winter Olympics and appart from the excellent venue, the organization here is top class, and the people are very motivated to showcase Utah as a sports destination.
