Race Report: Xterra USA Champs

Xterra USA Championships, Snowbasin, Utah

2:24:50

2nd, 24″ behind winner Nico Lebrun

(Photo credit: XTERRA Photos)

Thought I had it. Felt I had it. Wanted to have it. Gave it to another.

I knew full well Xterra might never again enjoy the type of exposure that transcends sport as with today when Lance Armstrong raced his first triathlon in 23years. It made for a great story which was to the benefit of all. With the stage amplified, I figured it was as fine a day as any to stand up and be noted.

As I lifted my helmet in T1 Armstrong ran across my vision – seemed the rumoured good swimming he’s been into was true after all. Figured it was best not hang around and see if he still owned that 6.7w/kg that earned him 7 TdF titles. So I took off.

My swim had been smooth and more of a warm-up as planned. Picturesque sunrise served as a blinder making the first bouy a fun treasure hunt twice round. As to why we dont swim the triangle counter clock-wise is beyond me. But all that to say the swim was a beaut in clean mountain water.

At the bottom of Wheeler Canyon I moved passed the lead swimmer of Ben Allen to lead up the mountain. I had decided to lay it down and chance an aggressive ride. Knowing both Stoltz and Armstrong would likely close it seemed good to make them work for it. When neither had bridged after the first descent I really tried to move clear. Information was scarce as the 3400ft stack of elevation gain needed to crest the Ridge Trail added and added.

I was still in the clear starting the descent which really spurred me. Numerous mistakes followed where my nervous energy lead. Not a flawless drop back down but somehow it still kept me with daylight to second. One last 8min climb before T2 hinted at the toll taken by my early push but the crowds were wild and I could hardly hear my fatigue.

In hindsight, I fear I may have over-biked a little.

Perhaps the hardest ride I’ve produced with lungs not quite suited to altitude racing together with crowds like I’ve never experienced at a triathlon had me flustered like a rookie. I took off without my race belt, and had to double back for it after a few paces.

The only information I got near the top of the first 1kilometre climb was “57sec back to Stoltz”. I’d have spoken more confidence in my running than riding before the race but now felt fragile as boxer taking blows late in the 12th round.

I found some rhythm across the traverse which is for sure sublime trail running. Good as it gets really. And then the low started – over biking or under eating, I’m not sure. But despite the grovel I felt sure I had Stoltz covered. Not realising that Lebrun was in the hunt.

Until he was audible 10 steps back.

Didnt expect it and wasnt braced emotionally. My bad. And a lesson in manning up. Only on the final 2km run downhill did I realise he was equally spent. Nico Lebrun is one of my favourites on the scene. Such an understated Frenchman with quiet confidence that has earned him a world title previously. He paced it perfectly on terrain that he owns. Congrats to him.

I was knackered to be honest and most my fight was left on the slopes. The disappointed was intense. It was the day to get it right, of which the massive crowd reminded me when tapping out the last metres. And although I was close right, mistakes were made and more lessons were learnt. Will it ever end.

Overall it was as good as it gets for Xterra: the course, weather, fall colours. To call that space my work place is a privilege. I loved the fight today. I wanted in. All positives.

Stoltz had a weighty expectation on his shoulders today. I feel for the man. If we had to re-run that race 10 times, Stoltz would win it the next 9 times.

And Armstrong. I truly hope he enjoyed the outing. Fame is a blessing and a curse. Seeing the mob of excitement push in on a spent man is tough to watch. He was gracious on stage, it was an honour to meet him and share a podium with him. He finished 5th after a solid day across the three disciplines.

A month away is Maui and I’ll dissect and learn what I can from today. Sea level racing after sharpening on Hawaii for three weeks is a beacon of anticipation ahead.

The support and interest from back home for this morning was huge. Craziness really. Many many thanks for the countless emails and messages and tweets that have lit up the social networks with your support.

Time to get some grass-fed beaf and a glass of red. Since I’ve already done a pint of Ben and Jerry’s… Karamel Sutra.

Race Images by Nils Nilsen.

Report by Xterra Planet.