Race Report: Xterra USA Series Championships 2008 - Lake Tahoe

4th
3m36 behind winner Mike Vine
Swim - 23m57, Bike - 1h34m32, Run - 37m45

The hardest part was making it to the start line, and not the finish. Gia, Gary (and little Ella), as well as Iris and Justin flown in as support from Alabama, had their work cut out in trying to position me on the white sand, half body in Lake Tahoe’s clear blue water, with some racing desire. I owe them for their belief and stead fast support.

The Games Begin - By Nils Nilsen

The first fall front had left a sprinkle around the Tahoe Rim Trail, and freshness in the air unfimiliar to my ’summer sport of Xterra’ experiences. But unlike Saturdays dark clouds and wind, weather had calmed to near ideal. The atmosphere was intense, different to the earlier season championship events. Eventually time came to peal back the two tights, and six upper body layers…

In theory there couldnt be a more magical swim. But felt like a washing machine loosing its rhythmic cycle. 22miles across is a lake large enough to liven the water much like the ocean. Swollowed, took it on the chin, got dunked, irritated by a filming jetski, and then ran on the beach before starting a more settled second lap. I wasnt moving well in the water, but was in Conrad Stoltz’ pack - the usual bike ticket - and felt assured by that.

End of Lap 1 - By Nils Nilsen

I left transition in 4th after a solid 400m run from the waters edge, with some grace for velcro straps before Stoltz came by. I latched on, and watched him peg back Seth Wealing, Craig Evans and Branden Rakita ahead. Yet, I could sense the usual nitro wasnt on. As the Tunnel Creek climb kicked up, Mike Vine caught and attacked us. Stoltz didnt respond. I followed. But the pace was too hot. Vine was flying up.

Lower section of Tunnel Creek - By Rich Cruse

For much of the rest, it was a battle against the cold. Like driving with the choke on. My quads in particular felt stuck in second gear. Maybe wearing a wind-breaking vest would have helped, maybe not, it was the legs that took the brunt on the shady Flume Trail. On the back side Josiah Middaugh came by like I was looking for a park. This was the threat and real race for second in the series. But I had no answer.

Cooler than ice - By Nils Nilsen

Seth yo-yo’d, and eventually summitted Marlet Peak alongside Branden and I, pulling some time on the descent, with me getting some on Branden. I chose not to risk all on the descent, desperately wanting to finish without puncture or mechanical or crash, for the series incentive.

I had crazy support coming into transition in 4th. Friends from Truckee, Iris and Justin, Ella ringing a cow bell, Xterra crew I’ve come to know, as well as strangers edging me on to hang in. I could see Josiah and Seth just ahead starting out, but both on a good day are out of my running league. It was a good day for them. No one behind came flying through, so thats how it stayed.

I cant describe the relief in finishing.

For a few moments I hesitated with excitement. Stoltz was struggling, and suddenly even the series win seemed possible. He has had three wins, and is by a long way still the best around, and would have been hard done by if he hadnt taken it. But Rand/Dollar conversion of the 1st-2nd differential is huge, so I hopefully counted in 5th, 6th, 7th, before Stoltz came in in 8th, good enough to take a 6th Xterra USA Series title.

Mike Vine had been second here for the past two years, and I was glad to see him stand on top. Dedicating as Melanie McQuaid did during victory speeches their wins and inspiration source to cancer fighting Jamie Whitmore.

In hindsight, a survival race against the cold and altitude. Not the most poetic performance on my behalf, but one I’ll treasure for ages. 2nd in the series. When for a few days last week I felt like calling it a day and returning home.

Two events remain for my season - Xterra Worlds in Maui and the Triple Challenge in South Africa. But this was the critical rendezvous for me. So allow me a few mentions.

Jeep Apparel, Puma, USN, Specialized, Garmin and EA Sports - The Dream Givers
Gary - For programmes of support, guidance and nurturing
Gia, Gary and little Ella - For creating a bridge across waters
Iris and Justin - for travelling across the USA - for lifting spirits and keeping perspective
Michal and Amo - For the company on sessions back home
God the Father - For talent and opportunity
Family and Friends - For understanding
Angus McIntosh - For the Oxygen tent and help with 1900m-2500m…
You, the reader - For following my story

Cheers to the next season…

Categories: News, Race Reports, Xterra

Tags: Conrad Stoltz, Josiah Middaugh, Lake Tahoe, Mike Vine, Race Reports, Seth Wealing, Xterra, Xterra USA Series 2008

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