Cycling

XTERRA GUAM CELEBRATING 10th ANNIVERSARY

Nearly 130 professional and amateur athletes representing 11 countries are set to compete in the XTERRA Guam Championship, presented by Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) and PIVOT LLC, on March 29 at 7:00 a.m at Port Authority Beach in Piti.

by
GSPN
March 21, 2014

PRESS RELEASE – Piti, GU – Nearly 130 professional and amateur athletes representing 11 countries are set to compete in the XTERRA Guam Championship, presented by Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) and PIVOT LLC, on March 29 at 7:00 a.m at Port Authority Beach in Piti, according to race director Eric Tydingco. Eleven professional athletes, including local pros Mieko Carey and Charlie Epperson are registered for the race.

“XTERRA Guam served as my introduction to the sport of off-road triathlons in 2011,” says Epperson. “It is an amazing landscape!and community-supported event. A must-do race for all triathletes and adventure racers.”

Returning professional athletes are 2013 XTERRA Guam runner-up Dan Hugo and Bradley Weiss of South Africa, XTERRA Guam 2012 top female finisher Renata Bucher of Switzerland and Carina Wasle of Austria. First-time XTERRA Guam pros include Markus Benesch of Austria, Michal Bucek of Slovakia and Oliver Shaw and Mark Leishman, both of New Zealand.

“Guam treated me really well last year, and I’m pleased to be returning for a second time to have another shot at winning here,” said Hugo. “Beyond [the race], I’ll be spending two weeks on Guam in total and hope to get to know a lot of it.”

The course begins at Port Authority Beach with a 1.5-kilometer swim, followed by a 35- kilometer mountain bike up Nimitz Hill, into the technical terrain of Mt. Aluton, then down through Mannengnon Hills. Competitors will then return to the transition point at Port Authority Beach to begin the 8.2-kilometer trail run through jungle rivers and slippery waterfalls.

“I’m racing XTERRA Guam for the third time, and every time it is a new challenge,” said Wasle. “It’s so much fun riding through the red sand, with its flowy and technical ups and downs. On the run, there are some surprises, like the waterfall, which is my favorite part.”

Contact: Eric Tydingco
Phone: 671.483.7773
Email: eric.tydingco@pivot24.com

Prize money totaling $15,000 will be distributed to the top male and female professional finishers, while the top finishers in each age division will receive a qualifying slot at the XTERRA World Championships in Maui.

“The 10th anniversary of the XTERRA Guam Championship is truly a milestone,” said Tydingco. “We have an amazing group of both professional and amateur athletes that have signed on for the event, which gives Guam lots of international exposure and really puts our island on the map as a fantastic destination for international sporting events.”

Members of the media are invited to attend a press conference featuring the professional athletes on Thursday, March 27, 10:00a.m. at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort. XTERRA Guam is sponsored by GVB, United Airlines, Take Care Asia Pacific, Michelob Ultra, Docomo Pacific, Marianas Variety, Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort, Bank of Guam, KUAM, dck Pacific Guam, Port Authority of Guam, Bishman Continental Services, Thrifty Car Rental, 76/ Circle K, bikefix Guam, Aloha Maid, Hafa Adai Signs, Gatorade, Hanom Water, Hornet Sports, Morrico Equipment, V Energy Drink and Greater Pacific Aquatics.